Continuing Michael post on "Finding Rest", he writes that men and women of this secular
world who are dedicated to politics follow after political correctness, however
their particular political persuasion defines correctness. Some say that the
word “politics” is made up of two words, “poly” meaning many, and “ticks” meaning
blood sucking parasites. However, the word “politics” biblically speaking is
derived from the Greek word “polis”
from which we get our English word “police.”
In Greek, “polis” is the wall that surrounded the city-state. Ancient city
were walled to provide defensive security from attackers. The “metropolis” was
the area inside the city walls. The citizens were the people who lived
inside the walls of the city-state. Citizens have a common set of rules that
governs their hearts, minds and actions. Some rules are formal laws and other
rules are defined by “mores,”
commonly accepted customs that define a citizen’s “morality.”
The Apostle Paul said, bad
company corrupts good morals. You’re most like the ones with whom you surround
yourself. The Bible says that “born again” Believers in Jesus Christ are
citizens of Heaven. According to Philippians 3:20, For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven, from whence also we
look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” He is the one who defines our
political correctness. Some are men and women that identify as political
socialists. They believe in “sharing the wealth” is for the common good. However,
this concept of “commonwealth” is characterized by a strong central government
where the leaders entitle themselves to uncommon wealth earned on the backs of
the hard working people. In socialism, the working citizens do not share
the common wealth. Instead they share common poverty.
Some people of this world
are narcissists. These are men and women who worship themselves. This God-rejecting
world has indoctrinated us to think that we don’t need God; that we’re
sufficient in our own power. Narcissists prescribe to the Devil’s original lie
to Eve in the Garden of Eden: “Don’t
worship God. Worship yourself. When you disobey God, you shall be as
God knowing good from evil.” Some men and women identify as businesspeople. Their
behavior and their heart’s desire are governed by the pursuit of profit and the
accumulation of worldly riches. However, Jesus instructed us, “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth where moth and rust dost corrupt and thieves break through and steal.
Instead lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your
treasure is there will your heart be also.”
Some people identify as
addicts. Addiction is rooted in the worship of self. My addiction whether
drugs, alcohol, sex, food, work, gambling or sports is to satisfy my craving
for more. Enough is never enough. They need a continuous “fix” in
order to function in this world. Addictions result from “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes
and the pride of life”. Lust, the Greek word “epithumia” means “over desire”. Lust is anything we desire over our
desire for God. This is why the first of the Ten Commandments says, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
In other words, God said you shall have no other gods between your face
and my face (nothing blocked the view). According to the words of the old
hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face. Then the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
Regardless of how men and
women identify themselves, God will use trials and tribulations to show the
world that we are not in control. That which can be shaken will be shaken. Recently,
the word “unprecedented” has become part of our common vocabulary again. The
worldwide pandemic of the Corona Virus has caused “unprecedented” disruption in
the regular affairs of this world. Although the world is scrambling for
solutions, the experts say the pandemic must run its course. Many will die
and people everywhere must take precautions to mitigate the spread of this
virulent pandemic. These unprecedented measures include banning of all social
interactions at schools, work places, churches, parks, gyms, and even extended
family gatherings. These unprecedented “social distancing” orders have caused
disruptions in industry and commerce resulting in the crash of financial
markets, commerce and employment as workers everywhere “shelter in place.”
Let's continue Michael's message on "Finding Rest" in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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