Many of us have gone
(some still going) through countless emotions as it relates to the decisions
that are being made all across America, but in order for us to remain in a
place of love, peace and tranquility, we have to understand that we don't
belong to this world. Like many of you, I became outraged at the fact the house
passed a constitutional law regarding same sex marriage. I was like how could
they knowing what the word of God says.
As I went through my emotional moments, God had to remind me that this
world does not belong to me. (1 Peter 2:11-12 “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make
yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live
an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their
prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the
celebration when he arrive)” The Message Bible. The laws and policies that are passed by way of the house are
in favor of “all people” as it is the constitution not Christianity. When they go into their chambers to
deliberate and debate what is what; they are not debating scriptures. They are not researching Christianity to see
what God has to say about anything. Why?
Because the purpose of them passing a law is to please people, not to please
God! So in turn, I was an error of being
upset at the world for simply doing what it does. I would like to expound and
say that differences do not give us the right to hate people or their
decisions; we hate what God hate which is sin, but not the person. At no given time should we display hatred
toward others for their life and relationship decisions. Remember, we are
Christ followers and the only way people will know and understand the God we
brag and boast about all the time is how we treat one another – not how much we
shout, jump; hop and holla.
(photo credit to Kel of Kel B Pics Photography)
This world is ran and
orchestrated by its prince, the devil, so we can't expect as believers for the
decisions and politics to line up with our faith, beliefs or understanding. In
doing so we only set ourselves up for failure, disappointment and frustration when
we (Christians) don’t get our way. If the truth be told, the world’s way is not
our way. Yes, we live in this world, but
we are not of this world (John 17:16). Yes, we obey the laws of the land, but
we do not have to compromise our morals, values or beliefs for the sake of
obedience. Our stance is our stance and
its uncompromised regardless how many laws are passed! In fact, when it comes to a point where obeying
the land causes you to compromise God; an immediate barrier/line should be
drawn.
(photo credit to Kel of Kel B Pics Photography)
During my studies in the book of John Chapter 15 it makes it
very clear that the world hated Jesus and the Father first, so in knowing that
truth, if the world hated Him it will also hate you. If the world ostracized Him it will also
ostracize you. I think if we keep that in the forefront of our minds, the less
disappointed and discouraged we will become because we understand that the
world does not belong to us, this is just a dwelling place until we cross over into
our promised place. Heaven belongs to us and there we shall rule and reign and
be able to make decisions that are in line with the Word of God. If this is you
and you are struggling with emotions of anger, hatred and bitterness or
whatever because of the world’s system …..I encourage you to release it and let
it go understanding that this is not your battle and this is not your
home...the decisions and laws will never be suitable for believers or live up
to our standards and it's ok because we are just visitors in a foreign land!!!!
1 Chronicles 29:15 “We are
foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our
ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without
hope” The Message Bible.
There will come a time where we won't have access to
the word (bibles etc) and it began when prayer was taken out of our schools. What is going on today is just an extension to
what is to come as prophecy is fulfilled. We won't be able to display our love
for Christ through free worship etc John 4:21; John 16. The only way we will be able to sustain is to
hide the word of God in our heart (Psalms 119:11). That is why studying the
word daily is so crucial; Deut 11:18. We have to go
Love you sis,
Treal Ravenel
(photo credit to Kel of Kel B Pics Photography)