Day 23 – Journey to the Cross – Pastor Kevin Lautar
Hello First Family,
Today’s Code word is Politics.
Wow! Do we have to bring politics into our Journey to the Cross?! Politics have divided our society like nothing else in the day that we live. You are either a Democrat or a Republican, or a liberal or a conservative. There is no in-between, no moderate approach, no conversation, no give to any position. Our country, communities and the church are being ripped apart because of partisan politics and how divided we are have become. O.S. Hawkins refers to the story of the Good Samaritan told in Luke 10:30-37. The Samaritan did not allow political and ideological differences to get in the way of a neighbor who needed his help. The Good Samaritan responded to the person’s physical need in spite of their differences. I am going to make a statement that some of you will disagree with – some things are more important than POLITICS! Jesus sets the example for those who are following Him. Jesus left the comfort of heaven, stepped into humanity, and came to our rescue to fulfill our need.
In the same way, we are to leave our comfort zone (political opinion) step out in faith and meet the needs of those around us, even if we do not agree politically. Our calling is to be like Christ, not to stay true to a political opinion. Imagine for a minute, standing at the Bema Seat of Christ described in Romans 14:10-12. This is the place of reward for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. We will give an account of our lives and be rewarded according to the way we lived our lives for Christ. The Bible does not say that we will earn a reward for being a good Democrat or Republican! Many Christians are wasting their time, resources and talents to prove they are right in their political opinion, rather than prioritizing their Christian testimony. Politics has become an idol that has divided man from man and man from God. When we repent of this sin of political idolatry and leave the comfort of our own opinion, we can be used by God to minister the Gospel and answer people’s most pressing need. Let’s follow Jesus example and teaching from Matthew 5:44, “But, I say to you, love your enemies.” See ya tomorrow on our journey to the Cross.
Pastor Kevin
