Week 44: Electing to do the Right Thing

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34; Titus 3:1-15; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 26:18-19
• Monday: Lamentations 1:1-2:22; Philemon 1:1-25; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 26:20
• Tuesday: Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22
• Wednesday: Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 26:23
• Thursday: Ezekiel 1:1-3:15; Hebrews 3:1-19; Psalm 104:1-23; Proverbs 26:24-26
• Friday: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14; Hebrews 4:1-16; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 26:27
• Saturday: Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28

Our S.O.A.P. this week is from the book of Titus:

Scripture: Titus 3:1, 2
"Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone."

Observation:
When I read these verses this morning, it occurred to me how relevant they are for Americans at this stage of the political calendar. Candidates are challenging the records of incumbents and incumbents are challenging the qualifications of their challengers. There is a lot of mud-slinging in all directions. It is easy for Christ-followers to get caught up in the disrespectful, uncharitable spirit of partisan rancor.

I am reminded of an earlier time in my pastoral life when several members of the church I served put bumper stickers on their cars that had disparaging remarks about the president that was in office at the time. This bothered me, so I said something about it in one of my sermons. I quoted this passage and said that God calls us to submit to our leaders and to respect them in ways that honor Jesus Christ. After the service a man approached me and said, "I respect the president's office, but not the man." I answered, "Think about it…it is impossible to respect the office of the president while disrespecting the president that occupies the office."

Application:
Today I want to sit with this passage and let its teachings soak into my soul. I want to be ready do obey and do what is good rather than slandering those in office (or those running for office). I want to rise above all forms of mud-slinging and be a model of love and humility. And after the elections, I want to honor, pray for, and respect whoever ends up in office.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, I thank you that I live in the United States. I pray for this country and its leaders…and I pray that you will help us be examples of love and humility throughout the final stages of this election period, for Jesus’ sake. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,
Chuck