* All blog posts are written by Jamie Chong-You unless otherwise noted.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Let the Church Rise

In the current political landscape and the economic turmoil that is brewing in our nation, it can be a bit discouraging to look at what is taking place in the public arena (politically speaking). If we have anything within us that trusts man above Father God, the temptation to give in to fears, frustrations and false pretences can quickly become the course of action we choose. The mantra of many in our society, sadly including much of the church, is that if we fix civil government that all our problems will be dissolved, we will all be provided for and that the world will be a wonderful place to live in. I will be candid by saying that I don't believe that fixing civil government will remedy man's problems. The government that needs to be fixed is that of the individual, the family and the church. When the church rises as Jesus commanded us to - filled with individuals and families governed by God's word - that will be the hope and change that is necessary for our nation and the world at large.

Jesus told us that "you are the salt of the earth" and "you are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13-16). The hope of the world rests in His church, not the civil authorities. It has been our error to allow the current state of affairs that exalts civil government above God's authority. The great news in this is that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy (Psalm 103:8). He has not only provided mercy for us to be forgiven, but grace to walk out every purpose and plan that has been ordained for His people. Now is as good a time as any for us to take our place, not as the lamp under a bushel, or the salt that's lost it's flavor, but as the shining beacon of salvation for the nations, pointing to our mighty savior. As the house that has submitted itself to be judged by the word so that we can fulfill the command to baptise and disciple the nations according to His truth. The house of true hope and change that would bring about repentance from dead works to turn toward the way the truth and the life. The culture that will be involved in, and impact every area of life, including the political arena.


Let us rise up and take our place not just by being vocal during the election season, but by being the voice that speaks loudly even when we don't say a word. As Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us we must trust in the lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, acknowledge Him in all our ways and HE WILL DIRECT OUR PATHS. Now is the time and the season for the true Church of Jesus Christ to arise in spirit and truth to reflect His glory and disciple the nations. Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ and causes His word to be diffused through us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)


Now is the time, now is the season to let the Church rise!

1 comment:

averagemeetsAMAZING said...

Thanks Jamie! Let us also pray for the salvation of those leaders.
I read an article where a young man was quoted saying that those who are fighting for such issues as traditional marriage are "on the losing side of history." What a lie of the enemy! This story has already been written and in the end we win!!! Let us never forget that. Let us rejoice in Christ our hope of glory (Romans 5). Love you all! Debra