10 Steps to Peace in Political Chaos
What do you think of your government leaders? Of this political season? From Presidents to judges to legislators, we see rampant immorality, corruption, conspiracy, and injustice. In local, state, national governments and international organizations it is hard to know who to trust for our future. What can you do in the midst of dark times such as these? Here are 10 steps to peace in the midst of political chaos:
1. Be Slow to Speak. Complaining is easy. Choose to speak with wisdom, truth, and love.
Titus 3:1–2 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, [2] to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (ESV)
2. Stay in the Bible. In the midst of the cacophony of voices, tune your ears in to God’s voice.
1 Samuel 3:19 “Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.”
3. Pray. While social media posts may rapidly reach a large audience, our most important audience is our Creator. Let’s pray fervently and frequently to our all-powerful Lord!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
4. Speak Truth. Satan uses false teachers to spin webs of deceit and fear. Let’s be clear, bold, and gracious with our words.
Mark 12:14 “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God.”
5. Grow Your Faith. We must be spiritually maturing in our diet of God’s Word so that we don’t get tossed around by the winds and waves of human craftiness and false doctrine (Ephesians 4:13–14).
Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
6. Imitate Holiness. While the world pursues the desires of the flesh, may we pursue the love of Jesus and “be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-15).
Jude 18 “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”
7. Share the Gospel. Our ultimate hope is not in a new human government, but in new human hearts. Let’s passionately and persuasively share the good news of Jesus Christ!
Jude 23 “save others by snatching them out of the fire”
8. Lead Where You Are At. God intentionally placed you in your church, family, workplace and community. Start there and make a difference where He sent you!
Jeremiah 29:7 “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
9. Trust the Lord’s Justice. When human justice appears corrupt or inadequate, may we know that within the Lord’s courtroom, perfect judgement will be achieved.
2 Peter 2:7–9 “and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked [8] (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); [9] then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment”
10. Long for the Lord’s Return. Patience is hard while suffering. Let’s keep waiting for the Lord and set our attention on the things that are above, not the many empty things here on earth.
Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
While we wait, the sad truth is that evil will continue to increase as everyone does what is “right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25) instead of listening to the Lord’s commands. Through our time in the Bible, we will be reminded that our God continues to rule over humanity (Daniel 5:21). Christians, don’t forget that He will be “with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) What courage and comfort we have in Christ!
Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”