It’s a good thing to be able to be content with the way things are. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in…every situation.” On the other hand, it is dissatisfaction with the status quo that has fueled discovery, growth, innovation & progress. The challenge is to know when to accept things as they are and when to let dissatisfaction motivate us to action.
6 comments:
I've been struggling with this idea of when to be motivated to action as it relates to the government. What's tripping me up is when Paul says "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." So if God has placed them in a their position as part of His plan, how do we react when we don't agree with what they are doing? This one has been on my mind for quite a while.
I don't know for sure, Mary. I've been struggling with that one, myself. On a fairly simple level, the principle is to obey those in leadership--within the government--unless what they call for would cause us to violate God's laws. God's laws are higher than man's laws.
But our particular form of government, here in the United States, allows for freedom of speech and other forms of expression (such as protest) and the lawful right to disagree with government leaders.
Some Christians whom I know and respect feel that we should have very little concern with the matters of the government of this world since, as followers of Christ, we are more concerned with the matters of God's kingdom. And that concept enters my mind as I consider these matters.
If there are others who read these comments, this is definitely a subject upon which I would love to hear your opinions.
--Dan
I think we are to obey governments unless they violate Scripture. Acts 5:29 says, "We must obey God rather than men."
But I am more along the lines of not concerning myself with government matters and try to keep my focus on God's Kingdom. That's the one that counts.
One of the things I learned this year … just one of the things… I’ve learned a lot ….. But one of the things is really.. I mean really put your worries in God’s hands is the key. You can’t control most things. And I found this really easy to say but hard to do. I really really understood it -- “give you worries to God”….
But I wasn’t doing it .. Even when I THOUGHT I was doing it -- I wasn’t doing it.
I would say for sure I am NEVER going to give my worries to The government - Mayor Daley - or Obama What about the real evil guys.. Like Hitler? I am sure that acts 5:29 is activated on that play.
I guess my point is just enforcing the idea of not worrying about government… focus on doing Gods will. Obey the government. Communities need government for organizational purpose. But we as people and a community need to worry about God’s will and the things we can control. My 2 cents
Paul Anthony
Thanks, Paul.
I feel I'm content with my life in Christ and I'm content knowing That God is in control. But I am not satisfied with the way things are going in our government.
We are not of this kingdom we are of God's kingdom but we still have to live in this world. I believe as a Christian I haven't done my part to make sure I live a peaceful and quiet life here on earth.
God's Word says in I Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
I know I have failed here. I know that this is what God wants from me and all who believe in the risen Lord Jesus.
Dissatisfaction has fueled me to seek God in prayer for the people in authorithy so we can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
We have a battle it can be won on our knees with true repantance, praise and God's grace and mercy.
IIchornicles 7:14
Thanks, Jan. I'm encouraged to hear that you will be praying more earnestly and more intentionally about these matters.
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