Wednesday, February 29, 2012

SOAP 02/29/2012; Proverbs 29:26

Today's reading: Proverbs 29*
* Because it's Leap Day, there was no scheduled reading on the devotional I use. So, my old go-to process is to read the Proverb corresponding to the date.

S)"26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But
justice for man comes from the LORD."

Proverbs 29:26 (NASB)

O) Finding how to balance politics and faith can be very, very tricky. It's important to remember that we can find allies, help, justice, and favor with our government, but it will only be good as far as the LORD is willing. We cannot turn to our government to fix our problems, individually or as a society. Whether or not they are capable now, or ever have been capable, is irrelevant. The government was never intended to be our help, but God alone is to be that help. If He uses the government in some fashion to carry out His will and salvation for us, so be it.

A) I have a hard time with politics some times. As a Christian in America, I'm most often associated with being a republican, but I have a lot of views that land on the more politically liberal side of things. It can create quite the political debate. No matter how the political climate of our country might change over the next 50 years of my life, I need to continue to make this one point clear - the government is an authority over me, but not the authority over me. As such, the government can be a help to me, but it is not the help (whatever my cause). Like every other aspect of God, I need to look to Him first for all things, including favor and justice.

P) Father, You are my only hope, the only source of my security, joy, and salvation. Let me continue to look to You for all things, including justice and favor in my life. Holy Spirit, give me discernment to know when the Father intends to bless me through my government. Give me perspective and insight so that I am never mistaking a blessing through my government as a blessing from my government. Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You, so let me seek You alone for every kind of help. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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