Tag: priorities

Temporary Versus Permanent

Temporary Versus Permanent

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Eli Watson

Good evening, Today before church I was working on cleaning a house out; the lady that had lived here passed two years ago, and in the meantime the objects in the house sat and gathered dust. And after taking countless trash bags out to the dumpster, it got me thinking about how none of the earthly possessions we collect in this life matter. They’re not coming with us nor will we need/miss them when we’re gone. Let us turn our attention to Matthew 6:19-21, which says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

These words offer a powerful reminder that our earthly existence is not meant to be permanent. God, in His infinite wisdom, has instilled within each of us a deep yearning for something beyond the boundaries of this temporary life. Our souls are eternal, but we are on a temporary trip. We have a longing and sense to be with him for eternity because that’s what He had intended from the beginning when He was walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve. Making the right decisions in life by focusing on what’s truly important is the only way to get back to him though. 

Now, before we jump to the wrong conclusion, Jesus didn’t say that … 

You can’t own a phone

You can’t buy a computer.

You can’t purchase a home.

You can’t drive a car.

You can’t buy gifts for someone.

You can’t save or invest money for retirement.

You can’t buy more than one shirt or a pair of jeans.

What Jesus did say was, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …” 

Said another way, stop focusing on accumulating money and things and set your heart pursuing “treasures in heaven,” which leads us to the next question. What does this mean?

Consider the seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. A time to be born, a time to die, a time to weep, and a time to laugh – all encompassing the spectrum of human experiences. Each phase serves as a stitch in the tapestry of our existence. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this earthly journey is not our final destination. There’s a longing for eternity within us. In acknowledging our impermanence, we can take a look at the apostle Paul, who in 2 Corinthians 4:18 encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This shift in focus beckons us to consider the eternal significance of our actions, relationships, and faith. Everything that we do in this short life counts, but the possessions we have won’t affect our judgement day determinations, there’s no Forbes list in heaven. 

Our temporary journey on Earth prompts us to seek a deeper connection with God. It’s an opportunity to align our lives with His divine purpose, and spread his word along the way. That’s one of the most important parts of our walk in this life, and as we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that our existence here is just a sneak peak to the everlasting reality promised through faith in Jesus Christ.

The transient nature of life doesn’t diminish its value; instead, it underlines the importance of living purposefully. In Psalm 90:12, we’re encouraged to “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This wisdom involves recognizing the brevity of life and using our time wisely, investing in eternal treasures. These eternal treasures don’t care about your credit score or any debt to income ratios but rather of the spiritual score, are you living the way you know you should. Having the spiritual wisdom and maturity to get through this life will be what matters in the end. 

Our journey on Earth also invites us to share the love and hope found in Christ with those around us. Matthew 28:19-20 compels us to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we participate in God’s redemptive plan, extending the invitation to eternal life to others. While on this earth we were instructed to be fishers of men, and we are meant to use draw people in by showing them the love of God that is pouring out of us. We have been given an opportunity to show the everlasting mercy and grace of God that has been shown to us. 

In conclusion, as we contemplate the temporary nature of our earthly existence, let us be inspired to live intentionally. May we find purpose in aligning our actions with God’s will, nurturing deep connections with Him, and sharing His love with a world longing for eternal hope. For in the tapestry of life, our temporary moments find eternal significance in the hands of our Creator.

Effective Prayers For An Election Year

Effective Prayers For An Election Year

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Dale Pollard

God’s people are going to be lifting up many prayers for the USA this year. In order for those prayers to be as potent as possible, here’s four biblical principles that will give them more power. 

  1. Evaluate your spiritual life. The prayers of righteous men and women make the most impact (James 5:16). 
  2. God can’t be seen as just one option. Think of the rascally child who, after receiving a “no” from his father, approaches his mother in secret seeking a “yes.” That child should receive a stern chat— perhaps a spanking? When we approach God, we must do so with His will above our wants. Sometimes the two line up! If they don’t, accept the answer and press on. 
  3. Saturate your petitions with praise and thankfulness. Even when odd viruses seem to mysteriously appear or the “wrong” man takes the office— God deserves your praise with a thankful heart. After all, He reigns with perfection and justice on His throne (Psalm 97:1). God has given us the cure to a horrible sickness that not even all the scientists in the world could cure (Ephesians 2:8). Nothing that happens today or any day will ever change those things. We’ve only just scratched the surface here, too. God deserves every bit of your praise and thankfulness, no matter what. 
  4. Don’t miss the big picture when you pray. Our minds have a way of fooling us into thinking that current events are the big picture. That’s just not true. What’s more important? The growth and faith of every member in His church. For an encouraging study, look at all the congregations in biblical history that were built up numerically and spiritually— despite who was leading the country at the time. What’s most important is not this country or nation, it’s His kingdom and that kingdom to come. 

Are you righteous? Please pray for this world and pray for His church. If there’s something keeping you from the righteousness of God, that’s far more urgent than anything else and that’s what deserves your full attention. 

Let’s be a happy and hopeful people— let’s be those who practice righteousness. 

Time

Time

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Maddox Wilson

As we end one year and begin another we tend to think about how we have spent our time. My time management is questionable at times. I do a lot of things last minute, especially school work–mainly geometry. It is a reminder that we must use the time we have been given. It is more valuable than money. Money can be made again but time once lost, is gone forever. We must be intentional with how we spend our limited time. James 4:14 says “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? Even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

Time is a gift. We make time for school, work, sports, video games, friends, and family. Are we making time for the most important things in life? How many minutes a day do we spend studying God’s word? For me, I could be doing better. It’s easy to let minutes wasted on my computer turn into hours.

How do we get a better understanding of how to best use our time? Matthew 22:37 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” To do that we must

  1. Put God first in our life. Romans 6:13 says, “Give yourselves to God, surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.” So, keep our priorities straight. Matthew 6:33 tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given unto you.” Seek him above all other things in our daily life.
  2. If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but wisdom brings success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10). We must use our time to strengthen our knowledge of God’s word. We need to work smarter in managing our time and completing tasks. Add our Bible study to our TO DO list. Put it at the top until it becomes a habit.
  3. Make time spent on important things into a goal. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” At school they tell us to make SMART goals. We can use this in our Bible study life too. Specific goal, Measurable goal (how many minutes to read) , Action oriented- what am I doing to meet this time goal, Realistic- remember my actual attention span, and Timely- actually make progress. Share your goal with a friend and help each other.
  4. Finally understand the limit of the time we are given. We are certainly not promised tomorrow (even if a teenager). Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Are my time choices bringing me closer to the relationship?

I need to have with God. James 4:14 asks, “Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

The way you spend your time has eternal consequences. Maybe you have not made the best choices on how you spend your time. Maybe you need to make the most important decision of your time here on earth. If you haven’t made the decision to be baptized now is the perfect time. Or if you have any other need there is no better time than the present.

Maddox Wilson is one of two young men speaking on the Equipped Workshop, April 18-21, 2024, at the Lehman Avenue church of Christ.

The Role Of Young People

The Role Of Young People

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Carl Pollard

The Role Of Young People

It is beneficial for the health of the church to look at how we treat our teens and young people. For there to be growth and success, we need to look at what we expect of them. To put it bluntly, I believe that the church as a whole has very low expectations for teenagers. This can lead to several issues and ultimately their loss of faith. 

If you are a baptized Christian you should have a role in the church. That is true regardless of age. If we don’t expect our young men and women to do anything, will they feel needed or essential? Will they learn to love the church? Will they feel like they’re a part of a family? 

In every other aspect of their lives we have high expectations. Their grades in school, the college they go to, the sports they play. We emphasize work ethic and job performance. We want them to succeed and be successful in our society. 

Our expectations are high and we want them to do well, which isn’t wrong, but why don’t we emphasise their spiritual health? 

The church as a whole tends to treats teens like they’re toddlers. I think it’s time that we raise the bar for what we expect from our young people. So what are some ways that we can utilize teens in the church? 

If they’re eligible, the young men should participate in worship. They can all visit the elderly. They can encourage the body. The teens at Bear Valley where I grew up were encouraged to go and talk to several people they didn’t usually speak with. Once a month we had a service organized and conducted by the young men. 

Why is this important? Young people are leaving the church at an astounding rate. 

They go off to college and their involvement in the church all but disappears. A study was conducted by Lifeway Ministries and over the course of 3 years they found that over 70 percent of young people fall away from the faith when they leave home. 

So what’s happening? What can we do to change this?

Here’s four tips to help strengthen our young people: 

1. Change Our View 

We need to stop treating teens like they aren’t capable of serving the church. 

2 Kings 15:2 says that Azariah became king of Judah at 16 years of age and did what was right in the eyes of God. In 2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah was made king of Judah and he did what was right in the eyes of God. And we read in verse 4 that he followed in his father’s footsteps. Teens are impacted by their parents. If a 16 year old can rule a nation and do what is right, our young people can serve in the church today. But we must change our view. They are not the church of tomorrow, they are Christians today. 

2. Assign A Role

Show them that they are needed and valued. Teach them to serve others. Teens can assist other teachers, help younger children, write to the elderly and widows, help out in the worship services, write birthday cards and sympathy cards, and so much more! Teens desperately need to have a role in the church. 

3. Teach Them Scripture 

They can comprehend more than we think. Show them how to dig into the word. As the parents, pick a book of the Bible and read it together. Set aside time each day to talk about scripture. Read a section of scripture and ask them: 

  • Who wrote the book?
  • Who was it written to? 
  • When was it written? 
  • What literary style was it written in?
  • What is the theme of the book, chapter, verse? 
  • How can you apply it personally? 

Timothy was taught the scriptures by his mother and grandmother and he went on to be a leader in the early church. In order to teach them the word, as parents we must know the word. Personal study is essential if we want our children to grow spiritually.

4. Make God Number One

The parents need to set the example. Choose worship over other activities. Make Christianity a priority. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a start. One day the church will be made up the young people who looked up to us. Let’s be sure to give them the tools now to be successful, faithful, men and women for God.

Am I A “Seeker”?

Am I A “Seeker”?

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Neal Pollard

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states a simple but profound truth: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). This is a promise! For our particular focus, notice the middle promise. If you seek, you will find! Seeking implies striving to find for one’s own interest or advantage. 

We often talk about someone who has yet to obey the gospel but who is looking as a seeker. That seems to be the thought shared by Jesus here. But seeking does not end at the baptistery steps. It is a lifestyle, an ongoing decision that may be challenged by distractions and substitutions. There are other things people seek–worldly wisdom (1 Cor. 1:22), their own righteousness (Rom. 10:3), self-interest (1 Cor. 10:24; 13:5; Phil. 2:21), pleasing men (Gal. 1:10), glory from men (1 Th. 2:6), and similar poor alternatives.

But God is seeking those who keep seeking Him and what He offers. This extends beyond the process of becoming His child. Various New Testament writers describe the seeking life.

  • Seek Christ’s kingdom above material things (Mat. 6:33).
  • Seek the glory and honor and immortality that God offers (Rom. 2:7).
  • Seek souls that can be saved (1 Cor. 10:33). 
  • Seek to use your gifts for the strength of the whole church (1 Cor. 14:12).
  • Seek the realities of heaven (Col. 3:1). 
  • Seek peace and pursue it (1 Pet. 3:11).

“The word implies serious effort, and can be used of seeking information (e.g., John 16:19) and of seeking to perform an action” (Luke 6:19)(Mangum, Lexham Theo. Wdbk., np). Have you ever searched for something valuable you owned but misplaced? The greater its value to you, the more intense and sustained your search. What Jesus offers is worth more to us than the whole world (cf. Mat. 16:26)! He wants us to have and keep a mindset that never ceases from serious effort to pursue. How can we be a daily seeker?

  • Include it in our daily prayers, that we will seek God’s will each and every day.
  • Be bold enough to make uncomfortable choices that accomplish His will.
  • Look for people who need His saving gospel and share Him!
  • Keep earthly interests and material things in their perspective, as tools to use for God’s glory and not idols to displace Him.
  • Put Him above every relationship, which means letting no relationship cause us to live contrary to His will or disobey His Word.
  • Do not let the world do our thinking for us on any moral, ethical, or similar issue.
  • Immerse ourselves in His Word, feeding and nourishing not only our soul but also our resolve.
  • Live joyfully, demonstrating thanksgiving for God’s good and perfect gifts.
  • Keep adding to this list!
Overcoming Distractions: Maintaining Focus on Spiritual Responsibilities

Overcoming Distractions: Maintaining Focus on Spiritual Responsibilities

by preacherpollard ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Brent Pollard

We all have spiritual responsibilities. Unfortunately, we do not always meet them. We frequently let these responsibilities slip despite being fully aware of their importance. A study of the Scriptures reveals three significant sources of distraction from our spiritual obligations.

First is pursuing material wealth (refer to Matthew 6.24–34). In this passage, Jesus warns against serving God and the embodiment of wealth, or Mammon. Life isn’t all about material things. We create a spiritual void when we focus solely on meeting material needs. The theologian Augustine referred to this as a “God-shaped blank” within us, emphasizing our innate desire to worship and serve God. If God does not fill this void, something else, most often Mammon, will. Possessions and pleasures can quickly become idols in our lives. However, Jesus assures us that if we prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, our material needs, like those of the creatures in His creation, will be met. The problem arises when our faith wanes, and we forget God’s promise. In times of financial difficulty, we may believe it is solely our responsibility to fix things rather than trusting God’s provision. While we must continue to work, like the birds searching for worms, we must not allow anxiety to consume us. Excessive devotion to Mammon causes spiritual suffering and neglect of spiritual responsibilities.

Second, we may pay attention to the wrong things (Matthew 14.28–33). This passage depicts Peter walking on the raging Sea of Galilee, echoing Jesus’ feat. But Peter begins to sink when he starts paying attention to the wind and waves rather than focusing on Jesus. Similarly, the people in our lives might serve to divert our attention from Jesus, which is why 1 Corinthians 5.6 and 15.33 warn us to be cautious. Likewise, worldly concerns, wealth, and pleasures can choke out God’s Word, preventing us from bearing fruit (Luke 8.14). Our faith may wane, just as Peter’s did if we allow the world’s distractions and temptations to consume us. We must constantly refocus our attention on Jesus and place our relationship with Him first and foremost. We can ensure that we continue to grow in our faith and bear fruit for God’s kingdom by doing so.

Finally, we become fixated on minor issues (Luke 10.38–42). In this story, Martha over-prepares because she intends to serve Jesus and His disciples. Jesus corrects her, saying that her sister Mary is doing what is genuinely needed by focusing on her spiritual needs. Too often, we allow valid but minor issues to divert our attention away from our spiritual responsibilities. Brother Maxie Boren gave an example of a congregation arguing over a surplus of bricks rather than focusing on evangelizing their community, which resulted in zero evangelistic efforts. Sometimes, even good intentions can distract us from our spiritual responsibilities, like chasing after money or being in a negative environment. Recognizing that our spiritual needs should always precede trivial matters is crucial. We can better serve our community through the proclamation of the Gospel if we put our spiritual duties first. Maintaining vigilance and not allowing eternally insignificant matters to impede our progress in fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities is critical. 

Let us strive to stay focused, fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities and avoiding pitfalls related to wealth, our environment, and trivialities.

Daniel’s Trust

Daniel’s Trust

by preacherpollard ♥ 1 Comment
Carl Pollard

Daniel’s Trust

There are a plethora of men and women in the Old Testament who we can look to as an example of faith. Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, Sarah, and many more. However one of the strongest examples of true faith in God is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel is someone we would say was a faithful servant of God. No matter the circumstances, he would put his trust in God. Even in the toughest times, Daniel remained a servant for the Father. One instance where Daniel showed this incredible trust is found in Daniel 6. 

Daniel was apart of the kings appointed wise men. However, the other wise men in the kingdom were jealous of Daniel and wanted to have him killed. So they went to the king and asked for a decree to be made which stated that only the king could be prayed to. they did this knowing that Daniel prayed constantly to God. Despite this decree, Daniel trusted in God even though he faced dire consequences if he prayed to God. 

Daniel 6:10-11, 16-17, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.” 

The king banned prayer to anyone other than himself, but upon learning this Daniel still fell to his knees and prayed. In fact, the moment he learned that the document had be signed, he left and went to go pray to God. 

In a culture that is consistently moving further and further from Gods Word, how will His people respond? In our lives today do we show this kind of faith and trust in God? Do we understand the consequences, but still choose to obey God? Sadly many today have a faith that is dependent on circumstances. But we must be like Daniel. We should have a full trust in God to deliver us in our trials and understand that He is in control. 

If prayer was outlawed, would you publicly show your faith in God? If going to church was made illegal, would you still show up on Sunday morning? These are situations that will hopefully never happen, but if they do I pray that we will be like Daniel in our response.

What Will Others Say Mattered Most To Me?

What Will Others Say Mattered Most To Me?

by preacherpollard ♥ 12 Comments

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

I have preached nearly 100 funerals in my 31 years of full-time preaching. That includes funerals for still-borns all the way up to those 100 years old. It includes services for those who committed suicide or died in accidents, but also a great many who were able to prepare for the process of dying. 

In the course of sitting down with families who have just lost a loved one, it is commonplace to talk about the deceased. Sometimes, I have known and been closely tied to the one whose service I was doing. Other times, I have not known them well and it is not uncommon to perform a service for someone I’ve never even met. Meeting with the family is a great way, especially in these situations, to find out who their loved one was. 

The longer they talk and the more they say, the more clearly they paint a picture of what the dear departed prioritized. The stories center around that theme. All of them want the preacher to know some “faith fact(s)” about them–they were raised in the church, they believed in God, they read (or had) a Bible, etc. Some of them have an abundance of stories about a Christ-centered life. All roads seem to lead back to that: Family stories, work stories, and church stories. 

Sadly, others paint a picture of other things predominating their time, passion, talent, and interest. At a time when people are going to say the nicest things about a person, they are also going to give away what mattered most to them–during the visitation, before, during, and after the service, at the graveside, and otherwise. It always happens.

Most days, our funeral is the farthest thing from our minds. We are busy living life. Yet, we are building, day by day and decision by decision, what our legacy will be. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about the many things that are “vanity.” He uses the word 38 times in 30 verses, at times using the phrase “vanity of vanities” to express utter futility and worthlessness. Work, knowledge, pleasure, competition, money, everything, apart from God, is like chasing the wind. 

At the end of his sermon, this wise king says, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (12:13-14). What an encouragement to you and me to build a God-centered legacy. That requires embracing what Jesus taught, to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Mat. 6:33). Don’t we want others, most importantly God, to say, our faith defined us? Nothing matters more! 

Neal Pollard
Monkey Trap (And Letting Go)

Monkey Trap (And Letting Go)

by preacherpollard ♥ 3 Comments

Saturday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Maybe you’ve heard of this well-known Southeast Asian method of trapping a monkey. This simple method only requires the hunter to get a coconut or some kind of container that’s hard to break and carve a hole that’s big enough for a monkey’s hand that’s open—but not big enough when its clenched up in a fist. What these primates won’t do even as they see the hunter approach them is unhand the bait. Therefore, their fist inside the coconut traps them there until they are caught.

The principle of the monkey trap can be found in many aspects of life, and it is not foreign to the Bible either. In Matthew 19:16-30 (cf. Mk. 17-31; Lk. 18:18-30) is a story we know very well, in which a rich young ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. 

Jesus knew in that moment what exactly that young man needed to hear and told him what he needed to do in order to inherit eternal life. However, because he was so rich and did not want to part with his wealth, the young man became sad.

We don’t have Jesus in the flesh in front of us to tell us exactly what we need to do in order to get into heaven, but that does not mean that we are lacking in any way. Through the pages of God’s inspired Word, we are being taught and guided what is required for us to enter into Christ and live a faithful life. 

The challenge for us, therefore, is not that we do not have Jesus to tell us what to do. No—in fact, we have him right here with us, around us, and within us. All around us is the presence of God and our savior. What it boils down to, then, is our fisted up hand inside the trap. 

We may look at the monkey that’s trapped by such a simple device and laugh, but don’t we often find ourselves shackled by the one or two sins that keep plaguing our lives? For the rich young ruler, it was his wealth, but this isn’t about being rich or poor. Even those without money can be chained by their sins that they cannot let go.

It’s the beginning of a new year. A time people usually spend contemplating how this new season of life will play out. How many times have we told ourselves, “I will stop this time,” or “I’ll work on this and get better about it.” When will we loosen our fists that grip so hard on the things that drive us away from God, and finally let go?

The rich young ruler could not let go, and therefore he became sad. Knowing what he needed to do, he still failed. Not because he wasn’t told nor because he didn’t understand. It was a willful decision to choose what’s in his fist rather than Jesus. He teaches us a lesson through this unfortunate outcome. How many times does God tell us through His Word exactly what we need to do, just like Jesus did with the young man? Let us be better in the coming year, to finally thwart off the chains that bind us. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” God has already rescued us. It comes down to us deciding that we want to be saved, rather than be shackled by what’s in our stubborn fists. 

David Chang
What’s On The Ballot?

What’s On The Ballot?

by preacherpollard ♥ 3 Comments
Neal Pollard

For some, it’s their wallets. But, “beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

For some, it’s their walls. Whether the one at our national border or the ones around our home. National security is important. Law and order derives from God and Scripture (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). But, remember, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain” (Psa. 127:1). There should be higher motivation.

For some, it’s wokeness. Whether to protect hyper-racism or to combat cancel culture, some on either side will be driven by this issue. This certainly has been central to those whose vote is driven by education matters. Yet, it is so easy to let subjective ideas supplant God’s authoritative Word. We must be convicted by the truth of Jesus’ words in John 12:48: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

For some, it’s the womb. How sobering to vote in support of taking the life of the unborn or to be motivated by such. May we remember that one of the things God hates are “hands that shed innocent blood” (Prov. 6:16)!

For some, it’s worry. It may be general unease and anxiety about the “direction” of our country. There’s a fine line between civic duty and sinful worry. God is always on His throne. As ever, “…the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes” (Dan. 4:32).

For some, it’s the Word. The continued ability to teach the gospel to the lost, to worship together according to that Word, and to live according to God’s Word should underlie everything we do. That includes informing our votes in elections. But, may we keep in mind what the angel tells Zechariah to tell Zerubbabel: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). No election, however favorable to our convictions, is a substitute for making disciples (Mat. 28:18-20).

Many say “democracy is on the ballot,” though what that means depends on who says it. Hopefully, we all prayerfully deliberate and do our best to align everything we believe, endorse, and encourage with what the Word says! But when we leave the voting booth, we need to “go into all the world” and give them what they need more than anything–the hope of eternal life!