The Four P's

 

9/21/2020

 Isaiah 49:5 “And now, saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be His servant.”

 Prejudice – an adverse opinion or learning formed without just grounds before sufficient knowledge

 Parochial – having a limited or narrow outlook or scope

 Patriotism- love or devotion to one’s country

 Chambers always gets me thinking in a completely different way. As I have mentioned before, his study is not for the faint of heart, because it will challenge you down to your toes. Today’s entry is no exception. He writes, “The first thing that happens after we have realized our election to God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our prejudices and our parochial notions and our patriotisms; we are turned into servants of God’s own purpose.” When we enter into a relationship with God, all these things should fall away. The first one is certainly negative, and does not leave room for loving your neighbor. The second may be a result of being overprotected by one’s family, but still can be harmful to the second greatest commandment. The third is not something that most people, especially Americans, would say is harmful or wrong at first. However, when it holds a higher place than God, or becomes a distraction from Him, it certainly can have the same effect. Our country is currently finding itself suffering from all of these ways of thinking. We have not just lost how to love our neighbor, but we have lost basic respect and civility. This is certainly not of God.

 I have been discouraged by the lack of loving, bold Christian voices in today’s world. Since Billy Graham’s passing, we have not had a true spiritual leader in this country, someone who speaks of salvation through Christ and the love and mercy of God; a national minister, if you will. What I have also been discouraged by is how vocal some believers are about the current political and civil situations that are occurring. Alas, a lot of what I hear and read on social media would not be considered “loving thy neighbor”. Instead of a faithful voice of truth, we have minions of division on every side. For me, it is heartbreaking.

 So now I will engage the forth P-word, Purpose - something set up as an object or end to be attained. Not just during this unusual and tumultuous time, but always, I as a believer, should be about God’s purpose. I was created to be His servant. I am not called to serve the things or ideals of this world, I am called to a heavenly purpose. 1) To love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. 2) To love my neighbor as myself. 3) To share the truth of the Gospel with others. 4) To do my best to live a Christ-like life that honors and brings glory to God.

 I truly believe, dear ones, that we are living in a time when we need to love stronger and louder than the hate, for love (God) conquers hate (Satan) every time.