Photo by Liesl Claire Photography
As humans we are most often governed by our pride.
I could easily forgive his pride, had he not mortified mine.
-Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I have never once seen someone swayed in their political opinions by a single comment on Facebook or Twitter. It frustrates me to see the division in our nation and mostly among believers. How far have we come that we allow ourselves to be so divided and hateful toward our brothers and sisters? Pride. It’s a universally acknowledged hubris that can be the final straw. We defend it. We nurse it. We assert it. We fight for it. We never once surrender it.
Pride comes from the belief that we are in control. That we reign. This pride can lead us to hostility and frustration when what we defend is in question. Another favorite quote of mine from Pride and Prejudice.
Angry people are not always wise.
This isn’t to be confused with righteous anger of an injustice or something we must act on, like ungodliness or the suffering of the innocent. But to be angry because of injured pride is foolish.
We can be prideful in many different ways, several of which I am guilty of! But of the most common, is the arrogance of false control. Control is counterfeit peace. Peace is not dependent on human action. This world is broken and only Jesus can bind and bring justice.
Reading Isaiah 9:6-7 today in light of Election Day.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
What does it mean “the government will be upon his shoulder?” Jesus is not an earthly king, He is not president or king of any mortal country here. But instead He is the future, past and present ruler. It’s a future promise-that Christ will rule (Revelation 20:4-6). There are two “governments” referenced here, I believe. (Always check for yourself if you find my argument conflicts with what is written Biblically!) The first being the one to come and the second is the nation of believers in the now, governed by Christ. Here’s a quote I came across while studying a few commentaries on this passage.
What might such a government look like? First of all, it would look like its king. Politicians of this day look for what they can get from you. Jesus looks for what He can do for you.
Leaders of this day surround themselves with servants. Jesus surrounds us with His servanthood.
Leaders of this day use their power to build their empire. Jesus uses his power to wash our feet and make us clean and comfortable.
Leaders of this day trade their influence for money. God so loved that he gave …
Generals of this day need regular wars to keep their weapons and skills up to date and insure their own advancement. Jesus brings peace and rest to hearts.
The higher the plane of importance one reaches in this world, the more inaccessible he becomes. Jesus was Emanuel, "God with us."
Leaders of this day are desperate to be seen and heard. Jesus sought anonymity so He could be useful.
Obviously, Jesus is not in charge of the halls of Washington, London, Moscow, Baghdad, Paris or Bonn. So, how can we ever believe the "government will be upon His shoulders"?
Actually, His government shows its workings in wonderful ways. Whenever I see someone who miraculously leaves a life of drugs or alcohol and is restored to his family and work, I can see that he is now governed by God.
Whenever I see loving Christians gently caring for orphans and those rejected by family, I know I am watching people governed by God.
Whenever I see people eagerly learning the Bible and joyously praising, I know who the governor is.
Whenever I see people give up lucrative careers simply to go and share the Good News of Jesus, I know they are governed by God.
When I see pastors carefully teach and lead the flock God has given them, I know they are getting signals from the great King.
When I see people leave family to live and teach in distant lands because they love the people who have not heard, I know they are governed by God.
So, indeed, the government is alive and working. Often silently, mostly unseen. We can be and are, by choice, governed by God. Hope and joy and peace and rest cover its subjects. Justice, mercy and grace, amazingly coexist. I like this Kingdom. The borders are open. Come on in.
-Gayle Erwin
Are we walking as a people governed by Christ, or governing our own lives and inserting Christ where we think he belongs? Do we call Him by His name? Wonderful. Do we look to Him with reverent awe and worship Him as our Lord and Savior? Counselor. Do we seek His wisdom and go to the source of truth when seeking advice? Mighty God. Where do we search for strength, in power and authorities of earth to bring security? Or do we go to the Prince of Peace? There will be no end to His peace (Isa 9:7). It surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). For he is not a God of confusion but of order (1 Cor 14:33). He is our peace and breaks down the dividing wall of separation (Eph 2:14).
As believers, let’s spend this day and week in prayer, but walk knowing He is still the God of peace no matter who is elected President. Let’s strive to be more understanding and to put love forward and not pride.