In the aftermath of any election of any year, people play the "what if" and "what will become" game. Sadly, some, out of anger, carry it to the "what can I do about it" game and plan action, however foolish, hateful, or dangerous it may become. I wish I could say it was different this year after this election. If you look at your watch you'll see it's the year 2012 A.D. (Year of our Lord), yet it seems like some want to set the clock back to the 1850s. Almost all Southern States voted along a line and in those states talk has turned exactly to where Peter is saying it should not go. Peter had the view that believers, because of our new life in Christ and relationship with God, belonged to another world, the spiritual realm of God. We are but pilgrims on this earth trying to invite others to join us now so that when the Day comes when we are called, and listen to this word we all use, "home," others would come with us. Yet, just as Peter has urged us not to do, many have become too "cozy" here and because of ego are wasting our souls. We think we are natives here and instead of being examples to those who truly are natives for now, we are living just like them, acting like them and even encouraging them to be unlike those who belong to God. We are called to win people over to God not the other way around. We want the people who celebrate Christ's return to be a numerous group, but it is up to us to invite and win people over to the side of spirit and truth.
Peter believes that good citizens are those who make Jesus proud by their thoughts, words, and actions, among them respecting "the authorities, whatever their level," for Peter also believes, "they are God's emissaries for keeping order." We are called to do good, to serve God, to treat all with dignity and respect, to love our spiritual family, revere God, and respect the government, yes, regardless of how we voted and what we expected.
As US Citizens, we do not have a perfect government, but it is the best around. It works when we allow it to work and it exists to serve a common good, however you define that. It works better when we treat each other as brothers and sisters, not hating each other because of differences real or perceived.
PRAYER: Loving God of our homeland, bless and watch over us while we are on this pilgrim journey. Help us to truly follow Your words through Peter, to do good, to serve God, to treat all with dignity and respect, to love our spiritual family and all people, to hold You in reverence, and even to respect our government. It is not easy, but with Your presence and blessing, it can be done, so be it. We pray in Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
