August 14, 2008
August 14, 2008 by pastorstjohn
Filed under Weekly Words
Dear friend,
I have been following the careers of a handful of politicians and I noticed there are several public opinion polls designed to measure the performance of these leaders. Through a scientific survey and the use of an equation, each politician is assigned an “approval rating.” The more everyone approves of his or her performance, the hirer the rating. Now, I am all for accountability. I believe we ought to be responsible to and live at peace with others. However, the idea of constantly checking a poll to see what everyone thinks about you seems a poor idea to me.
Thankfully, the Christian is free from the need to do this. Our responsibility to others is not based on what they think about us, but on the commandments of God.
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). Also, because of our faith in the work of our Savior Jesus, we have a perfect approval rating in heaven. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Who will bring any charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies” (Rom. 8:1,33).
Finally friend, it would be wise for everyone to be much more concerned about what God thinks than what man thinks.
“I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear Him who after he has killed has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him (Luke 12:4-5).
I wonder, what does God think of your thoughts, actions, and words today? Does he approve?
Your servant,
Stephen
Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder