KINGDOM WORK AFFECTS YOUR COUNTRY
By Michael Wear
“Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her.”
– G.K. Chesterton
This insight from the early 20th Century author and philosopher G.K. Chesterton helps us to understand how we as Christians can reconcile our service to God with our service to country. It is exemplified in our greatest commandment: to love our God and to love our neighbor.
How can our love for and confidence in Christ motivate our love of neighbor and service to our country, particularly in a political context? Here are some ideas:
1. Reach Across Divides
Our nation is divided along all kinds of issues, identities and backgrounds; but it is the person of Jesus who transcends them all. You can reject the idea that who you are requires you to consider others as your enemy. Our country needs this.
2. Volunteer
Our country depends on the contributions of those who serve not for acclaim, but out of love and sacrifice of time, money and other resources. Out of your love for God, advocate for a cause (and not just on social media, but in real life, too!), serve with a local ministry or nonprofit, or mentor someone younger than yourself.
3. Live Out Your Faith
Increasingly, Americans do not understand what it means to be religious. Think about how the public life you lead displays what Christ is doing in your life, and let his love shine through in the ways you act and treat others.
4. Vote
You may not be old enough yet, but we need a new generation of Christians who believe a vote can be motivated by love, not just self-interest. Imagine what this understanding would do for our politics and our nation.
5. Pray
Prayer is powerful, and it’s not just for our personal lives but also the life of our nation. Pray for its leaders, pray that God might intervene in the injustices and evils that you see, and always have your eyes open with expectation that you will see God move.
Michael Wear is the author of the forthcoming book, “Reclaiming Hope:
Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in
America.” He tweets about political issues at @MichaelRWear.
KINGDOM WORKER CHALLENGE: COUNTRY
KINGDOM WORKER WORSHIP: COUNTRY
KINGDOM WORKER AUDIO DEVOTIONAL:
KINGDOM WORKER CONVERSATION: COUNTRY
BRING. CHANGE. SHARE. 