Overcoming Political Fears

The political unrest in this country has opened the door for spirits of hatred and violence. Sad to say, many Christians are guilty of such. Oh no, they are not possessed (those who are truly born-again that is), but their own spirits are full of hatred and violence. These are people who claim to have a moral and righteous obligation to contend for Christian values. But when they lose at the polls, they throw the Bible in the trash along with other virtues such as love, temperance, contentment and faith.

John was a very hard working man, a loving husband and father. He was a very good provider for his family. He served as a deacon in his church and even coached a little league baseball team. His children adored him and his wife was very happy. The home was full of love and laughter.

But suddenly John’s routine changed. Instead of coming directly home after work, every Friday John (who never drank before), would stop at the bar and liquor store on the way home to have a few drinks with the boys, and pick up a bottle of his favorite brew. Though he never was a fall-down drunk, by the time John got home, he was quite high and feeling no pain, as they say. His wife would have the house spotless, the table set and the children would be extremely quiet.

Nervously, they would sit at the table, afraid to say anything. They did not speak unless spoken to by their father. This was learned behavior they had adopted in order to get through Friday nights. Things would be different and back to normal by Saturday morning. John would become bad-tempered and mean while under the influence of alcohol. He would nitpick; always finding something to complain about. He would yell at the kids and curse at his wife.

Nothing was satisfactory anymore. From Friday evening to Saturday morning the mood of the house would be that of fear and terror. The next day, John would be completely sober and back to his gentle, loving, kind self. In most cases, a liquor store displays the sign, Wine and Spirits. The ability of alcohol to break down one’s will and to release pent-up hostilities and rage is powerful.

While under the influence, John would become a different personality. His spirit would change and he did things he would have never done while sober. The influence of the alcohol on the soul caused John to forget or cast aside all the values he lived by. The same is true of the church.

The issues of our times are affecting our nation adversely. More and more hostilities are heating up over candidates, policies and the moral decay of our society. The American dream is fading and tempers are rising. But just as John allowed the influence of alcohol to change his spirit, even so have many Christians allowed the issues of our times to change their spiritual disposition.

This is true even in light of the fact Jesus said, “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (St. John 16:33). Even in casual conversation, the negative disposition of the heart can be heard; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). For example, I have had the privilege of working with many born-again believers who are very passionate about politics.

These are very good people, who really love the Lord and cherish moral and Christian values. However, I have discovered you cannot discuss politics with them because it would always manifest their walk after the flesh. You can really hear their negative spiritual disposition when discussing certain political leaders. You can sense a deep-rooted spirit of hatred when politics is mentioned.

This is an excellent example of God allowing conversation to reveal where a person is spiritually. Even Gabriel reframed from launching a wailing accusation against satan, as he disputed over the body of Moses. However, many Christians have ceased to discern the spirit they respond in when their livelihood is threatened. If you cannot talk about the leaders of your nation with love and mercy, then it manifests that you harbor iniquity in your heart.

These are the people God instructed us to pray for. But how can you pray for someone you hate? If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). The hatred of government has permeated the Church, and Christians will not deal with that truth. The hatred spewed out towards the present American government (2014) has totally taken away many saints’ ability to pray effectual fervent prayers. God is not listening to them. That is a truth they refuse to accept.

They all go through the motions; joining prayer groups and spiritual watches that are supposed to be sending up prayers to the Father on behalf of their nation. These prayers never leave the earth. They simply fall to the ground. But I can hear a voice echoing from heaven, “Oh, if I only had an intercessor. Surely, I would heal their land.”

We walk in disobedience because we do not regard scripture and become conformed to this world. We put our hope in government officials; many who do not even know God. The scripture declares we are not to be entangled with the affairs of this world (2 Timothy 2:4). If we say that our trust is in God, why do we worry about who is leading the nation?

Your livelihood does not depend on who is in political office. We must remember that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28). Everything that God does is done with His people in mind. He is our Father. The government is not in control, God is.

Romans 13:1

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

We must submit to the head of our government, even if he is wrong on some political issues. The scriptures declare Jesus even submitted to government officials. When it came time to pay taxes, He sent Peter to catch a fish and in its mouth was enough money to pay their taxes. Jesus stepped out of heaven and became subject to an evil Roman government.

Even if our government doesn’t deserve our benevolence, we must give it anyway. The fear of losing materialistic things should not be named among the saints. Our trust should be in our God. We must be content in whatever state the Lord allows us to be in. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward (1 Peter 2:18).

Although things are happening in our government that are causing us to lose houses, jobs, etc., we, as Sons of God, are instructed to submit to those who are set as higher powers, and pray for them. If we can pray for those who offend us, then we qualify to pray for our loved ones. Furthermore, why do those who are in the Body of Christ become so frantic about what is happening in the world? Our Kingdom is not of this world.

We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We have been instructed not to love the world, neither the things that are in this world. Our only reason for being here is to bring others into the Kingdom. We are in this world; but we are not of this world. Even though Romans 13:1 declares the powers that be are approved of God, the Body of Christ doesn’t believe this. It believes men appointed our elected officials.

If we believed these powers were ordained by God, perhaps we would not have a problem submitting to what God has set before us; seeking Him for the answer as to how to exist in this hostile environment He has allowed to be created.

Romans 13:2

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Damnation is the loosening of the destroyer in your life; the end result of which could be eternal damnation (hell). When we speak evil of the power and ordinations of God, we open the door for the enemy to bring damnation into our territorial sphere of influence. In addition, it hinders prayer, our well-being and ministry. Remember, the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy.

Romans 13:3

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.

The state of the nation should not be a terror to the sons of God. If the government spends all the money in the national budget, it should not be a terror to us. Our treasures are in heaven. The big issue today is money. All of it is being spent. The scriptures declare that mammon is another god, and we cannot serve it and Christ.

We should not have the same mindset as the world concerning this matter. We must reverence God for the things He allows in the earth. He is the power behind all rulers. He holds their lives in His hand. We, the saints of God, act as if God is impotent and powerless in the political arena. But the Word of God declared in ancient times, Daniel counseled King Nebuchadnezzar on this wise: Thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule (Daniel 4:26).

After seven years of chastening, the king came to his right mind again and declared...all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will

in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Daniel 4:35).

Romans 13:4

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

The higher powers that be are ministers of God for the good of His people. Remember, all things work together for good to them that love God; and to them who are called according to His purpose. God is the One who puts into the hearts of men the things He wants carried out in the earth.

Laws which are placed in the books, as well as those that are not passed are all orchestrated by God. Our leaders are men and women being used to carry out His will. Whether good or bad, all things are done for the good of God’s people. These scriptures reveal how much we exalt flesh, and disregard God and His Word.

If the sword that is placed in the minister’s hand is not in vain, then it stands to reason that whatever he destroys was in the plan of God for our sake. The Roman Government was the cruelest government that ever ruled the world; and one that ruled the longest. They were so cruel God styled them as a beast with teeth of iron. According to Romans 13:4, they were the ministers of God.

He allowed the Caesars to kill His people. God allowed little Christian children to be sown up in animal skins, soaked in blood and fed to bears. He allowed Nero to use Christians as human torches to light up his garden so that he might see how to eat. God placed the sword in his hand.

WHAT ABOUT THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES?

We must learn how to discern the spiritual connotation of everything and compare spiritual with spiritual. Everything we see in the natural must also be seen through the eyes of the Spirit, even politics. There are some candidates who run for office confessing to be born-again, but will stand on a platform and deliberately say things that will incite violence, simply because they were instructed to do so.

What happened to the morals they campaigned for? In the face of getting elected, anything goes. It’s just like John mentioned in the scenario at the beginning of this chapter, “When the campaign is over, I’ll go back to my Christian virtues.” Whether candidate or voter, we must stay within the boundaries of the faith; even in politics.

The death of Osama Ben Laden is a testimony to how Christians have departed from trusting in the true and living God, to trusting in the actions of humanity. There were many Christians who joined in the celebration of Ben Laden’s death. They paraded and danced in the streets, right along with those who do not know God.

The fall of Wall Street and the continuous decline in our global economic status is a reality we never considered possible. Ben Laden and his terrorist groups not only threatened our American way of life, but also proved he could indeed change it. The greatest manifestation of this change is the “fear factor.”

America is a nation that was hurled into a chasm of fear, likened unto that which other nations have experienced for years. But what are the spiritual connotations here? Wherein is the power of Christianity? After all, we claim to be the most Christian nation in the world. But the “fear of loss,” whether it is life, limb, or property, has caused the true character of the saints to come forth.

Could it be the Father has allowed such events, that it might manifest the distance the church has fallen away from the true heart and mind of God. The church rejoiced fervently at the death of Ben Laden. At that moment he ceased to be a soul in need of a Savior, he was just another threat to our life-style that had been eliminated.

If you do not trust God, you will think and do that which is evil. If you want to get God to move on your behalf, learn how to trust Him. Don’t ever lose faith in God. When you put your faith in anything other than God, you mock Him.

Money did not bring us to where we are now. Our peace is not found in the material things of this world. Our hope is not in politicians, elected officials, or ‘special forces’ units. They do not establish our goings nor are they able to secure our wellbeing. In order to overcome the fear of the politics of our time, you must first come into agreement with God.

Admit where you are and the way you think. The truth you must accept is that:

(1) You suffer from a lack of contentment in God.

(2) You are offended by God’s control of your life and the things that affect it.

(3) Your heart is full of iniquity towards some of the men and women He has placed in power.

Beloved, just admit where you are. Confess the sins of your heart and take the counsel of the script . . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

If you do not get rid of the iniquity, it will destroy you. It will keep you separated from God and man. It is torment worse than the fear you carry. Fight to maintain a pure heart in all things. Again, the scripture instructs us saying, if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

God is shaking up His Church. He is allowing many things to happen. Then He wants to show forth the saints who will stand regardless of what’s happening with the government. He is bringing to the forefront those who trust Him. There is a true changing of the guard taking place right now. The spirits of just men are taking their places in leadership.

They have the ear of the Father and are echoing the voice of the Chief Shepherd. His sheep will know His voice, and another they will not follow. He is identifying the real Church. Not all who say, “Lord, Lord,” are a part of that glorious assembly. I know that we have come to a time when truth will be exalted. God has raised up those of us who are willing to preach the real gospel of Jesus Christ at any cost.

Having worked with many different nationalities and socio-economic groups, it has been made clear to me that many of those who are given an opportunity to hear these truths will not embrace them. Fascinatingly, many will rally to hear and rejoice that they are made privy to such knowledge. But when the bottom line is reached, they will not give their heart over to the truth they have heard. I have had first-hand experience among those who fit the above criteria.

I am amazed at how they admit to the truth, testify of its authenticity, yet in the next hour challenge it with doctrines or fruitless church activities. These activities they already know to be heretic in nature and powerless in their ability to produce the character of Christ. I have never seen anything like this.

When truth bears witness with our spirit and is confirmed by the Holy Ghost in us, wherein is the fight? Better still, why is the fight necessary? I think I would understand if the truth I speak of was something these people did not readily agree with. That is not the case. They do not understand truth and the witness of the Spirit they applaud and then reject.

2 Timothy 3:1-9

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (the Greek word used here means; to be hostile to virtue.)

4 Traitors, heady, (headstrong) high minded, (proud or to be lifted up in pride) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form (an appearance) of godliness, (holiness) but denying (to reject) the power thereof: from such turn away.

The instruction is clear here. We are warned to turn away from those who resist the truth. The Lord knows this resistance is infectious. We are encouraged to separate ourselves from those who would seek to negate that which we have received spiritual affirmation of . . .

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Be certain here that this creeping can be done on the telephone, or in the church parking lot, or wherever, a conversation is rendered that is designed to steal the affect of truth in the inward parts.

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. These people never allow themselves to experience the power of the truth and work diligently to hinder others in their quest to know the true and living God.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

It is here we see a foregoing principle . . . God never changes. He is the same today as He was yesterday. Those who continuously resist the truth risk becoming a castaway, rejected by God and counted as worthless to the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Those who resist His word today will meet with the same fate as those who resisted the word He spoke to Moses. Jannes and Jambres found themselves falling into the pits of hell, as will all who resist the truth given today.

Some time ago, the Lord said to me, “Truth is sufficient.” He brought this back to me recently in my meditating on this issue. Discern the intent of the Master here. Open your spirit and really hear what the Spirit is saying. If truth is indeed sufficient, then nothing else added or extracted from it will produce a manifested son of God.

This further means God is satisfied with presenting the truth to us. Beyond that, He is finished. In other words, the fail-safe mechanism built into the truth is its ability to quicken or bear witness with our spirit. God designed it that way. Once this is done, the burden is no longer on the Father.

It is our responsibility not only to embrace and cherish that truth, but to make it law for our lives. God is finished. That is to say, He is now able to judge those who think to chide with Him by challenging His Word.