The MAIN thing

11.10.08

It may surprise you that last week I was fasting and praying, but not for the election. Now don’t misunderstand me, I prayed for the candidates and the election. But, my prayer and fasting were reserved for individuals I know who have been broken by sin. God is recycling their pain, giving it purpose and repairing their hearts. And I was battling for them before the throne of grace. There are things that are more important than the election.

Sunday I was reminded, through a great sermon, that it is a government’s job to restrain human nature and it is the church’s job to redeem mankind.

1Timothy 2:1-4 talks about praying for our government so that we can live peaceful lives. And why do we need to live peaceful lives? So we can surf more, sit in front of a TV or cater to our desires? NO!

1 Timothy 2:3-4 - “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

We should desire peaceful lives so we can spread the Gospel. In Phillipians 1:12 Paul basically says, Yeah, I’m in jail and life is tough but what really matters is that the Gospel has advanced because of my hardships. In Mark 13:9 Jesus tells His disciples that they’re going to get arrested, beaten and drug into court but it’s OK because this will be their opportunity to tell people about HIM.

It’s easy to get distracted from keeping the main thing the main thing. The main thing isn’t my comfort, happiness, security, safety, etc. The main thing is telling the world that Jesus is the answer.

Be in prayer for and submit to our leaders. But, as you pray and as you take action remember there are things more important than the earthly. Now, go tell someone about Jesus!