Higher Ground

Many of us feel bitterly disappointed this week.  We are angry because we played by the rules and the cheats won.  We feel like our voice in public affairs has been shouted down by people who have only their self-interest at heart.  Apprehensive, we feel that those coming into power will try to take away our preferred style of living and even the freedoms we have enjoyed as Americans.

Some of us lost control of their anger Wednesday.  While we may understand the way they feel, we must also disavow the violence, destruction of property, and criminal behavior that took place.  We must not sink to the level of our opponents.  As we go forward, we have to find legal and non-violent ways to win.  Then, it is essential that we get it done.

Please consider the following words that the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write long ago:

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.  They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  “In your anger do not sin” (emphasis added): Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.  Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  (Ephesians 4:17-32 NIV) *

  

* https://biblehub.com/