Dr. Dianne Coflin
Co-Pastor, River of Life Church
This political season has certainly been one of the most robust, judgmental, proud, and strife-producing times that I can remember. I am sure the political rancor has gone on before, but doesn’t it seem to be at a whole new level?
Never before have I seen so many people with strong opinions that have been debated amongst each other to the point of dividing relationships. This is happening even among Christians!! I love what Paul wrote to the Galatian churches when he observed outlandish behavior. He was calling them out for something else, but the principle is still here. He wrote: “O you foolish and thoughtless and superficial Galatians, who has bewitched you [that you would act like this]?” Galatians 3:1 Amp.
Paul well knew that their change of behavior was a result of a spiritual battle. We are told in the scriptures that our battles are not with flesh and blood but with spiritual entities that stir up strife. The Bible goes on to say that this wisdom does not come from above but in fact is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
Certainly, if we can become divided, not only as a nation, but also in the church, this becomes a victory for the enemy. I am not speaking of political opponents; I am speaking of the result of striving and division that are produced in our conversations to get our opinions across. No doubt this was an important election for many reasons, but was it so important that relationships, families, and churches become divided? I would say absolutely not!!
At the end of the day, while elections are important, our victory as a nation and personally in every area of life is not dependent upon one candidate or another getting into office. If that was our thinking, then we are going to be terribly disappointed. If our eyes are on the only one who can help our nation, the Lord Jesus Christ who was victorious in death, burial, and resurrection, then we will surely maintain hope.
The way I see it is if we all take responsibility to get our hearts right with God, begin living righteously and become vessels of honor ready for the Master’s use, then our prayers would become effective and fervent!!
God said, “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then I would hear from heaven and forgive their sin and HEAL their land.” II Chron. 7:14 There was no mention of this happening ONLY if a certain man or woman became president.
If you have been caught up in these striving battles, I want to encourage you on how to change your behavior.
1) Recognize and honor that all people have their right to their own opinions. I Peter 2:17 “Honor the brotherhood.”
2) Avoid strife. Proverbs 20:3 “It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife (by handling situations with thoughtful foresight), But any fool will start a quarrel without regard for the consequences.”
3) Recognize a striving atmosphere is not from God above. James 3:16 “Where there is strife, there is confusion and every evil work.”
4) Forgive one another just as Christ has forgiven you.
Matthew 6:15 Amp. “But if you do not forgive others, nurturing your hurt and anger with the result it interferes with your relationship with God, then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.”
Food for thought!
We invite you to come join us at River of Life Church in Lutz, Florida. We would love to see you!
Dr. Dianne Coflin
Co-Pastor of River of Life Church.
410 Chapman Rd. East,
Lutz, FL 33549
(813) 949-9931
www.roltampa.org