Let’s Reset Our Perspective
It’s been a couple of weeks since the election results, and many of us are still navigating the emotions and conversations that came with them. For some, there’s hope. For others, frustration. And sadly, for many, division has crept in where love should reign.
What broke my heart the most during this time wasn’t just the headlines or the debates—it was seeing relationships ending. Families torn apart, friends turning away from one another, and people declining to fellowship during the holiday season because of political differences. I can’t believe half of the stories I’ve heard. It’s heartbreaking to witness how easily we allow worldly matters to overshadow the love and unity God calls us to live out.
These actions are a stark reminder of how often we place our faith in man rather than God. Instead of extending grace and understanding, we allow differences to create barriers that God never intended.
A Call to Look Beyond the Natural
The Bible warns us in Jeremiah 17:5, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” When we let ourselves become consumed by political arguments or personal preferences, we lose sight of the bigger picture: this world and everything in it belong to God. He is sovereign, no matter who is in power.
It’s so easy to get caught up in worrying about people who think like us or look like us. But as believers, we’re called to see things through a spiritual lens. We must remember that God is not limited by who sits in power—He can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Why Are We Taking This So Personally?
Let’s be real: we’ve all been guilty of placing too much trust in human institutions, movements, or people. Sometimes, it’s easier to hope in what we can see than to surrender fully to God. But the truth is, when we place our peace in anything other than Him, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.
It’s natural to feel hurt or discouraged when things don’t go the way we hoped. But God has called us to rise above those feelings and set our minds on things above. Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Refocusing on What Matters
As we approach the holiday season, let’s remember what’s truly important: love, grace, and unity. This is a time to draw closer to one another, not to create distance. It’s heartbreaking to see families and friends choosing division over fellowship, but we can choose differently.
The Bible says in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
We are called to be peacemakers, to extend grace even when it’s hard, and to reflect God’s love in everything we do.
A Challenge for the End of 2024
With less than 9 weeks left in the year, let’s refocus. Let’s commit to putting our faith back where it belongs: in God. Let’s realign our hearts and minds with His Word, remembering that our true security comes from Him—not a political leader, party, or outcome.
I challenge you to approach this holiday season with a spirit of grace and reconciliation. Reach out to those you’ve grown distant from. Pray for unity and understanding. And most importantly, let God’s love shine through you.
Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to feel God’s love through you right now? Take a moment to pray for them and reach out if you can.
A Prayer for Unity and Peace
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, grateful for Your sovereignty and the love You’ve poured into our lives. In a time when division seems louder than unity, remind us of the grace and compassion You’ve shown us so that we can extend it to others. Help us to keep our faith in You, not in man, and to trust Your plan above all else.
Lord, soften our hearts toward those we disagree with, and let Your peace reign in our relationships. Restore the broken connections between family and friends, and let this holiday season be a time of reconciliation and love. Teach us to see beyond the natural and focus on the spiritual truths that You are in control and that Your will prevails.
Guide us to be peacemakers, to love as You love, and to walk in humility and grace. Let us finish this year with hearts aligned to Your Word and lives that reflect Your glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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