This week millions of Americans came together to watch the 2024 State Of The Union speech by Pres. Biden. I had no plans of watching it, because I knew there would be a disgraceful clown show.
I honestly hate politics and try to focus on serving and pleasing God over man and myself (Proverbs 16:7.) However, my plans changed as I felt led to watch the president’s speech.
I have heard conflicting opinions about the president’s speech; my view is from a spiritual lens more than a political lens. My impression of the president and leader of the opposing political party surprised me more than it will others.
- Knowledgeable
- Compassionate
- Humble
His demeanor was a stark contrast to that of the supposed conservative party. The GOP members present were disruptive, disrespectful, and blatantly violated the State of the Union dress guidelines, despite the pleas of the assumed conservative speaker of the House’s requests.
It’s no coincidence the same people who interrupted, recently elected an unhinged convicted criminal to be the party’s candidate for president. The pride, greed, selfishness, and disrespect only reveal just how evil the party has become.
Evil
Christian nationalism has nothing to do with Christianity; it is a religious attempt to be like the evil world. We live in a fallen and evil world. It’s a world that values temporary pleasures and earthly greatness over the goodness of God and His ways.
Of course, God’s people are commanded to be different than the cursed and corrupt world we live in (Deuteronomy 14:2, John 17:15-18, 1 Peter 2:9.) God’s people do not get to follow the evil ways of the world and still go to heaven.
Jesus warned His followers not to be like the world or to pursue the evil things of it (Matthew 6:24; 7:13, John 8:12.) Jesus warned his followers to not be like the Pharisees who pursued earthly power and greatness (Matthew 5:20.)
The Apostle Paul warned the early church to fight against evil and not have anything to do with it (Ephesians 5:11; 6:10, Philippians 2:3.) The Apostle understood the dangers of playing with evil.
Ra’
He also remembered his Jewish upbringing and the Jewish beliefs about the evil of this world (Genesis 6:5; 19:24, Psalm 5:4 Proverbs 10:4, Isaiah 64:5-6.)
The Hebrew word for evil in Judaism is Ra’ and it also means wicked, mischief, trouble, and bad. Ra’ is the opposite of the goodness of God. Opposites push each other away like magnets with opposite poles.
God’s kingdom can only be expanded by doing good because good pushes evil away. That is why Judaism teaches us to do good deeds. Below are good deeds found in the Mitzvah.
- Self-restraint
- Feeding the hungry
- Sheltering those in need
- Advocating for the poor
- Pursuing justice
- Helping the elderly or disabled
- Studying the Torah
When God’s people fail to do good evil spreads. Jesus said we are the salt that prevents decay (Matthew 5:15.) The early church emphasized the need to take care of others (Matthew 25:31-46, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 2:4.)
The story of the Good Samaritan shows how even God’s people can do evil and go the wrong way (Luke 10:25-37.)
Wrong
The Bible is clear, when we don’t do what is right according to God, we are wrong and sin (Luke 12:47, James 4:17.) To whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48.)
God has not blessed America for our own good, He has blessed us to do good (Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:10.) Jesus said the greatest in His kingdom will serve all (Matthew 23:11.)
As we continue to celebrate Lent, we are reminded to live the right way and not follow the wrong ways of this world. The greatest threat to the Kingdom of God isn’t the evil in the world; it’s the evil within the people of God That has led them astray.
- Greed
- Pride
- Deception
Jesus warned His followers that there would be wolves and snakes in the church who would lead God’s people astray (Matthew 7:15-20; 24:24.) The Christian nationalism that has been championed by Maga has led millions the wrong way. All of their deception is Ra’!
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