We are living in some wild and crazy times, and we all know it. I haven’t spoken with anyone in the last 6 months who thinks otherwise. It also seems that we are all asking the same question: How are we supposed to live with everything going on?
We have heard a load of answers to this question from all kinds of different voices. (Some are better than others.) As a Christian pastor, I am convinced, however, that the only voice Christians should listen to is that of God, which we find in the Bible.
The Apostle Peter, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us some really helpful instruction in his first letter on how we are to live at all times, but especially during those times of great uncertainty and confusion. I have identified 7 particular things we should be doing right now. Here they are.
1. Trust the Lord Jesus with Our Lives (1 Peter 1:3-12) – The first and most important thing any Christian must do is to trust the Lord Jesus with his or her life implicitly. Our initial response of faith to his grace and love must continue to grow into the life-sustaining quality of our lives as we live with him daily.
2. Live Holy Lives in Obedience to Jesus (1 Peter 1:13-21) – After responding to God’s grace by faith, we must follow him in repentance and obedience, which means we live authentically good and moral lives as Jesus lived on earth. There is never an excuse for sin.
3. March to the Rhythm of Brotherly Love (1 Peter 1:22-25) – The result of our new birth and obedience to Christ is love for one another. The Word of God makes us more loving so that our lives are actually marked by a growing concern for other people, regardless of any and all historical, cultural, or societal distinctions.
4. Embrace Our Identity as Members of the Church (1 Peter 2:1-12) – When we trust Jesus with our lives, we automatically become a member of God’s people, his church. We become part of his chosen people, his royal priesthood, his holy nation. Do not take it for granted. Embrace the church and all those who are members of it as a result of their profession of faith in Christ.
5. Emphasize the Biblical Understanding of the Nuclear Family (1 Peter 3:1-8) – God gave a wonderful gift to the world when he created in the nuclear family. It is the building block of all human society. It is the place where husbands and wives become one and children are taught how to love others and respect authority. When cherished and maintained properly, it is the place where we feel most loved in this life.
6. Steward God’s Grace and Suffer Well (1 Peter 4) – You will suffer at some point, if you have not already done so. The challenge you and I have while suffering is keeping faith in God and continuing to give grace to ourselves and others. Giving grace makes us more gracious and faithful in the midst of our trials.
7. Care for One Another and Be on Your Guard (1 Peter 5) – It’s a tough world and there are a lot of enemies of Christ wandering around it. They will challenge our faith, attempt to distract us from following Jesus, and lead us toward temptation. We have to be on our guard when they come toward us and be responsible to care for one another when they attack our fellow members of the family of God.
Put these things into action, and I assure you that you will have peace and clarity in the midst of all the confusion. This is true regardless of whether or not the election goes the way you want it to go. Have a great day!