Independent Civilization Means Civility

As I sit in my easy chair preparing to write this article it is in the setting of current events in America. A Republican congressman and police guards have been shot on a baseball field. The assailant was also shot and killed.

Into that backdrop would also go the hate and vitriolic speech of those who oppose the current president. Hollywood fires up their flowing by holding a fake bloody head in effigy of the President; or attacks his children or depicts him as the assassinated Julius Cesare. Some have suggested to a crowd to think about burning down the White House. Words have consequences.

Add to that, the bloodbath wars in the streets of our larger cities. Children having children or just raising themselves. Under reporting of the news or biased and unprovable news. Security leaks are also at an all time high as a means of undermining the current administration. The political left and right seem further apart and more vicious than ever; at least since the civil war. It is like Rachael having two nations in her womb. Vile or violent protests erupt in our streets. Scenes not witnessed since the turbulent 1960s.

So what does a true and biblical Christian do in the midst of all of this? First of all, pray for the nation. Paul admonished so the we can live peaceably.

Secondly, pray for yourself, especially if you need to repent for your spirit no matter your political position. Pray for the President. He needs much wisdom and humility. I am sure even his mother taught him from 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” God’s Word admonishes us about our speech to be “fitly spoken”.

Proper – Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pic-tures of silver.”

Wise- Proverbs 17:27 “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”

Edifying (building up)- Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Speaking the truth in Love- Ephesians 4:15 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Acceptable before God – Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” as well as so much more.

It is worth remembering that we are first citizens of Heaven before we are citizens of this great land of America.

As Americans our Constitution guarantees us the right to protest our government (Note the first Ammendment) in a civilized manner. Violence in words or deed are unacceptable. Unknown and unfounded accusations are patently wrong for a true Christian. The Bible refers to that as slander, gossip, lying and vile or evil speech (covered also under the “seven deadly sins” -Proverbs 6.) Opinions, (which are just that) are welcome, but the ballot box is the most powerful expression.

May the true and Biblical Christian this Independence day be a force to help restore civility back to our civilization.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

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