The thrill of righteousness

By Josh Reighley on December 15, 2005 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ()

I have been noticing my political convictions weakening over the last several months. I am not sure what all of the factors are that contribute to this mellowing.

I suspect that it has something to do with Hebrews 12:1-3 Becoming a driving force in my life. Politics are a distraction. Even if the correct folks won every policy debate, this world would still be entangled in turmoil.

I believe that each of us have a risk tolerance in each area of our life. In finances, in relationships, in our health, etc. We tend to engage in every activity until the consequences become too scary. We are going to find a way to live on our edge. Politics and policies can change the consequences, but it doesn't really change the nature of the human. People are still going live dangerously, and they are still going to occasionally pay for their brinksmanship.

Christ paid the penalty for the sins of those who trust in him. This means you no longer have to be defined by the person who you have been, and the things you have done. Your debts have been paid, and you are no longer a slave to the tangled web that you have woven over the course of your life. See 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. You are a new creation, the old has gone, and the new has come!

The cool thing about faith we can experience the same risk, but with a much better consequence. For some people, staying sober feels like stepping off the ledge, and falling into the great unknown. Others may get this feeling from giving up the materialistic drive that defines them. Still others will get this adventure by putting their family in front of work on their priority list. Giving up any selfish priority in your life is an adventure, and God is inviting you to set out on that adventure. He is there to guide you and encourage you. One step at a time. Each step of obedience is an adventure, with all of the risk and reward that your spirit longs for. While we where once slaves to sin, we are now slaves to righteousness. See Romans 6:17-18

Why do we invest so much energy arguing about where the boundaries need to be? It doesn't matter where the boundaries are, people will test them, and people will be hurt by their risky lifestyle. Our endorsement or opposition of political solutions, often undermines our testimony regarding the true solution, which comes through reconciliation with God, one changed heart at a time.

Comments

I have been noticing my political convictions weakening over the last several months. I am not sure what all of the factors are that contribute to this mellowing. I suspect that it has something to do with Hebrews 12:1-3 Becoming a driving force in my life. Politics are a distraction. Even if the correct folks won every policy debate, this world would still be entangled in turmoil. I believe that each of us have a risk tolerance in each area of our life. In finances, in relationships, in our health, etc. We tend to engage in every activity until the consequences become too scary. We are going to find a way to live on our edge. Politics and policies can change the consequences, but it doesn't really change the nature of the human. People are still going live dangerously, and they are still going to occasionally pay for their brinksmanship. Christ paid the penalty for the sins of those who trust in him. This means you no longer have to be defined by the person who you have been, and the things you have done. Your debts have been paid, and you are no longer a slave to the tangled web that you have woven over the course of your life. See 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. You are a new creation, the old has gone, and the new has come! The cool thing about faith we can experience the same risk, but with a much better consequence. For some people, staying sober feels like stepping off the ledge, and falling into the great unknown. Others may get this feeling from giving up the materialistic drive that defines them. Still others will get this adventure by putting their family in front of work on their priority list. Giving up any selfish priority in your life is an adventure, and God is inviting you to set out on that adventure. He is there to guide you and encourage you. One step at a time. Each step of obedience is an adventure, with all of the risk and reward that your spirit longs for. While we where once slaves to sin, we are now slaves to righteousness. See Romans 6:17-18 Why do we invest so much energy arguing about where the boundaries need to be? It doesn't matter where the boundaries are, people will test them, and people will be hurt by their risky lifestyle. Our endorsement or opposition of political solutions, often undermines our testimony regarding the true solution, which comes through reconciliation with God, one changed heart at a time.