As we start or continue this earthly journey, focus on your better self, the one that witnesses who you are in Christ. Gaining that clarity is more important than arguing about godless ideas and old wives' tales that are out of order. “Avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness” (2 Tim. 2:16). Practice decency and order and you will not substantiate godless ideas.
Racism is a godless idea that serves no purpose except to cause trouble by creating animosity and breeding strife. Laughing at racist jokes or giving tacit approval by not saying anything is not decent and leads to community disorder. Making religious liberty an American Culture War is a godless idea that lacks understanding of God’s gift of free will which God presented to the founders for inclusion in the Constitution of the United States. Join me and let us break bread as we reason together! We need to believe that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:33).
A Christian knows the Lord said love your neighbor and put the interests of others above yours. With profound godliness, there is no time for godless ideas and old wives’ tales. The Lord’s Spirit rests on those who judge the poor with righteousness and ensure equitable resources for the needy. What the eyes see and the ears hear is not always honorable. Embrace the Lord’s Way and gain a new understanding of godless ideas and old wives’ tales. To overcome what is and develop a viable plan, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). Seek out those who live according to the Spirit. They are trying to educate and build up the family, church, community, and country. They are not the ones creating divisions that are not congruent with God’s Word. They are not the ones dominating news headlines and being ill-mannered and unruly.
God says hate what is evil and cling to what is right, so, be fully confident in what you believe. It takes discipline to consistently follow the Lord’s Way and consider the needs of others. When the storm rages, will you stand for godliness or carry more godless ideas into a hurting world?
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6). Do not be like the brood of vipers, who scarcely said anything good about anyone except their corrupt friends and partners in crime. Let us work to create a world where the wolf plays with the lamb and the cow grazes with the bear. A child can lead in that world because no one deliberately desires to inflict harm or make excuses for killing anyone, especially women and children. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, use its power to destroy deceitful spirits.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
