Author: Clayton Wheeler
For the past couple weeks, American cities have been bombarded by lawlessness, anger, and discord. “Peaceful” protests turned violent. Fires in the streets, injuries, assaulting officers, and the like. In recent years, American cities have suffered from riots fueled by hatred, blatant lies, blind rage, and the intentional division of We the People. Businesses have been burned, innocent people have been murdered in cold blood, including five individuals that donned badges and swore to uphold the Constitution; the People are more polarized than ever. In times like these, it is so easy to be swept away, one way or the other. I ask that you remember to do two things:
One, unite before God. No matter where you stand or what walk of life you’re experiencing, it is paramount that we not forget that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, that no matter what is happening in our beautiful country, or in the entire world, the most important thing is God. Run after Him at full speed, and when you come across people that are sitting along the way, extend an arm and welcome them. No matter their color, religious beliefs, or political view. If they refuse to take your hand, then pray for them. But if you ever stop running after God, you will lose sight of what really matters. If they grab your hand and refuse to run with you, but rather try to drag you down, pull back with all your strength, pray every prayer you know. Isaiah 40:29 “He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength.” Remember that you cannot run alone. Others will join you and run with you every step of the way. We have to help each other.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
• 1 Peter 4:8-10 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
• Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
• Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Two, remember to unite as Americans. There is no “Black America” or White America.” Racially or figuratively. Left or right, we’re all responsible for protecting what makes this country so great. Whether you agree with President-elect Trump or not, we all need to come together and focus not on our political agendas, but on improving the United States and preserving our liberties. We need to lay down our swords and stop trying to strike down all that oppose us. A house divided against itself cannot stand. A new leader and a new year both mean a new chance to cooperate with each other. This doesn’t mean there won’t be any arguing. Some people will continue to argue even when they’re objectively wrong. What I’m asking is that all Americans that read this find some common ground to fight for, and to be open-minded. Times like these are not times for bullying one another. Listen carefully to each other, accept truth (yes, even if it doesn’t support your political views), and above all, love each other. Live for one another’s good. God bless!
