Want To Change The World? Go Home And Love Your Family

How can you and I help change our country - and the world?

Well, did you vote? Are you happy with the results? Worried? Mad? Are you involved in the direction our country is heading, or do you just sit back and complain about it?

Voting is a responsibility, and it’s one of the ways we contribute to the direction of our country. But regardless of who wins, shouldn’t we all want some of the same basic things?

THE COUNTRY’S PRIORITIES

I’m just a regular guy, but some priorities that I see are a safe country, peace and stability, the freedom to worship God and raise our families, and a place where people can afford housing, groceries, and healthcare.

Where hardworking people can earn enough to live, provide for their families, and save for retirement. Where businesses can succeed, create jobs, and provide opportunities for others. And where we protect the vulnerable, including unborn children.

CRAZY LAWS

Yet things can get pretty crazy! Look at Virginia’s recent vote expanding constitutional abortion protections, including certain late-term abortions up to birth. For those of us who believe unborn lives deserve protection, that’s deeply troubling.

THE PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

So what do we do?

Mother Teresa is often credited with saying, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Although those exact words haven’t been verified, they reflect something she taught.

I’ve been reading through Ezekiel, and God had this poor prophet doing some pretty crazy stuff! Lying on his side for hundreds of days, shaving his head, and acting out Jerusalem’s coming destruction. Why?

Because God’s people had stopped listening. Are you listening to God? Are our leaders listening to Him? What’s interesting is that God wasn’t just concerned about Israel’s enemies or political leaders. He was concerned about the hearts of His own people.

In Ezekiel 36:26, God says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you.” (NCV)

FOUNDATIONAL CHANGE

God wasn’t simply interested in changing their circumstances. He wanted to change the hearts of the people. If the heart is right, the life is right. And maybe that’s where we need to begin.

Maybe we just pray! Pray for our president, Congress, and leaders, whether we voted for them or not. Ask God to hold our country accountable, but begin by asking Him to hold you and me accountable.

We should be the light. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine so others would see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. So shine like you’ve never shined before!

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Each of us should work to make our country better. Support your employer and help them succeed. Employers, treat your people well. Pay fairly, provide opportunities, and help people build a future.

Employees, work hard, be honest, and contribute to the success of your organization. We all have a part to play. Honor God in all that we do. Speak up for what’s right. Defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Bow down before Almighty God, not a political party. Love your neighbor, even the one with the political sign in the yard you can’t stand! And then go home and love your family. Love your spouse. Spend time with your children and grandchildren. Forgive someone. Make that phone call. Apologize when you’re wrong. Listen more and criticize less.

You can’t go wrong doing the right thing. And the right thing is honoring God, serving, and loving others.

TRUST GOD - HE CONTROLS IT ALL

And through all of this, trust God. He’s still sovereign. He’s still on His throne.

Maybe changing America doesn’t begin with changing who’s in Washington. Maybe it begins with trusting God to change you, me, and our leaders.

LORD, forgive us for worrying about our country while neglecting our own hearts and failing to love others as ourselves. Hold us accountable. Help us stand for truth, protect the vulnerable, work hard, love our neighbors, and love our families. Give us courage to speak up, humility to bow down, and faith to trust You regardless of who’s in power. Please help us shine like we’ve never shined before. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. ♥️

(Camping at Yellowstone)