Who Governs You?
There is a common misconception that Jesus governs this world, He doesn’t (Matt. 4:8-9, Jn. 12:31). Look around. Does it look like the capital cities are governed by God? What about the war-torn countries, the dangerous and chaotic streets, the lawlessness, and poverty? Sounds more like a place where man rules. Greedy politicians and pompous leaders rule this world and carry themselves as the complete opposite of Jesus Christ. Jesus brings peace and love through servanthood and while there are traces of that in this world, our cultures and societies have been built upon everything but. The universe indeed belongs to the LORD, He is the Creator of all things but on this bad earth, His government is yet to be established.
“Are you afraid?” I asked our four-year-old daughter. There are bullies at her school, a church school no less. She has been physically pushed, by two girls in particular, on multiple occasions. “No.” she scoffed as if to say, “Are you kidding me?” “Good, babe,” I said “Because we don't fear. And why don't we fear?” “Because God hasn't given us the spirit of fear,” she answered. “But of power, love, and a sound mind!” we said in unison while doing the hand motions. “That's my girl!” I said as I gave her a great big hug. Between the two bullies, she has been pushed three times that I know of, and at no point has she retaliated. I praised her for that. It takes a mighty strong person with lots of self-control to be physically assaulted and not retaliate. Tensley and I taught her to turn the other cheek, just like Jesus (Matt. 5:38-42). She is heeding what she has been taught from God’s Word, I’m super proud and I know he is too.
On another occasion, she came home and told me that one of the bullies called her weird. “Obviously this person wishes she could be as weird as you are,” I said to her. “Trust me, weird isn’t bad, weird is different, and different is good. But look…” I said, pulling her closer… “it’s deeper than that. Clearly, this person is letting the devil use them, but God is allowing it, to see where you are. Yes, at four years old He wants to see to whom Charlotte Penelope Brandon belongs. We've been calling you Gods girl since you were born but is that really who you are? Do you go with what you feel like doing or do you let the Holy Spirit within you govern your actions?”
Jesus was bullied. He was attacked, insulted, demeaned, persecuted and yet He never retaliated. His life was a demonstration of patiently bearing the offenses of the enemy. Christians are not to be doormats to others but know that attacks and insults are par for the course. Retaliation is not an option because vengeance belongs to God, He will repay (Rom. 12:19). There is so much more than what meets the eye when we face opposition in this world. God allows difficult circumstances so to shape our character. He wants to see how we respond to trials. Do we fall for Satan’s traps or do we carry ourselves like the epitome of grace, Jesus Christ?
We are called to be righteous and holy, set apart from this world. This life is basic training for eternity. God is watching and He is taking note (Rev. 20:12). He is paying close attention to the believer who can control themselves in the toughest of situations. Though we live in this world, we don’t have to be of it (Ephes. 2:2, Rom. 12:2). “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth” (Jn. 17:16). Jesus can rule and reign in our lives right now, He can govern our lives even now. Young or old, we can live our lives in the same pattern as Jesus Christ. Through His Word, we can be set apart. Read it, listen to it, and study it. He will set us apart from the corruption of this world for His own purpose. His Holy Spirit will guide our thoughts, actions, and emotions. We will have the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
“For unto us, a Child is born, unto us, a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, from that time forward, even forever” (Isa. 9:6-7). One day, Jesus will put an end to the way of this world and when He does, He is going to need people He can trust, people who are already governed by Him. Who governs you?
