Saved Without Regrets

In North Carolina, probably in other parts of this nation as well, we approach the period of the “Primary Elections”. If you watch television (which I am trying to decrease everyday) you may see the various advertisements/endorsements for candidates. The one phrase that unfortunately I hear much too often is, “I will fight like hell!”

As a Christian, I do know and understand that there were a number of times that fighting took place as recorded in the Holy Bible. What disturbs me about the aforementioned phrase, particularly when used by believers or people who profess to be believers is the association with “hell”. One may think that oh, it’s just a figure of speech or the person just feels strongly about their cause. Too many times words are used to “paint a picture” of what a person truly means. I don’t know about you, but I know that I don’t what to be connected to hell in any way, shape or form. God’s word tells us,

27Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:27-30

So thinking about those who desire to “serve in congress” I specifically call attention to verse 27. As a believer, I want someone in congress that recognizes that their purpose in “representing me” as a voting citizen is for the Lord. So that everything that the elected official does is done for His Glory which will impact my well being because of Him. I do pray that when election time comes, I will choose wisely. I certainly am not inclined to cast my ballot for anyone who favors that overused phrase. I can only hope that the individual will demonstrate that they are a believer by their actions and their tongue.

I leave you with this last thought, if you look up the word hell (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hell), you can see that by definition there is nothing God like or Christian about the word. As a matter of fact, Merriam-Webster even lists the words “Heaven and Kingdom come” as antonyms or opposites of the word hell. Now, what does that tell you? Are there differences of opinions about so many things that happen in this world? Absolutely! Think about your choice of words. No matter what the situation is when you want to advocate for something that you are passionate about or needs to be brought forth, please reflect on the following verse:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/10-23.htm

Grace & Peace