TWO AT THE SAME TIME

My schedule has been very full lately. On some days, I have opportunities to be at several different events, gatherings, or parties at the same time. I have even been asked to preach or do ministry at two different places at the same time. I know that others might think that I that I could do it. But I can’t; I don’t have multiple personalities and, dare I say it, it’s impossible for me to be in two places at once!

It can be tough to choose, because our decisions can affect other people and we want to make wise choices.

But what really bothers me is when someone pleads their case as to why I should attend their gathering by stating something that alludes that to miss it, I would be missing the very will of God for my life. Really; is it God’s will that I try join both parties at the same time?

No. That isn’t the will of God for my life; He said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (See Matthew 11:30) And it doesn’t take me long to realize that it can’t possibly be the will of God for me to try to attend several events at the same time; I simply need to make a decision and attend one. And then, if I choose, join one of them…or neither, if I choose, and I can stay home; it’s really my choice.

Today I found myself pursued by two more people who each felt that it was in my best interest to join their party; to come to their gathering. Perhaps they even invited you to attend each of their parties at the same time; their names are Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

And, what really bothers me is that each of them is trying to convince me that he have the best party to come to and his will be the best, while telling me why the other’s party will be lame.  Each of them pleads his case as to why I should attend his gathering by stating something that alludes that to miss it, I would be missing the very will of God for my life. Really; is it God’s will that I try join both parties at the same time?

No. That isn’t the will of God for my life; He said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (See Matthew 11:30) And it doesn’t take me long to realize at it can’t possibly be the will of God for me to try to join both parties; I simply need to make a decision...

Or, if I choose, I can stay home and “doing nothing”; which I know is impossible because as a Christian I must respond. What should I do? The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said;

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Paul is exhorting me to not be silent before God as to what He would want me do, but more importantly Paul is saying that I have a responsibility to pray for them, no matter what party they are in and then, if I choose, vote for one of them…or neither; it’s really my choice.

It can be tough to choose, because our decisions could affect other people and we want to make wise choices.

In 1 Chronicles 21 in the Bible, we read about King David having to make a very difficult decision due to his sin. He was given three different types of punishment that would happen to his country. I love David’s decision. He said in verse three “I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

David was saying; “Lord, You choose what is best because You alone know what is best for our country.”

This week as we prepare to cast our vote to choose who will be the next President of the United States or America, let’s keep that posture in mind as we seek the will of the Father for our country as to what He thinks is best and as we pray for those who serve as leaders. Remember, there is more to this life than what we are currently living.

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."