The Bible’s instructions for leading right now

Maurie Daigneau July 2, 2020

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The Bible tells us that a person's manner of living is a reflection of the way he or she thinks (see Prov. 23:7). It also tells us that people "are slaves of the one whom [they] obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience, resulting in righteousness" (Rom. 6:16).

So, how are we answering the questions we're all getting these days? Questions such as: Why is this happening in our country? Or, what has happened to the upholders of our rule of law? Or, how can any of this— the virus, the civil unrest, the loss of businesses, employment, and the additional loss of innocent lives—be for our anyone's good (Rom. 8:28)?

Well, let's step back for a minute. Our guidebook resets our perspective:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
—James 1:2-3

It also tells us that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19). But wait a minute, isn't the United States an exception to that reality?
It is the realization that our country is not an exception to that reality (albeit it never has been) that frightens us more than anything. Over the recent few decades or so, we've been able to keep the kettle from boiling over. But that is frighteningly no longer the case.

The kettle has boiled over, right now, in our precious USA. What should we Christians be saying to those who are desperately searching for direction? Or to those who are trying to figure out what side of the issues they should be on?

If there was ever a time (it's always the time) for us to be purposing to take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5b), it most assuredly is now.

It is not wrong to care about and love our country. It is the place where we live. But, in this moment, how helpful might it be if we were to remember where our true citizenship is?

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
—Phil. 3:18

For [we] have died and [our] life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
—Col. 3:3-4

We wake up every morning reminded that we're in the United States. But what we must embrace as the absolute reality is that though we are still in it, we haven't been "of it" since the day we accepted Christ (see John 17:14-16).

So why should we be counting this trial as a joy? Because of the opportunity it presents to be a reflection of the glory of our Lord in all that we do or say, especially at a time like this. That is, if the Lord Jesus Christ is in us—"unless indeed [we] fail the test" (2 Cor. 13:5).

We are all at different places on this firing line. Some closer to the difficulties than others. But our mandate as true children of God—especially as leaders of those children of God—is exactly the same no matter where or who we are.

Regarding any personal interaction we might have—especially with anyone whose current stance and/or actions we are not inclined to support—we should proceed as follows:

Do nothing with selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also the interests of others.
—Phil. 2:3-4

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
—Col. 4:6

We cannot dismiss the charges, though we may not be personally guilty of them. But we can embrace the opportunity they present.
Right now, it is about a collective who are hurting and angry. Let's do everything we can to let them see and hear the One in whom we endeavor to live every day.

He is the very One who said: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6a). Let's show them the way of His thinking.

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Maurie Daigneau is a retired business owner/entrepreneur and author of the newly-published book The Gospel You've Never Heard: An Understanding That Will Change Your Life. He has been in a personal relationship with the Lord for more than 50 years, and has committed the balance of his days to sharing the lessons he has learned from the only One any of us is to call “Teacher.” Maurie and his wife, Susie, raised five children of their own and are now the proud grandparents of 13. Learn More »

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