THE RAPID DECLINE OF LOVE: When Politics Become The Idols of the Christian's Heart

THIS IS FROM A PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON MEDIUM.

You may not agree with me on my political positions and I will not go into them too deeply, but I do hope that you will take a moment to listen as I break my own silence to share from my own perspective.

As I write this, our capitol is stormed by protesters attempting to overtake the capitol. This is the most surreal moment of the history of my life. Though I can’t say I didn’t see this coming, my heart is heavy.

My heart is disheartened by the behavior of Americans. Especially the church. Ones who stand up against this type of behavior when someone they don’t agree with does it. Justifying similar behavior for their own causes.

To every action, there is a consequence or a blessing. In this case we are reaping consequences.

“Americans, we are killing love.”

In the midst of standing up for democracy, protesting our election results, and arguing with the media, we have forgotten LOVE. Love of our fellow man. Love over hate. Love unattached from its own comforts. Love that rejoices with the truth and is not easily angered.

What force pushes us so far to abandon love?
FEAR.

For months we waited in anticipation of the election results. Both sides wanted their candidate to win, but when one side got what they wanted and the other did not, fear set in.

As Christians we have an absolute truth we stand on. The Word of God, the truth of our alien status here on earth, and our salvation from sin. There is nothing more we truly need. But yet, we act as if we have lost a loved one. We grieve the loss of a President and government to the point of depression and risk to our mental health. We mourn the loss of our personal sense of safety and control.

Why is this? How can one man: a president and one body of rule: a government, be so influential to the priorities of our hearts?

Keep reading…

THE DANGER OF IDOLS

We are tempted every day. It starts with an interest → becomes a desire → leads to a sin of idolatry. (James 1:14–15)

The definition of an idol is:

1. An object of extreme devotion.
2. a representation or symbol of an object of worship

And another definition I think hits the nail on the head (thank you Brad Bigney):

“An idol is anything or anyone that captures our hearts, minds, and affections more than God.”

That’s nice Rebekah, but what are you getting at? How does this have anything to do with what’s going on in our country right now?
Let’s look at some words/phrases that are familiar to you:

The Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The 2nd Amendment (Gun Rights)
The United States Flag
The Eagle
The Military
The Police and Law Enforcement
Patriot
Liberty

What emotion and feeling do these words invoke in you when you read them? A sense of Patriotism? Belonging? Proud to be American? Safety? Freedom of religion and to worship?

These are not inherently evil or wrong. It’s normal to have a sense of pride in what country you live in, were born in, or worked hard to be a citizen. I get it. I’m proud to be in this country too. I am thankful that I can worship freely in church on Sunday, but when does this admiration become dangerous?

. . .

I will tell you what I’ve been noticing over the last year.

I hear more about the Constitution, than the Word of God.
I hear more about the 2nd Amendment than living in peace with one another.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” -1 Timothy 2:1–2

I see flags and banners being waved, donned, and planted on cars, hats and merchandise. I see ichthus fish symbols and the US flag and the US flag inside crosses. I see eagles majestically plastered atop the US flag on t-shirts, websites, and social media.

Mere symbols of America and pride in America.

Right?….

Maybe not.

We are created to worship. We either worship Jesus Christ or we worship another god. While in the Old Testament and in history, we attribute in our minds idols and false gods to ancient statues, today idols still exist. What type of idols could we be worshipping today?

Maybe those flags, maybe those symbols, maybe what these stand for have become the object and affections of our worship. Just maybe.

EXPOSING THE IDOLS

How do we know if an idol has grabbed our heart’s affection?

When love can be restructured, reorganized, and justified to be removed from a person in exchange for standing up for a personal preference, ideal, or vision.
When the truth of the Word of God has ceased to be the ultimate source for our wisdom, truth, and relationship with Jesus.
When the outcome of politics in government, authorities, and policies is more important than the Gospel of Jesus Christ being our source of freedom, protection, and security.
When the foundations of our country are the fundamental guide to the way we live our life rather than the Word of God and our relationship with Jesus governing our hearts.
When what God says can be moved, altered, or justified to fit our societal’s desires.

Can you see how easily we all can slip into an idolatrous lifestyle? Even with things that are supposed to be considered good, normal, and sound like righteousness?

Scripture speaks so clearly on idolatry of the heart and what we are to do with it.

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” — Colossians 3:5

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:3–4

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” — Luke 6:35

We know internally what is right. We have lost our way and in that we are killing love which is our Lord’s commandment. Remember all the messages of America’s need of repentance coming from the prophetic voices? Maybe you didn’t hear that. You can find some of my own videos on this earlier this year. Repentance of America worship is exactly what God has been trying to tell His church because He cannot work with a church whose heart is divided and distracted from Him.

We do not have to be afraid no matter who is president, who is in control of government, because God ultimately has all things in His control. To fear shows that we do not understand love.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” -1 John 4:18

I go deeper with my perspective of love in beautiful legacy letters I have written and published in a book along with 11 other authors. It is currently in pre-sale for a limited time in a high quality premium special edition hard copy available for purchase now.

Love is a complicated word that can mean something different to different people, but has a very specific foundation and meaning that is being missed by many right now. I share more about this only in this book. GRAB YOUR COPY of this keepsake treasure before they run out!

To resurrect love again, we need to understand what it is at its deepest level.

If you liked this article, please consider giving a love/support offering to help me continue projects: