As I write this, I am coming off another rest week from the gym. I also took a break from writing and social media so that I could be still and shut out the noise of the world. Due to my brain injury, I can be easily distracted and have to consciously work on focusing on whatever I am doing or trying to pay attention to; I’ve got a reason to want to get away from this world’s distractions.
World events and the political landscape have become overwhelming for me, especially as a Christian who only bows before the altar of God. I have said it before and feel just as strongly about it now: I am shocked and disappointed with how many so-called Christians have acted in a way that willingly disobeys God and the faith they claim to believe to pursue earthly greatness, power, and wealth (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3-4).
Let me be clear: I’m not referring to those apostates of the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel; I am speaking about Bible-carrying mainland church Protestants who have lowered themselves to an earthly king for power and comfort instead of King Jesus.
If their idolatry and disobedience break my heart and make me want to scream as a sinner, I cannot imagine how it breaks a perfect God or disappoints Him whom they claim to love (Psalm 78:40-41, Ezekiel 6:9, Luke 19:41-42).
These are some of the things I pondered as I spent more time outside sitting and listening in the park/woods, just being in His presence. We don’t have to have our hands up to be in His presence.
Being “Present” has become a trendy thing to say these days, yet too many people don’t take the time to slow down and enjoy the present moments in life. They have become like the world, too distracted by pursuing greatness, wealth, or the next best thing they think will make them happy, instead of being like you, God.
Unfortunately, God’s people aren’t immune to being distracted and led astray by the things of this world. If it happened with Adam and Eve in the garden while they walked with God, how much easier is it for us who dwell on this fallen planet?
It is possible to know God and desire His will, but still not to be in His will or presence. I’m not just talking about “feeling” Him, but being disconnected due to our own doing, like Adam and Eve.
One day during my rest week, I noticed a branch with no leaves on a tree that was thriving and radiating in the sunlight. But that one branch stuck out because it was dead, while still being connected to the tree.
This happens because something inside that branch is corrupted and keeping it from getting the water and nutrients that it needs to live and bear fruit. Jesus warned His followers about those who don’t bear fruit (Luke 13:6-9, John 15:2).
Scripture is clear: dead branches are not God’s fault; Jesus is the living vine, and we are supposed to be branches that bear fruit (John 15:5). The fruit God’s people are to bear isn’t worldly success or earthly greatness; we are to bear fruit of the Spirit and further God’s Kingdom, not an earthly nation or our own platforms.
As God’s people, we cannot become too concerned or focused on the things of this world, which will all die and fade away sooner than later (Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17).
We will not stay connected to God if we’re trying to fit in or rule this fallen empire that God is going to destroy (2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 21:1). Believers, our connection to God must be stronger than our connection to this world and everything it offers if we still believe we belong to God.
While we currently live on earth, we are not home, just “passing through” as the old hymn goes (2 Corinthians 5:1-8, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 13:14, 1 Peter 2:11). The patriarchs of the faith and Saints of old knew we are here for a short time and focused on their eternal home (Hebrews 11:13-16). They weren’t out trying to acquire things or to rule any earthly kingdom like many apostates in the 21st-century church.
These apostates are more connected to the world than they are to the true vine. While on the journey, the patriarchs and saints understood the importance of staying connected to their Heavenly Father more than fitting in or ruling this fallen kingdom (Psalm 91:1-4, James 4:7-8, 1 Peter 5:8-9).
Right now, we may be able to “feel” God’s presence with us, but soon what was lost in that first paradise by the first Adam will be restored by the second Adam, and we will be physically in God’s presence in our eternal home, which is the promise of tomorrow (Luke 23:43, Revelation 21:1-22:21).
I have said it before, and I will say it again, “I have never been more homesick than I am now, with the way America and many in the church here have become.” I don’t know what breaks my heart more: knowing I am not home yet or watching many so-called Christians and church leaders who are more concerned with earthly greatness and temporary garbage that this world offers than they are about the things of God (Matthew 24:10-13, 37-39).
I’m not sure if I should cry or scream as I watch brothers and sisters put their hope into a power-hungry politician and earthly greatness more than they have into God, His commands, and our home in Heaven; that is our hallelujah!
How have they forgotten the history of God’s people in the Old Testament who poured themselves out to earthly rulers and idols out of their lust for temporary things and pleasure (Ezekiel 16:15-17; 20:30; 23:30, Hosea 9:1)?
We don’t need to be hopeless romantics to desire to be in the physical presence of the One we love the most. So why isn’t the 21st-century church more focused on God’s will and being in His presence?
