Be Aware of the Flaws on Your Side
Written by the And Campaign
There is no sin in joining a political party or finding a common cause with a specific political ideology. But, we must understand that our tribes are not perfect and be willing to challenge our side when it is out of step with our faith.
On the election journey, it's easy to become entangled in our own thoughts, anxieties, and desires based on the information we are consuming. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a sacred invitation from the psalmist in Psalm 139:23-24 to pause, to reflect, and to surrender to the refining touch of our Creator.
Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind. Invite God's presence to surround you as you reflect on these verses. Ask yourself:
Am I open to allowing God to search and know my heart, even the hidden parts?
Do I trust God enough to test and reveal my anxious thoughts?
Am I willing to confront any offensive ways within me, allowing God to lead me towards transformation?
How can I actively surrender to God's guidance in my daily life?
Here are some application tips:
Daily Examination: Incorporate a daily practice of self-examination and prayer into your routine. Set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on your thoughts, actions, and attitudes. Invite God to reveal areas in your life that need His refinement.
Journaling: Keep a journal where you record your reflections, prayers, and insights from your self-examination. Write down any areas where you sense God prompting you to change or grow.
Accountability: Share your journey of self-examination with a trusted friend, mentor, or spiritual advisor. Ask them to hold you accountable and provide guidance as you seek to align your life with God's will.
Prayerful Surrender: Practice the discipline of surrender in prayer. As you encounter challenges, uncertainties, or areas of weakness, surrender them to God. Trust in His wisdom and guidance to lead you in the way everlasting.
May we embrace the journey of self-examination with humility and courage, trusting in God's transformative power to shape us into vessels of His love and grace.
Resources
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt shows how moral judgments arise not from reason but from gut feelings. He shows why liberals, conservatives, and libertarians have such different intuitions about right and wrong, and he shows why each side is actually right about many of its central concerns.
Prayer of the Week
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. In Your divine presence, there is no need for pretense or hiding. You see us as we truly are, with all our strengths and weaknesses laid bare before You. In the quiet of this moment, reveal to us any areas of our hearts that are not aligned with Your will. Help us to confront these inner struggles with honesty and humility, knowing that You are faithful to forgive and heal.
"See if there is any offensive way in me," we pray, acknowledging our imperfections and shortcomings. May Your gentle conviction lead us to repentance and transformation, as we surrender our lives afresh to Your refining work.
Amen.