By David Ettinger
I Suppose …
I suppose during these riotous and chaotic times Christians can fill their social media pages with conspiracy theories and hatred aimed at liberal politicians.

I suppose Christians can label as “evil” everyone who sincerely proposes we wear masks in public, refrain from attending church in large numbers, and keep schools closed until the end of the year just to be extra cautious. It’s okay to object to these things, but not to vilify those with right motives.
And I suppose Christians can excuse themselves from acting in a Christlike manner because of these exceptional times. I mean, So many unbelievers are so far off in their thinking that telling them about Jesus can wait; we need to straighten their thinking out on this whole Covid-19 thing – not to mention the civil unrest!
What We Should Ask Ourselves
Or, of course, Christians can choose to put the politics, conspiracy theories, and demonizing conflicting thinkers aside and resolve to be peacemakers. In fact, there’s a verse on this. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
I’d much rather be known as a peacemaker than constantly contending with mask-wearing adherents and those who are supporting the “wrong” presidential candidate.
I’m not much a proponent of those bumper stickers and t-shirts which say, “WWJD” – “What Would Jesus Do.” The Christian walk is more involved than that, but I do think Christians should ask themselves, “What would Jesus have me do?”

And especially in these unsettling times, Christians really should ask: “Lord, these are dangerous days, what can I as Your child do to bring good to the world and not contribute to the chaos?”
It’s a great question, and there is an answer to it – in fact, several answers.
Our Mandate
The answer, or answers, is not hard to find, as they are clearly presented in Scripture and serve as the mandate for every believer. So, to the question, “Lord, what can I as Your child do to bring good to the world and not contribute to the chaos?” here are a few answers.
To help bring good to the world, we should …
1. “… not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
2. “… clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

3. Remember that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
4. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
5. “… love [our] enemies and pray for those who persecute [us]” (Matthew 5:44).
When’s the last time you prayed for far-left liberal politicians (the “Squad” comes to mind), or those participating in the violent protesting? I’d much rather see them saved than voted out of office or imprisoned.
Peacekeepers in the Chaos
Practically speaking, I think the above five commands – and there are more – is how the Lord would have us react to the chaos. Yes, we can condemn “the other side,” but that does nothing to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acting Christlike, however – being peacekeepers in the chaos – will go much further to bring civility to our society, and who knows, such peacekeeping behavior may even lead an unbeliever or two “to [cross] over from death to life” (John 5:24)!
Lisa Beth
July 29, 2020
Good post David! I’m even wondering about “the other side”. What if believers took no side but God’s side, even as “The Commander of the Lord’s Army”?
Not sure if that’s possible but could be spiritually profitable.
Press on brother!
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
Amen. Well said, Lisa Beth!
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seekingdivineperspective
July 29, 2020
To answer your question: last night. I pray daily for those in leadership, both the believers and non-believers. I pray that those who oppose God would have their hearts changed, or if that’s not going to happen, that they be removed from office. And until they are, may they be so outnumbered they won’t be able to accomplish any of the evil they set out to do.
I pray every morning for the mind of Christ, that my priorities would be identical to His. As important as politics is, salvation is so much more important, because it is eternal. I don’t want my political views to alienate someone that I might otherwise introduce to Jesus. (Once they know Him, I’ll let Him deal with their politics. 😉 )
I know I’ve said it before, but I’m at an age where I repeat myself:
Soon each of us is going to stand before God and learn where we’re going to spend eternity, and I GUARANTEE you not one of us is going to care at that moment who was wearing a mask and who wasn’t, who won the Presidential election, or which lives matter to the mainstream media. – YOUR life matters to GOD, that’s all you need to know. 😉
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
So well said! If only more believers had this attitude and mindset!
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seekingdivineperspective
July 29, 2020
LOL, it only took me 60+ years to get here.
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vicklea
July 29, 2020
Thought-provoking
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
Thank you, Vickie.
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Nina
July 29, 2020
Just got my hands slapped. I had shared a post on fb yesterday and this morning had a comment on it from a 2nd cousin that I let get to me. I fired off a response, but after a moment, I just deleted the entire post. Then the Lord led me here. Ouch. And thank you.
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
Thanks for sharing, Nina. It’s always a challenge, but praise God we can learn from our mistakes and move on. I just try to keep focused on the Gospel and not get too caught up in anything secondary.
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Nina
July 29, 2020
That’s what I’m being told to do, too. 🙂
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The Son Of God
July 29, 2020
Speaking peace ✌ Good post David!
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
Thank you.
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Sonrisa (Crissy)
July 29, 2020
Well said David.
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dettinger47
July 29, 2020
Thank you, Crissy.
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heavensreef
July 30, 2020
I love all the scripture here and I am in agreement…..may we be peacekeepers and the light right now in this very dark world!!!
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bigskybuckeye
July 30, 2020
David, I appreciate your thoughts about living each day as peacemakers with our thoughts, words, and actions grounded in the Gospel. I grow weary with the rhetoric on both sides of the street.
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dettinger47
July 30, 2020
Precisely. Same here!
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