Reading, seeing, or hearing the news appears to lead to one logical conclusion: God is not involved in the world. But is the conclusion valid?
Many of America’s founding fathers had different ideas about God’s involvement than do present-day Christians. Deism was a popular philosophy, viewing God as the master clock winder who created but who then kicked back and is watching his masterpiece wind down.
“Deism was a philosophical belief that was widely accepted by the colonial intelligentsia at the time of the American Revolution. Its major tenets included belief…in a supreme deity who created the universe…(but) removed himself entirely from the universe after creating it.” (The Christian Nation Myth, 1999)
The Bible, however, presents a radically different picture. “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23 NLT).
To ignore God’s involvement in world and personal affairs means discarding most of the Bible’s message. The Old Testament is the story of God’s participation in the life of Israel. He was responsible for their victories over enemies and for punishing them when they went astray.
The New Testament story is similar. Jesus—the earthly representation of God—continually involved himself in other’s affairs…healing, raising the dead, forgiving sins, giving encouragement, predicting coming destruction.
God is involved in world affairs. Daniel wrote, “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings” (Daniel 2:21). Peter said, “But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed (Acts 2:23).
God sees the entire world parade and directs events according to his purposed or permitted plan. Our responsibility is to pray for those in power that they would seek God’s wisdom. Beyond this, we should be good citizens by obeying the laws and being involved in our local, national, and world affairs. God’s involvement in world affairs is often carried out through people.
How are you helping God direct local and world affairs?
Photo by Timo Wielink on Unsplash
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