In a disturbing story published by UK Yahoo News! on October 15 titled, "Runners at Chicago Marathon Energized by Creative ‘Punch Trump’ Sign," the following was reported:
Runners in the Chicago Marathon were met with an unconventional form of encouragement over the weekend, as a spectator held out a sign reading “PUNCH TRUMP” above a small, puffy effigy of the president.
Footage captured by Ambrosia Maddox shows athletes playfully punching the face dangling from the sign as they passed through the Lakeview neighborhood on Sunday, October 12.
“I was cheering people on at the Chicago Marathon in the Lakeview neighborhood and I filmed a few seconds of the runners as they interacted with the ‘PUNCH TRUMP’ sign being held out by a fellow spectator,” Maddox told Storyful.
And while this type of behavior is growing more and more acceptable, it has absolutely no place in the life of a true believer. You see, we are commanded (this is not a suggestion) to petition and intercede on behalf of, and pray “for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This means, no matter where a believers political affiliation lies, they must refrain from this type of conduct—no matter how funny or innocent it might seem—especially in public.
“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.” Daniel 2:21 NKJV
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4 NIV
You see, at the end of the day, we must acknowledge that God is in charge of all worldly events as He alone changes the time and the seasons. He also has supreme authority over who serves in office and who doesn’t—as He removes kings and raises up kings to accomplish His will (irregardless of what our will might be). The wisdom and knowledge to undertand this is given to all those who are wise and trust in God with their whole hearts, and is what sets up apart from those who show they are at enmity with God by their refusal to obey the commands He has set forth—seemingly shaking their fist at the Creator of the universe because they don’t agree with His choice of leadership.
And whether a person wants to believe it or not, when we fervently petition and pray for all people and those in authority to adhere to God’s will, we are praying that they make decisions that will benefit all those they represent—decisions that will help to allow believers to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This is something no amount of punching, arguing, backbiting, and hating will ever do. That type of behavior just further divides a nation and eventually leads to its downfall.
So, if you’re a ‘believer’ and not praying for kings and all those in authority today, why are you following the patterns of the world my friend? Choose to obey the Lord and intercede on behalf of all people, all leaders and our nation as a whole. Can you just imagine what would happen if we all did that? It would be amazing that’s for sure!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we aren’t to act like the world in our speech, attitude, or deeds. Help us to be set apart by the way we pray and focus on bringing people to Christ through our intercessions. Help us to be salt and light in this dark and dying world Lord that we might be known as true believers and friends of God. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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