If MY People

Most of us are concerned for our country, and with good reason.

We often hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted, but have we read it carefully?

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Did you notice: this verse concentrates on what's wrong with God's people, not the rest of the country. It calls us to:

• humble ourselves
• pray
• seek God
• turn from our wicked ways

Unfortunately, we often spend more time complaining than doing the things listed above. That's why Scripture also reminds us:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Philippians 2:14-15  

It's not that we don't have things to complain about.  But as Children of God, complaining is not only one of our "wicked ways," it also wastes time we could be praying.
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Note: While 2 Chronicles 7:14 was written to Old Testament Israel, and we can't claim it as a promise for every country and every era in history, it still contains these principles which are always applicable. 

Bible Study:

1. Note our responsibility in the following passage. How faithful are you in prayer for those in government authority.

1 Timothy 2:1-4: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

2. What responsibility do we have to elected officials, even if we disagree with them politically? Do our words and attitudes show respect for their position even if we cannot respect their character? Remember that when these passages were written, the governments were quite corrupt.

1 Peter 2:17: Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 

Romans 13:7: Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 

copyright, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com