Becoming Subversive

by Aug 5, 2016Devotional3 comments

Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

      After listening to different interviews of the radically changed people who have chosen to join a religious movement that justifies the slaughter of whoever seems to be in their way, I can see a pattern taking place. What these so-called self-proclaimed subversives seem to be is DUMB: disillusioned, unemployed, manipulated, and bereft of compassion. There is nothing subversive about them. They are just lost in mind and heart. 
      They claim to be a new movement that will change the world by making it uninhabitable. Go figure, a mob mentality breaking everything that does not meet their shallow criteria. Isa. 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. We have heard it all before throughout history and will hear it again in the future. Eccl. 1:9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. There is nothing subversive here. There is only a lonely hearts club looking for some kind of identity through a tantrum and ignorant violence.
      If you want subversive look no farther then Jesus who taught us to love our enemies, pray for our persecutors, and do good to our neighbors who sometimes hate us. Now that is subversive. Totally contrary to what the world system says is normal. Matt. 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. 
      Anybody can hurt another person, but it takes fortitude and faith to do good to those who are doing what is wrong to our loved ones and ourselves. Anyone can lash out at another person and break their hearts, but it takes true character to reach out and heal the brokenhearted. 
      The bible teaches us to be a life force in this world. As Christians, we are challenged to be different and do things like intercede in prayer for our government members. 1 Tim. 2:2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 
      We are exhorted to pay our taxes and take care of the less fortunate in life. Rom. 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. We are asked to fight for the rights of the downtrodden. Prov. 31:8  Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Now that is a subversive revolution.
      Jesus and His apostles, plus Paul and the leaders he raised, were under Roman occupation and the harsh rules that came from that empire. This was a brutal time in history and yet with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they were able to change the known world by being a loving voice and a positive action of real change. They were all at some point accused of being a subversive group and yet they changed history and civilization with grace and love. 
      God’s ways are not the ways of humanity or its methods. Isa. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. We are different and righteous in Christ. This allows us to lead a subversive life that brings a blessing to a fallen world. 1 Pet. 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

      If you want to be different, denounce the wrongs perpetrated on a daily basis in your own town. You do not need a megaphone or ten foot high placards with hateful slogans. You just have to decide in your heart that you are going to change a few things in your own life and see where it goes from there. 
      You might want to do a few subversive things like grow your own food or collect your own seeds. Create your own electricity. Volunteer at the hospital, school, or church. Pray for your mayor and council members. Pray for your pastor and for the emergency first-responders. Don’t say these things are too small and will not make much of a difference. It will make all the difference in your life and their lives. Zech. 4:10a Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Who knows, becoming subversive in the world system might be fun. Give it a try. Blessings to you in Jesus name.

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3 Comments

  1. sirnorm1

    Thank you Jas
    Blessings

    Reply
  2. Anonymous

    Such a good word Norm!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous

    For sure Norm. ❤️ lm into fun

    Reply

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