In 2020 (one week before the world shut down because of COVID), I was invited to The White House for a Special Briefing for Leaders of Faith.
Here are 3 principles I learned while at The White House…
1. THE CHURCH SHOULD BE APOLITICAL
We’re a big tent -- we welcome everybody here! That means we fight for our unity: no gossip, no griping, we just don’t have time for that:
"But the one who slanders you behind your back
proves that he’s a fool, never to be trusted. If you keep talking, it won’t be long
before you’re saying something really wrong.” (Proverbs 10:18-19)
"Words that bring delight pour from the lips of the godly,
but the words of the wicked are duplicitous.” (Proverbs 10:32)
"When you act with presumption,
convinced that you’re right,
don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face!
But walking in humility helps you to make wise decisions.” (Proverbs 11:2)
I love our church because we’re in this together -- We follow God, we trust our spiritual leaders, and we roll up our sleeves to make a difference for time and eternity.
We want to unite as many people as possible as quickly as possible under the Jesus Flag through our Midland and Saginaw Campuses.
A life lived loving God bears lasting fruit,
for the one who is truly wise wins souls.” (Proverbs 11:30)
Security at The White House was TIGHT -- Secret Service was everywhere!
I discovered that it is very hard to get access to the Most Powerful Person on Earth.
Not so with God -- We have 24/7 access with no K-9’s and no Secret Service!
2. WE HAVE INSTANT ACCESS TO THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN EXISTENCE
"The one who walks in integrity
will experience a fearless confidence in life.” (Proverbs 10:9)
Wow, aren’t those words great?
Don’t we all just want a fearless confidence in our everyday life?
Spending time with God fuels up our faith and trust in Him!
"Lovers of truth follow the right path
because of their wonderment and worship of God.” (Proverbs 14:2-4)
“The words of the wise
will become a shield of protection around them.
The only clean stable is an empty stable.
So if you want the work of an ox and to enjoy an abundant harvest,
you’ll have a mess or two to clean up!” (Proverbs 14)
God loves when we gather together -- We gather on Sundays because that’s the day Jesus rose.
Sometimes we’re going to make messes together -- and that’s okay!
Proverbs says that the only CLEAN stable is an EMPTY stable --- look around you, this place is not empty!
As we all fumble forward in our faith, let’s give each other a break… let’s show each other grace as we are all learning together what it looks like to follow Christ day by day.
"To worship God in wonder and awe
opens a fountain of life within you,
empowering you to escape death’s domain.” (Proverbs 14:27)
I went to a White House Briefing -- It was all “Off the Record” -- Y’know, sometimes it is Hard to get clear info from Politicians!
Book of Proverbs = God is crystal clear with wisdom that applies to everyone, everywhere!
3. GOD GIVES US WISE ADVICE WHENEVER WE LOOK FOR IT!
"Wisdom soothes the heart of the one with living-understanding,
but the heart of the fool just stockpiles stupidity.” (Proverbs 14:33)
The Bible has a term for the person who refuses wise counsel: “fool." (Prov 12:15)
When we refuse to listen, when we dodge the truth, when we insist on having our own way, we are fools.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Prov. 9:10)
Wisdom begins with the recognition of who God is.
Wisdom begins when we recognize that God is God and then respond accordingly.
"Lovers of God hunger after truth,
but those without understanding
feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it.” (Proverbs 15:14)
"Go ahead and make all the plans you want,
but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.
We are all in love with our own opinions,
convinced they’re correct.
But the Lord is in the midst of us,
testing and probing our every motive.
Before you do anything,
put your trust totally in God and not in yourself.
Then every plan you make will succeed.
The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose.” (Proverbs 16:1-5)