Opening Scripture Reading: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” — Psalm 146:3
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” — 1 John 4:1
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face.” — Psalm 89:14
How Did We Drift So Far from Christ?
How did we get here? How did so many people of faith become willing to overlook lying, cruelty, hateful words, and division when the Bible tells us that God is truth, love, mercy, justice, and righteousness?
This is not a small matter. When people who say they follow Jesus begin excusing deceit, mocking others, spreading fear, or supporting language that tears people apart, something has gone wrong in the heart. Jesus did not call us to worship power. He called us to follow Him.
Psalm 146:3 warns us not to put our trust in human leaders as though they can save us. Political leaders may have influence, but they are not our Savior. Our hope is not in a party, a movement, a candidate, or a slogan. Our hope is in the Lord.
1 John 4:1 tells us to test the spirits. That means we are not supposed to believe everything just because it sounds religious or because someone uses Christian words. We must ask: Does this look like Christ? Does it produce love, truth, humility, mercy, and righteousness? Or does it produce fear, anger, pride, hatred, and division?
Jesus warned His disciples in Mark 8:15 to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. In simple terms, He warned them about religious hypocrisy and political corruption. Both can spread quietly through the heart until people no longer recognize how far they have drifted from God.
Matthew 7:15 also warns us about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. That is why believers must look beyond appearances, labels, and religious language. Jesus said we would know them by their fruit. If the fruit is lies, cruelty, arrogance, revenge, and division, then it is not the fruit of the Spirit.
The Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of the Age?
God does not lead His people into darkness, hatred, or confusion. God is love. God is holy. God is just. God is merciful. God is truthful. Any spirit that encourages us to hate our neighbor, despise the stranger, reject truth, or tear down others for personal gain is not the Spirit of Christ.
For too long, many Christians have been taught to see the other side as the enemy instead of seeing people as souls made in the image of God. Name-calling, fear, and ugly portraits of others have taken root. But this is contrary to the Christian faith. Jesus told us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us.
The question is not whether we are Republican or Democrat. The deeper question is whether we belong to Christ. Are we being shaped by the kingdom of God, or are we being shaped by the spirit of the age? Are we standing for truth, or defending lies? Are we seeking justice, or excusing wrongdoing? Are we walking in love, or being pulled into bitterness?
Righteousness and Justice Must Lead Us
Psalm 89:14 tells us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. Mercy and truth go before Him. If that is what supports the throne of God, then that must be what guides the people of God.
What will make America better is not more hatred, more lies, more fear, or more division. What will make us better is repentance. Truth. Justice. Righteousness. Mercy. Humility. Courage. Love. These are the things that reflect the heart of God.
Reflection Question: Have I allowed political loyalty, fear, anger, or pride to shape my heart more than the Spirit of Christ?
Prayer: Lord, open our eyes. Search our hearts. Deliver us from deception, pride, hatred, and fear. Teach us to test every spirit by Your Word and by the fruit it produces. Help us put our trust in You, not in human power. Lead us back to truth, justice, mercy, righteousness, and love. Make us faithful witnesses of Christ in a divided world. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026