QUALITIES OF A GREAT LEADER

Acts 20:28-38

David is a model of leadership. He was a great leader and the Old Testament account of his life emphasizes his unusual leadership ability. Though David is a bit intimidating because of his unusual gifts, he certainly gives us an excellent model to emulate.

INITIATES CHANGE

The most obvious quality of a leader is that they are going somewhere. They're not satisfied with the status quo, and they'll take action to change it. There are innovators who change things without involving others; they are not necessarily leaders. A leader brings about change for the common good through involving others in the change process.

David was a change agent. It did not matter what circumstances he found himself in, he began to make changes wherever he was. We might think that as a king he had certain advantages, but the best examples of initiating change happened before he became king.

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH (I Samuel 17)

David's encounter with Goliath. A whole army had been stymied by his presence and nobody was courageous enough to take up his challenge.

As soon as David saw this, he could think of nothing else because he recognized Goliath and the critical element on that battlefield. David had been sent only to aid the army, comfort the camp, and maintain the mess, but he could only think of attacking the antagonist!

Even at so young an age, we can see David's bent towards leadership. He immediately identified the problem and determined to knock it out of the way. It did not matter how difficult the issue was. This course of action was very risky for his personal well-being, but his confidence in God was unshaken by this big, hairy problem. From the moment that Goliath fell, David was recognized as a leader as long as he lived and even until now.

IN THE CITY OF KEILAH (I Samuel 23)

David and his men attacked a larger Philistine force that was threatening Keilah and then he led his men away from the city to avoid being captured by Saul. It is interesting to note that David chose his battles; he fought an enemy that threatened a city, but he fled and hid from his own jealous king.

Perhaps the most instructive part of this story is the conversation that David had with God. David had his eyes and ears open and twice identified what he thought might be major problems. On both occasions, he asked God if his perception was correct and God answered him. By seeking God's guidance in this way, we can see the wonderful combination of David's dependence on God and his ability to identify the problems to be faced.

IN THE CITY OF ZIKLAG (I Samuel 27)

Because of Saul's constant pressure to capture him, David and 600 men were finally forced to flee to Philistine territory and place themselves under the protection and at the service of a Philistine king.

That had to be just about the worst situation that a leader could find himself in. How could a leader lead in such circumstances?

First, David asked for permission to move his men to the small city of Ziklag, which was a full day's journey from his Philistine king. This allowed them freedom of movement. Rather than joining in Philistine attacks on his own people, David began to attack other enemies of Israel further south. By hiding his activities from his Philistine hosts, he was able to fulfill his obligations to them while at the same time eliminate other threats to his own people. Even while he was a vassal of the enemy, David still found ways to work towards establishing his kingdom.

INSPIRES SHARED VISION

Through words and actions, a leader draws others into a common vision. He does this by sharing where he wants to go and urging others to join him. In many situations, this may mean more listening than talking, because each person must see that some desire or value can be better fulfilled through this common vision. However, the vision must become more than just a collection of individual desires. A common vision will raise hope and challenge us to buy in for the common goal.

David's vision was initiated and enhanced by the prophetic anointing he received from Samuel. However, considering the obstacles and dangers he faced, it took great faith to believe that this common shepherd would actually become king. One of the greatest testimonies to David's leadership is the variety and numbers of those who chose to follow him while Saul was still king.

WITH THE MISERABLE (I Samuel 22:2)

Perhaps because David was a fugitive whose future looked rather bleak, the first group to join in his vision was composed of those who had little to lose. 400 men who were malcontents chose to follow him. They found in David a leader they admired and they joined in his cause.

Inspiring a vision among the discontented and disgruntled is a very difficult task. David is to be admired because he was able to turn these men into true believers who made a very positive contribution.

WITH THE MAGNANIMOUS (I Samuel 23:15-18)

Even before the miserable shared David's vision, Jonathan the king's son personally accepted David's leadership. Jonathan seems to have had the humility, courage, and magnanimity so lacking in his father. He should have had every right to expect to replace Saul as king one day, but instead, he gladly chose to follow and assist David. We would expect Jonathan to be jealous of his rival for the throne, but David earned his love, respect, and loyalty. This speaks volumes about both men.

WITH THE MIGHTY (I Chronicles 11)

David's strong leadership attracted the very best men of the nation. This is a good test of his vision since strong, courageous people normally do not follow someone less strong than they are. These men became even stronger and more courageous warriors when they joined in David's cause. It became their vision to extend David's reign as broadly as possible. David was not intimidated by them but gave them increasing responsibility.

WITH THE MAJORITY (I Chronicles 12:23-38)

As time went by, more and more men defected to join David. Finally, a great wave of recruits came over and gave David the majority. They voluntarily joined him with the intention of making him king of Israel. It had taken a while, but David's leadership finally won them over.

EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IS NEEDED

 
Good leaders not only dream dreams; they model the values and actions needed to make the dream come true. By living and working consistently according to the values required to accomplish the vision, leaders engender trust. By modeling the actions necessary for success, they show others the way. By recognizing others who are doing it well, they provide positive reinforcement to those things necessary for others to succeed.

David was a warrior-king. His vision could not be accomplished until he had won multiple victories to protect himself, to extend his territory, and to overcome the enemies of his kingdom. Part of his success is based on the personal example he gave as a warrior in battle. The major failure of his life occurred when he failed to go out to battle with his men.

THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL FLEXIBILITY (I Samuel 18:5)

We know that David was an unusually gifted person. He could write beautiful poetry, sing it to his harp, and slay ten thousand men. When he first came to serve Saul, he was given a variety of tasks and he excelled at each one. He did so well that he won the respect of the military officers. As a result of his good work, Saul promoted David to a high rank. Though he had already developed the qualities of leadership, this is where David first practiced leadership of others.

THROUGH EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS (I Samuel 18:24-27)

David felt unworthy to take Michal, Saul's daughter, as his wife without somehow earning this special favor. Saul asked him to bring proof of 100 slain Philistines, with the expectation that David would die in the attempt. In response, David killed 200 Philistines. David asked that the bar be raised and then more than cleared it! Though rather gruesome when seen in the light of our modern world, it is clear that David had a commitment to excellence and accomplishment.

THROUGH EXCELLING AT THE MAIN TASK (I Samuel 18:30)

The Philistines had better weapons and leadership until David came along. Once David led the armies, the balance of power shifted and the Israelites won victory after victory. It is clear from David's whole life that success breeds success.

THROUGH EXEMPLARY ATTITUDES ( I Samuel 26:9-11,24)

David showed respect and deference to Saul, even when the Lord's blessing had left him and he was trying to kill David. This was a display of personal integrity as well as trust in God. The same can be said of David's commitment to keep his promise to protect Jonathan's family even after his death. In retrospect, it may be that David's respect for God's anointed one may have set a model for the people that later saved David's own life when he was in trouble.

ENABLES OTHERS TO CONTRIBUTE

The real test of a leader's success is how many of those following become a success too. A good leader will prioritize helping others succeed, even if they get the credit. This must begin with an attitude of belief in and trust in others, but the leader also needs to take practical action to make success a reality for others.

Though he personally achieved many victories, perhaps David's greater contribution was the way he helped others succeed. There is a bit of unselfishness displayed throughout his life because he was not jealous of victory for his cohorts, in fact, he sacrificed so that they would do well.

PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHERS TO TAKE INITIATIVE (I Chronicles 11:6)

Jerusalem was an unconquered stronghold in the midst of the Israelites. David pointed to the task of taking the city and promised that whoever went up first against it would be in command. He was reinforcing the need for initiative and bravery. He could have chosen a leader for this attack, but he let the one most desirous of leadership prove it. The opportunity was offered equally to any who would take up the challenge.

ASKED FOR EVERYONE'S INPUT IN A PIVOTAL DECISION (I Chronicles 13:1-2)

David wanted to retrieve the ark and bring it to Jerusalem. He initiated discussion with his leaders, recognized God's authority over the decision, and then consulted all the people, especially those most likely to carry the burden. It is clear that this was not just an ordinary day-to-day decision and it had significance for the whole nation. From top to bottom he included everyone at some level of this decision-making process.

DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY TO OTHERS (I Chronicles 18:14-17)

David was not stingy with either responsibility or the authority to carry it out. As he had done within the ranks of the army, David gave key roles to those who were most suited for them. He recognized the different gifts and callings of his followers and empowered them accordingly.

DIVIDED AND ORGANIZED THE TASK INTO MANAGEABLE PARTS (I Chronicles 23:2-5)

                                                                                                     
It appears that one of the last acts David did as king was to organize the priests into task forces. He first divided the overall task of serving the temple into smaller pieces. Then he assigned specific groups to work together to accomplish specific parts of the larger task.

WORKED HARD TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSE A SUCCESS (I Chronicles 22)

David literally made his successor a success! It must have been a great disappointment that he himself was denied the privilege of building the temple. However, he appointed workers to begin preparing stone and nails. He gathered materials from far distances. He set aside financial resources for the project. He enlisted the help of all the people. Then he challenged Solomon to build the temple and to walk with God. Though Solomon is the one who got credit, David laid all the groundwork for the building project.

ENCOURAGES THE HEART

Leaders complete the work by encouraging those who share the vision. Leaders do this by caring for them as people and not as pawns. They encourage others by believing in them when difficulties arise. They encourage others by affirming the contribution that each one makes to the overall task. They celebrate when a victory is won.

We see a pattern of David being encouraged by God, and then being an encouragement to others. Though a king, David never lost contact with his people and knew how to encourage them at difficult moments. In his life, it is clear that this was not just a skill or technique, but the very real concern he had for others.

RECOGNIZED THE CONTRIBUTION OF EACH PERSON (I Samuel 30:21-25)

David led his men into battle to rescue their families from the Amalekites. After the victory, he affirmed the role of both those who fought and those who supported them. When he divided the spoils from the raid with all, his example laid down a standard that became the rule for future generations. This was certainly critical for future cooperation and team-building.

GRIEVED THE LOSS OF A WARRIOR, THOUGH A RIVAL (II Samuel 3:33-37)

For years Abner had been the loyal servant of Saul and had pursued David in that role. He was ready to come to David's side, which would have finished any resistance to David's authority. David was willing to overlook the past conflict and accept Abner as an ally. However, Joab, David's general, took Abner's life. When he heard it, David cursed Joab and grieved the loss of this warrior who had so often pursued him. His grief for one who had been a rival touched the heart of the nation.

PROTECTED HIS MEN IN HUMILIATING CIRCUMSTANCES (II Samuel 10:4-5)

                                                                                                        
David sent a delegation to attend the funeral of a neighboring king. Treated as spies, the men were sent home half-shaved and their rear-ends showing. When David heard of it, he ordered them to stay where they were until they could return whole. David then showed no mercy to those who had humiliated his followers. In both actions, David showed his own loyalty and protection for those who followed his leadership.

CELEBRATED THEIR VICTORY IN SPITE OF PRIVATE GRIEF (II Samuel 19:1-8)

Though Absalom was out to destroy his father, David asked his men to treat him gently. The battle resulted in saving David's life and kingdom but at the cost of Absalom's life. David was grieving the loss of his son until a wise counselor reminded him that he was shaming the troops who had risked their lives for him and won a great victory. David immediately went out and encouraged them. By this act, he encouraged the heart of the one who gave him the counsel and he encouraged the hearts of his men who had risked all for him.

AVOIDED USING OTHERS FOR HIS PERSONAL ADVANTAGE (I Chronicles 11:15-19)

This is one of the greatest stories of valor ever told. Three mighty warriors went through enemy lines just to satisfy David's desire for a drink of water. However, David would not drink the water because he did not want others to outdo one another just to meet his personal whims. He valued the lives of these men that had been entrusted to him and he would not risk their lives unnecessarily. He encouraged their hearts by both honoring their valor and valuing their lives.       

CÓMO ALGUNAS PERSONAS VEN A DIOS

"Dice el necio en su corazón: No hay Dios. Son corruptos, hicieron obras abominables, no hay quien haga lo bueno". (Salmo 14: 1)

Podría cerrar los ojos y decir que no hay gente. Algunas personas cierran sus mentes a la abundante prueba de que hay un Dios. La mayoría de la gente cree en Dios. Pero a lo largo de los años han tenido diversas actitudes sobre Dios y sobre cómo es Él. Dios está muerto, fue una teoría popular hace unos años.

Los niños tienen la actitud de un niño acerca de Dios. Los niños no entienden a Dios. Muchas veces los adultos tienen pequeños pensamientos sobre Dios al igual que los niños. Ellos lo imaginan de muchas maneras.

Algunos piensan en Dios como un policía. Piensan en él como un policía que siempre dice "no hagas esto y no hagas eso". Consideran a Dios como una voz interior molesta que los detiene. Hay algunos que temen constantemente que Dios los proteja, listos para castigarlos. Esta no es la forma en que la Biblia presenta a Dios.

Algunas personas tratan a Dios como un policía porque solo acuden a Él en tiempos de angustia: muerte, enfermedad, angustia o tristeza, etc.

Otros piensan en Dios como padre. Tienen la misma mala actitud hacia Dios que tenían hacia sus padres. Les molestaba su autoridad. Tenían poco respeto por ellos. Obedecen por necesidad, para evitar ser castigados.

Estas personas tienen la misma actitud hacia Dios. Ellos resienten su autoridad. No tienen respeto ni amor por él. Obedecen por necesidad, tienen miedo de no obedecer, no es porque lo amen. La Palabra de Dios enseña que debemos obedecer desde un corazón de amor.

Hay quienes piensan en Dios como un anciano, una figura histórica que vivió hace mucho tiempo y que no sabe nada sobre nuestros problemas en la tierra hoy en día. Para ellos, Dios y la Biblia están desactualizados. Ellos están pasados ​​de moda. Eran buenos en su día, pero ahora son inútiles para el hombre.

Dios nunca está desactualizado y también lo es Su Palabra. Nuestra forma de vida física puede cambiar, pero las necesidades reales y las pruebas de la vida son las mismas (Hebreos 13: 8). Dios nos trata de la misma manera que trató a la gente en el pasado. Él tiene el mismo amor y poder de salvación para nosotros hoy. Él no ha cambiado en su actitud hacia el pecado. Dios no está desactualizado. Él es tan real hoy como lo era hace 2000 años.

¡Dios es amor! Muchas personas sienten que dado que Dios es bueno, Él no castigará a la humanidad. Algunos imaginan que el infierno no es como creemos que es, no es tan malo. Ellos razonan: ¿cómo puede un Dios de amor y misericordia castigar a alguien arrojándolos al infierno? Muchos de ellos llegan a la conclusión de que Dios realmente no lo haría, por lo tanto, no ven ningún motivo para ser cristianos. No les pasará nada malo si no lo hacen, entonces piensan.

La Palabra de Dios sí nos dice que Dios es amor, pero también enseña que Él es un Dios justo y santo (Romanos 1:18; Efesios 5: 6).

Algunos piensan en Dios solo como un libro de reglas que Él quiere que sigamos perfectamente. Después de que una persona comienza a vivir la vida cristiana por un tiempo, descubrirá que todavía tendrá pecado en su corazón y en su vida. Por lo tanto, algunos de ellos se desaniman y se dan por vencidos. Ellos piensan; "De qué sirve. No puedo ser perfecto y Dios espera que yo sea perfecto, por lo tanto, dejaré de intentarlo".

Dios es perfecto y, dado que nos creó, sabe que somos criaturas débiles y pecaminosas. En la Biblia, la palabra perfecto, cuando se usa en relación con el hombre, se traduce como completa. No significa sin falta (II Timoteo 3:17, Mateo 5:48).

Un director general, esta es la forma en que algunos piensan en Dios. Él controla el universo pero no está interesado en nosotros como individuos. Esta es una idea incorrecta que algunos creen y enseñan.

Esta creencia enseña que Dios hizo el mundo y nos ha dejado a nosotros mismos. Creen que Dios está mirando por ahí, pero no nos presta demasiada atención. Estas personas no creen que a Dios le preocupe lo que sucede en la tierra. La Palabra de Dios enseña que Dios está interesado en cada individuo en la tierra (Mateo 10: 29-30, Lucas 10:20).

Algunos piensan que Dios debería recompensarnos o castigarnos aquí y ahora por lo que hacemos y, si no lo hace, se desilusionan y se lastiman. Los caminos de Dios no son nuestros caminos (Isaías 55: 8-9).

No podemos comparar a Dios con lo que sabemos del hombre. Debemos recordar que Dios está por encima de los hombres, y que Él está muy interesado en él.

Cuál es una visión correcta de Dios: Él es todopoderoso, todo conocedor, Él está en todas partes, Él ve todo, Él es siempre el mismo, Él nunca cambia, Él es fiel, Él es santo y puro, Él está lleno de misericordia y gracia y amor

Cuando entendemos y sabemos que Dios es Amor, lo amaremos (I Juan 4:19). Cuando no obedecemos a Dios, es una señal de que no lo entendemos.

HOW SOME PEOPLE SEE GOD

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psalm 14:1)

I could close my eyes and say there are no people. Some people close their minds to the abundant proof that there is a God. Most people believe in God. But over the years they have had various attitudes about God and what he is like. God is dead, was a popular theory a few years ago.

Children have a child's attitude about God. Children misunderstand God. Many times adults have small thoughts about God just like children. They imagine Him in many ways.

Some think of God as a policeman. They think of Him as a policeman always saying "don't do this and don't do that." They consider God as an annoying inner voice holding them back. There are some that are in constant fear that God is standing over them, ready to punish them. This is not the way the Bible presents God.

Some people treat God like a policeman because they only go to Him in times of trouble: death, sickness, heartache or sorrow etc.

Others think of God as a parent. They have the same bad attitude toward God that they had toward their parents. They resented their authority. They had little respect for them. They obey out of necessity, to keep from getting punished.

These people have the same attitude toward God. They resent His authority. They have no respect or love for Him. They obey out of necessity they are afraid not to obey, it is not because they love Him. The Word of God teaches that we should obey from a heart of love.

There are those who think of God as an old man, a historical figure who lived a long time ago and does not know anything about our problems on earth today. To them, God and the Bible are out of date. They are old-fashioned. They were good in their day but now they are useless to man.

God is never out of date and so is His Word. Our physical way of life may change but the real needs and trials of life are the same (Heb. 13:8). God treats us the same way He treated the people in the past. He has the same love and saving power for us today. He has not changed in His attitude toward sin. God is not out of date. He is just as real today as He was 2000 years ago.

God is love! Many people feel that since God is good He will not punish mankind. Some imagine that hell is not like we think it is, not all that bad. They reason: how can a God of love and mercy punish anyone by casting them into hell? Many of them come to the conclusion that God would not really do it so therefore they see no reason to be a Christian. Nothing bad will happen to them if they don't, so they think.

The Word of God does tell us that God is love, but it also teaches that He is a just and holy God (Rom. 1:18; Eph. 5:6). 

Some think of God only as a book of rules which He wants us to follow perfectly. After a person begins to live the Christian life for a while he will discover that he will still have sin in his heart and in his life. Therefore some of them get discouraged and give up. They think; "what the use. I can't be perfect and God expects me to be perfect, therefore I'll just quit trying".

God is perfect and since He created us He knows that we are weak and sinful creatures. In the Bible, the word perfect, when used in relation to man, is translated complete. It does not mean without fault (II Tim. 3:17, Matt. 5:48).

A managing director, this is the way some think of God. He controls the universe but is not interested in us as individuals. This is an incorrect idea that some believe and teach.

This belief teaches that God made the world and has left us to ourselves. They believe that God is out there somewhere watching, but He does not pay too much attention to us. These people do not believe God is concerned about what happens on earth.  The Word of God teaches that God is interested in every individual on earth (Matt. 10:29-30, Lk. 10:20).

Some think that God should reward or punish us here and now for what we do and if He doesn't do it, they become disappointed and hurt. God's ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8-9).

We cannot compare God to what we know of man. We must remember that God is above men and that He is very much interested in him.

What is a correct view of God: He is all powerful, all knowing, He is everywhere, He sees everything, He is always the same, He never changes, He is faithful, He is holy and pure, He is full of mercy and grace and Love.

When we understand and know that God is Love we will love Him (I John 4:19). When we don't obey God it is a sign that we don't understand Him.  

     

CRISTIANOS Y POLÍTICA

"Nadie que se dedique a la guerra se enreda en los asuntos de esta vida, para agradar a aquel que lo alistó como soldado" (II Timoteo 2: 4).

Un deseo emocional y sincero de ver representados nuestros ideales cristianos en el gobierno ha llevado a la idea errónea de que los cristianos perderán sus libertades religiosas a menos que participen activamente en el sistema político.

                            

Es fácil ver que la política no ha resuelto nuestros problemas reales. En el mejor de los casos, muchos males sociales se suspendieron un poco más. El aborto sigue cobrando la vida de millones de niños inocentes cada año, y el tejido moral de Estados Unidos parece estarse desmoronando a un ritmo alarmante.

¿Esto significa que estamos condenados? Lo hace si creemos que el gobierno puede hacer lo que solo la iglesia ha sido llamada a hacer. El gobierno nunca tuvo la intención de cambiar la sociedad; es incapaz de producir moralidad a través de la legislación. Puede ayudar a contener la inmoralidad, pero solo si la iglesia ha establecido una base moral en los corazones de hombres y mujeres.

Debemos tener en cuenta que ninguna de los partidos son completamente buena o completamente mala. El hecho es que vivimos en un mundo caído, y así siempre lo conducirán los pecadores en todos los niveles del gobierno. Siempre debemos tener en cuenta lo que el gobierno puede y no puede hacer. Deberíamos trabajar para lograr un buen gobierno, buenas leyes y buenos jueces. Pero no podemos ser ingenuos al pensar que el gobierno puede rescatarnos del abismo del fracaso moral y espiritual. Tenemos que entender que las mejores noticias que nuestra nación necesita no vendrán del gobierno, sino de los labios y las vidas de los seguidores de Jesucristo.

Como cristianos, no debemos respaldar a ningún candidato político. Debemos permanecer por encima de la batalla, predicando el Evangelio a ambas partes, porque Dios no nos preguntará si somos republicanos o demócratas, sino más bien lo que hicimos con su Hijo, Jesús. En el nivel personal, podemos tener nuestras convicciones y compromisos, pero no como representantes oficiales del Evangelio.

Hay cristianos que se involucran en la política porque en su corazón realmente creen que están haciendo el bien y que Dios no se opone, sino que lo aprueba. Como nuestro texto insiste, están tristes, pero honestamente equivocados. No hay nada de malo en querer que las cosas sean mejores, o estar en contra de la injusticia y cosas por el estilo. La política es un asunto complicado, muchos de los que se postulan para un cargo tienen otros motivos, como la fama, el dinero, el poder y el auto-engrandecimiento.

La voluntad de Dios impregna y reemplaza todos los aspectos de la vida. Es la voluntad de Dios la que prevalece sobre todo y sobre todos (Mateo 6:33). Los planes y propósitos de Dios son fijos, y Su voluntad es inviolable. Lo que se propuso, lo cumplirá, y ningún gobierno puede frustrar su voluntad (Daniel 4: 34-35). Es Dios quien "establece reyes y los depone" (Daniel 2:21) porque Dios es soberano sobre los reinos de los hombres y los da a quien él quiere "(Daniel 4:17). Una comprensión clara de esta verdad nos ayudará a ver que la política es simplemente un método que Dios usa para cumplir Su voluntad. A pesar de que los hombres malvados abusan de su poder político, lo que significa mal, Dios lo quiere para siempre, trabajando "todas las cosas juntas para el bien de los que lo aman, que han sido llamados de acuerdo con su propósito "(Romanos 8: 28).

¡Debemos entender el hecho de que nuestro gobierno no puede salvarnos! Sólo Dios puede. Nunca leemos en el Nuevo Testamento de Jesús ni ninguno de los apóstoles que enseñaron a los creyentes sobre cómo reformar el mundo pagano de sus prácticas idólatras, inmorales y corruptas a través del gobierno. Los apóstoles nunca pidieron que los creyentes demostraran la desobediencia civil para protestar por las leyes injustas o los esquemas brutales del Imperio Romano. En cambio, los apóstoles ordenaron a los cristianos del primer siglo, así como a nosotros hoy, a proclamar el evangelio y vivir vidas que den evidencia clara del poder transformador del evangelio.

Nuestra responsabilidad con el gobierno es obedecer las leyes y ser buenos ciudadanos (Romanos 13: 1-2). Dios ha establecido toda autoridad, y lo hace para nuestro beneficio, "para recomendar a los que hacen lo correcto" (I Pedro 2: 13-15). Pablo nos dice en Romanos 13: 1-8 que es responsabilidad del gobierno gobernar con autoridad sobre nosotros, con suerte para nuestro bien, recaudar impuestos y mantener la paz. Donde tenemos voz y podemos elegir a nuestros líderes, debemos ejercer ese derecho votando por aquellos que mejor demuestran los principios cristianos.

Uno de los engaños de Satanás es que podemos descansar nuestra esperanza de una moral cultural y una vida piadosa en políticos y funcionarios gubernamentales. La esperanza de cambio de un país no se encuentra en la clase dominante de ningún país. Los cristianos están equivocados si piensan que es tarea de los políticos defender, avanzar y proteger las verdades bíblicas y los valores cristianos.

El propósito de la iglesia no radica en el activismo político. En ninguna parte de las Escrituras tenemos la directiva de gastar nuestra energía, nuestro tiempo o nuestro dinero en asuntos gubernamentales. Nuestra misión no consiste en cambiar la nación a través de la reforma política, sino en cambiar los corazones a través de la Palabra de Dios. Cuando los creyentes creen que el crecimiento y la influencia de Cristo pueden aliarse de algún modo con la política del gobierno, corrompen la misión de la iglesia. Nuestro mandato cristiano es difundir el evangelio de Cristo y predicar contra los pecados de nuestro tiempo. Solo a medida que Cristo modifique los corazones de las personas en una cultura, la cultura comenzará a reflejar ese cambio.

A lo largo de los siglos, los cristianos han vivido, e incluso florecido, bajo gobiernos antagónicos, represivos y paganos y han mantenido su fe bajo un inmenso estrés cultural. Entendieron que era la iglesia, no el gobierno, quien era la luz del mundo y la sal de la tierra. Entendieron que, como creyentes, su esperanza residía en la protección que solo Dios provee. Lo mismo es cierto para nosotros hoy. Cuando seguimos las enseñanzas de las Escrituras, nos convertimos en la luz del mundo tal como Dios ha querido que seamos (Mateo 5:16).

Cuando la iglesia trata de implantar sus creencias sobre el gobierno, eso subvierte la prohibición constitucional básica con respecto a la separación de la iglesia y el estado. Cuando permitimos que la política y el cristianismo se mezclen, y tratamos de utilizar al gobierno para interceder en asuntos religiosos, debilita inherentemente a la iglesia. Al hacer esto, amenazamos nuestra democracia y la iglesia.

CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS

“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (II Timothy 2:4).

An emotional, heartfelt desire to see our Christian ideals represented in government has led to the misconception that Christians will lose their religious freedoms unless they become actively involved in the political system. 

It is easy to see that politics have not solved our real problems. At best, many social ills were stayed off a little longer. Abortion still claims the lives of millions of innocent children every year, and the moral fabric of America appears to be unraveling at an alarming rate.

Does this mean we are doomed? It does if we believe the government can do what only the church has been called to do. Government was never intended to change society; it is incapable of producing morality through legislation. It may help restrain immorality, but only if the church has established a moral foundation in the hearts of men and women.

e must keep in mind that no one party is entirely good or entirely bad. The fact is that we live in a fallen world, and thus will always be led by sinners at all levels of government. We must always keep in mind what government can and cannot do. We should work toward good government, good laws and good judges. But we cannot be naive in thinking that government can rescue us from the abyss of moral and spiritual failure. We have to understand that the best news our nation needs will not come from government, but from the lips and lives of followers of Jesus Christ.

As Christian we should not endorse any political candidate. We must stay above the battle, preaching the Gospel to both parties, for God will not ask whether we were Republicans or Democrats, but rather what we did with His Son, Jesus. On the personal level, we can have our convictions and involvements, but not as official representatives of the Gospel.

There are Christians who get involved in politics because in their heart they really believe that they are doing good and that God does not object, but rather approves.  As our text insists, they are sadly, but honestly mistaken.  There is nothing wrong with wanting things to be better, or being against injustice and the like.  Politics is tricky business, many of those who run for office have other motives, such as fame, money, power, and self-aggrandizement. 

The will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). It is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). A clear understanding of this truth will help us to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his

purpose”(Romans8:28).

We must understand the fact that our government cannot save us! Only God can. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles teaching believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire's unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, the apostles commanded the first-century Christians, as well as us today, to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel’s transforming power.

Our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1-2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (I Peter 2:13-15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1-8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.

One of Satan’s deception is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. Christians are mistaken if they think that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.

The purpose of the church does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.

Throughout the ages Christians have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments and they have sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was the church, not the government, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).

When the church tries to implant it's beliefs on the government, that subverts the basic constitutional prohibition concerning separation of church and state. When we allow politics and Christianity to comingle, and try to use the government to intercede in religious affairs, it inherently weakens the church. By doing this we threaten both our democracy and the church.

¿ES INCORRECTO QUE CRISTIANO VIVAN JUNTOS ANTES DEL MATRIMONIO?

"El matrimonio es honorable entre todos, y la cama inmaculada; pero fornicarios y adúlteros Dios juzgará "(Hebreos 13: 4)

En el tiempo que vivimos, vivir juntos antes del matrimonio es cada vez más común en muchas partes del mundo. Un par de generaciones atrás, tales prácticas eran prácticamente inconcebibles. Sin embargo, en los últimos años hemos visto una decadencia espiritual, tanto en individuos como en iglesias de todo el mundo, donde la cohabitación, las uniones homosexuales y, por supuesto, el divorcio y las segundas casamientos se han vuelto cada vez más aceptadas.

Vivir juntos antes del matrimonio ha sido ampliamente aceptado. ¿Qué dice la Palabra de Dios al respecto? El mundo está en constante evolución, y son necesarios muchos cambios en la sociedad porque nosotros, como seres humanos, no somos perfectos. Por la misma razón, mucho "desarrollo" entra completamente en la dirección equivocada.

Los desarrollos en el mundo van más allá en la dirección de la fornicación y el pecado. Resulta que la comunidad religiosa no puede detener este desarrollo. Por el contrario, vemos que a medida que el pecado se extiende y se generaliza, la resistencia disminuye, incluso entre aquellos que se llaman a sí mismos cristianos y que deberían hacer cumplir la Palabra de Dios. Lo que se llamó pecado hace solo unos años, hoy se llama amor. Cuando la luz del cielo se apaga, las personas con espíritus inmundos pueden encontrar la paz en la congregación. Tal asamblea no tiene poder ni bendición y el alma que busca no puede encontrar ayuda.

La Palabra de Dios, sin embargo, es perfecta, y nunca cambia. El pecado sigue siendo pecado, incluso cuando se acepta ampliamente. La Biblia es clara: vivir juntos es inmoralidad sexual. Como cristianos, también tenemos que pensar en lo que representa el matrimonio (Efesios 5: 25-33).

La Biblia es muy clara en lo que dice acerca de la inmoralidad sexual. Según lo que Jesús dijo y Pablo escribió, el matrimonio entre un hombre y una mujer es la única forma de asociación que Dios acepta y bendice. Todas las relaciones sexuales fuera del matrimonio se consideran fornicación.

"El matrimonio es honorable entre todos, y la cama sin mancha; pero fornicadores y adúlteros Dios juzgará "(Hebreos 13: 4). En otras palabras, no hay nada sucio en las relaciones sexuales dentro del matrimonio, pero existe un juicio para aquellos que se dedican a la fornicación fuera del matrimonio. En consecuencia, esto también incluye la cohabitación, es decir, las personas que viven juntas como pareja, sin estar casadas. Tales condiciones se describen claramente aquí como fornicación y adulterio, incluso si nunca se ha casado antes.

Vivir juntos antes del matrimonio es cada vez más común, incluso entre parejas cristianas y por una serie de razones. Antes de hacer un compromiso de por vida, muchas parejas desean un "período de prueba" para sentir cómo viven ambas, y saber si llevar la relación al siguiente nivel tiene sentido. Muchos cristianos están adoptando las creencias y prácticas del mundo, y esto puede ser problemático por varias razones.

La Biblia no afirma claramente que vivir juntos antes o fuera del matrimonio es vivir en pecado. Ante esto, muchos cristianos creen que vivir juntos antes del matrimonio no es vivir en pecado. Si bien es cierto que no hay un reclamo claro en contra, una de las razones por las cuales la Biblia no menciona explícitamente esta pregunta es porque dos personas solteras que vivían juntas antes del matrimonio y que planeaban ser marido y mujer eran raras.

También es importante que pongamos "vivir juntos" en contexto. Vivir juntos, incluso estar en el mismo espacio usando el modelo de marido y mujer, incluidas las relaciones sexuales sin estar casados. Esto no es lo mismo que un hombre y una mujer que viven juntos en el mismo espacio sin relaciones sexuales. No hay nada de malo en que un hombre y una mujer vivan juntos mientras no tenga lugar nada inmoral. Sin embargo, esto también puede ser problemático si y cuando surgen el deseo y la tentación. La Biblia nos dice "Pero la inmoralidad sexual y toda impureza o avaricia ni siquiera deben nombrarse entre ustedes, como es propio entre los santos" (Efesios 5: 3). Como cristianos, se nos enseña que es importante romper con la inmoralidad y la tentación que conlleva. La Biblia dice "Huye de la inmoralidad sexual". Cualquier otro pecado que comete una persona está fuera del cuerpo, pero la persona sexualmente inmoral peca contra su propio cuerpo "(1 Corintios 6:18). Cuando participamos en cualquier relación sexual fuera del matrimonio, que incluye el sexo prematrimonial, es una forma de fornicación que la Biblia define como pecado sexual.

Otro problema con los cristianos que viven juntos antes del matrimonio tiene que ver con el compromiso. El matrimonio es un compromiso por adelantado. En el libro de Génesis, se nos dice que un hombre deja a su padre y a su madre y se une a su esposa, y se convierten en una sola carne (Génesis 2:24). El Libro de Marcos también toca este concepto de un hombre y una mujer que se unen como marido y mujer como una sola carne. "Y los dos se convertirán en una sola carne". Entonces ellos ya no son dos sino una sola carne (Marcos 10: 8). Cuando viven juntos y no están casados, no existe el mismo compromiso inicial que tendrían con el matrimonio. Si un hombre y una mujer no pueden compartir sus vidas juntos como una sola carne en una relación que es honorable para Dios, no hay una base de confianza, y mientras muchos argumentarán que no se necesita un documento para definir su compromiso con alguien, pensar que puede estar comprometido con alguien sin una profesión pública de matrimonio no es realista.

La cohabitación, un arreglo donde dos personas que no están casadas viven juntas, pone a los hombres en el asiento del conductor y las mujeres en riesgo, con poca influencia en la relación. En esta situación, el hombre obtiene lo que quiere en términos de sexo y compañía sin dar lo que teme, y ese es el compromiso. Si bien esta toma puede ser un poco amplia, sí toca una verdad importante. Los hombres anhelan compañerismo y una pareja sexual y se comprometerán con un matrimonio cuando estén listos o deseen a una mujer en particular. Las mujeres a menudo se encuentran con poca influencia cuando están viviendo con un hombre porque se están entregando sin el compromiso que tendrían en el matrimonio. Una mujer puede perder al hombre con quien vive si no tiene interés en el compromiso.

En un escenario de convivencia antes del matrimonio, ambas personas tienen acceso físico el uno al otro, sin un compromiso emocional o espiritual. En lugar de simplemente ver cómo funcionan las cosas en una situación de convivencia, Dios quiere que estemos emocional y espiritualmente comprometidos con el hombre o la mujer en quien invertimos nuestro tiempo, y muchas veces, este nivel de compromiso está ausente de estas situaciones. Muchas relaciones no funcionan porque no hay una base firme. El compromiso físico se convierte en nada más que la satisfacción egoísta de la carne.

El matrimonio es uno de los pasos más grandes que tomará en la vida. Múdate con alguien con quien estás listo para comprometerte por completo, y en unión con Dios con ellos en matrimonio. No escuches las presiones del mundo. No hay nada de malo en esperar a vivir juntos hasta el matrimonio. Si hay vacilaciones relacionadas con la confianza y el compromiso, puede ser momento de reevaluar dónde se encuentra en la relación.

Hay numerosas Escrituras que declaran la prohibición de Dios de la inmoralidad sexual (Hechos 15:20; I Corintios 5: 1; 6: 13,18; 10: 8; 2 Corintios 12:21; Gálatas 5:19; Efesios 5: 3; Colosenses 3: 5; I Tesalonicenses 4: 3; Judas 7). La palabra griega traducida como "inmoralidad sexual" o "fornicación" en estos versículos es porneia, y significa literalmente "lujuria ilícita". Dado que la única forma de sexualidad legal es el matrimonio de un hombre y una mujer (Génesis 2:24; Mateo 19: 5), entonces cualquier cosa fuera del matrimonio, ya sea adulterio, sexo prematrimonial, homosexualidad o cualquier otra cosa, es ilegal, en otras palabras, pecado. Vivir juntos antes del matrimonio definitivamente cae en la categoría de la fornicación: el pecado sexual.

IS IT WRONG FOR CHRISTIAN TO LIVE TOGETHER BEFORE MARRIAGE

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4)

In the time we live in, living together before marriage is becoming more and more common in many parts of the world. A couple of generations ago such practices were virtually inconceivable. However, in recent years we have seen a spiritual decay, both in individuals and in churches all over the world, where cohabitation, homosexual unions and of course divorce and remarriage have become more and more accepted.

Living together before marriage has become widely accepted. What does God's Word say about it? The world is constantly evolving, and many changes in society are necessary, because we as human beings are not perfect. For the same reason, much “development” goes in completely the wrong direction.

Developments in the world constantly go further in the direction of fornication and sin. It turns out that the religious community is unable to stop this development. On the contrary, we see that as sin becomes more and more widespread and widely accepted, resistance decreases, even among those who call themselves Christians and who should be enforcing God’s Word. What was called sin only a few years ago, is today termed as love. It is when the light from heaven is extinguished that people with unclean spirits can find peace in the congregation. Such an assembly is without power and blessing and the seeking soul cannot find help.

God’s Word, however, is perfect, and never changes. Sin remains sin, even when it becomes widely accepted. The Bible is clear: living together is sexual immorality. As Christians, we also have to think about what marriage represents (Ephesians 5:25-33).

The Bible is very clear in what it says about sexual immorality. According to what Jesus said and Paul wrote, marriage between a man and a woman is the only form of partnership that God accepts and blesses. All sexual relationships outside marriage are considered fornication.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4). In other words, there is nothing unclean about sexual relations within marriage, but there is judgment for those engaged in fornication outside marriage. Consequently, this also includes cohabitation, i.e. people living together as a couple, without being married. Such conditions are clearly described here as fornication and adultery, even if you’ve never been married before.

Living together before marriage is becoming increasingly common, even among Christian couples and for a number of reasons. Before making a lifelong commitment, many couples want a “trial period” to feel out how they both live, and know if taking the relationship to the next level makes sense. Many Christians are adopting the beliefs and practices of the world, and this can be problematic for a number of reasons.

The Bible makes no clear claim that living together before or outside of marriage is living in sin. Given this, many Christians believe that living together before marriage is not living in sin. While there is truth concerning there being no clear claim against it, one of the reasons why an answer to this question isn’t explicitly stated in the Bible is because two unmarried people living together before marriage who planned on being husband and wife was rare.

It is also important that we put “living together” in context. Living together including being in the same space using a husband and wife model, including sexual relations without being married. This is not the same as a man and woman living together in the same space without sexual relations. There is nothing wrong with a man and a woman living together as long as there is nothing immoral taking place. However, this too can be problematic if and when desire and temptation arise. The Bible tells us “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3). As Christians, we are taught that it is important to break away from not immorality, and the temptation that comes with it. The Bible says “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). When we participate in any sexual relations outside of marriage, which includes premarital sex, it is a form of fornication which the Bible defines as sexual sin.

Another issue with Christians living together before marriage has to do with commitment. Marriage is an up-front commitment. In the book of Genesis we are told that a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). The Book of Mark also touches on this concept of a man and woman coming together as husband and wife as one flesh. “And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh (Mark 10:8). When you are living together and unmarried, there is not the same up-front commitment that you would have with marriage. If a man and a woman aren’t able to share their life together as one flesh in a relationship that is honorable to God, there is not a foundation of trust, and while many will argue that you don’t need a document to define your commitment to someone, thinking that you can be committed to someone without a public profession of marriage is unrealistic.

Cohabitation, an arrangement where two people who are not married are living together, puts men in the driver’s seat and women at risk, with little leverage in the relationship. In this situation, the man gets what they want in terms of sex and companionship without giving what they fear, and that is commitment. While this take may be a bit broad, it does touch on an important truth. Men long for companionship and a sexual partner and will commit to a marriage when they are ready or desire a particular woman. Women often find themselves with little leverage when they are just living with a man because they are giving themselves without the commitment they would have in marriage. A woman may lose the man she’s living with if he has no interest in commitment.

In a living together before marriage scenario, both people have physical access to each other, without an emotional or spiritual commitment. Instead of just seeing how things work out in a living together situation, God wants us to be emotionally and spiritually committed to the man or the woman we are investing our time in, and many times, this level of commitment is absent from these situations. So many relationships don’t work out because there is no firm foundation. Physical commitment turns into nothing more than selfish gratification of the flesh.

Marriage is one of the biggest steps you will ever take in life. Move in with someone who you are ready to be fully committed, and in union with God with them in marriage. Don't listen to the pressures of the world. Nothing is wrong with waiting to live together until marriage. If there are any hesitations related to trust and commitment, it may be time to reevaluate where you are in the relationship.

There are numerous Scriptures that declare God’s prohibition of sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:13,18; 10:8; II Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; I Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Greek word translated “sexual immorality” or “fornication” in these verses is porneia, and it means literally “unlawful lust.” Since the only form of lawful sexuality is the marriage of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5), then anything outside of marriage, whether it is adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, or anything else, is unlawful, in other words, sin. Living together before marriage definitely falls into the category of fornication—sexual sin.