“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
The church has lost its bearings when it is caught up in the earthly. Any life that is consumed by the cares of this world will eventually run aground, stuck in the shallows, never sailing on and into the things that matter most to God. This is why Paul warns young Timothy: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:4)
Yes, we must live in this world, but we are not to be of it. The spirit of the world has its major focus on what one will eat and wear. This is not to be our first concern. These things the nations seek after, but our Father knows what we have need of. He calls us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and assures us that if we will do so, He will take well care of us.
What then is the world to do with all their very real concerns? How should the church help calm their worries and fears? Should we advise them on the best form of human government; or champion political leaders that we feel will look out best for them (and us;) or, should we point them past man to God?
Political systems, parties, leaders; current societal events and stressors; will come and go. The masses are bound to be highly disturbed at certain junctures in history, especially so as the end draws near. “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Lk. 21:26) But we are always to be looking up, not only because our redemptions draws near, but because “the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18)
A new world is on the horizon. The King of kings is readying His departure from heaven and His return to this earth. The government will then be upon His shoulders, and the increase of peace and righteousness throughout the world will continue without end. Our own efforts to save each other will finally come to a screeching halt. Kings and kingdoms will all have passed away, but there is something about His Name!