Wisdom in a Disoriented World
Speaker: Pastor Pierre du Plessis
Scripture References: Philippians 3:20 AMP, Jeremiah 29:5-7 MSG
Discussion Questions:
1. What was your overall response to the sermon and review?
2. How might wisdom be applied to help alleviate anxiety about the outcome of the election?
3. What are some of the factors that bring on disorientation? (Think social media, community and personal biases, etc).
4. How might we overcome each of these factors so that we will be a calm influence in a sea of chaos?
5. It was said that regardless of differing opinions, we are all god’s children made in His image and we need to resist dehumanizing those we disagree with. How does that challenge you?
6. What does it take for people to change their minds?
7. Do I have to agree with you in order to be accepted or loved by you? Why or why not?
8. How are you processing this political season before the election? Has this sermon helped you process the election more clearly?
Sermon Recap:
How are you processing the National Presidential Election that is coming in a few short weeks? Do you find yourself embroiled in heated debates with friends, family and co-workers? Do you resign yourself to “grin- and- bare- it as best you can, refusing to get swept up in the controversy and drama? Do you even plan to vote at all, rejecting both parties’ candidates as typical politicians who will do anything to get your vote so they can wield the power inherent in the presidential office? For many, national elections are a time of frustration, disorientation and anxiety. Separating fact from “fake news”, truth from conspiracy theories, unvetted rumors that spread like wildfire over social media, lead too many of us to step back and disconnect from the political process. While others, convinced of their own viewpoints, stop associating with those who disagree and even invoke Scripture as final proof that their stance is the only righteous one. Unfortunately, many churches use the pulpit to get their congregants to accept their political views. Be careful how you use God and the Scripture to further your own biases. The pulpit represents the kingdom of God. God’s concern is for the world, not just America, but when His name or Word is manipulated, it's a dangerous thing. But {we are different, because our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await {the coming of} the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil 3:20. Amp.
The stress and uncertainty that accompany disorientation during this time is real. Disorientation is ‘the state of confusion in which a person is unable to recognize which “way is up”, or understand their current situation.’ These disorienting factors include polarization, echo-chambers, high social media activity, and heightened political conversations, which in turn lead to heightened emotions and anxiety. (Echo chambers occur when people gravitate toward sources that confirm their beliefs, reinforcing group divisions and an Us vs. them mentality.) In order to orient yourself correctly, one must recalibrate your brain to understand the current situation in a rapidly changing environment, much like a jet pilot in combat. Reorientation is hard work, and requires a lot of time and energy; something we generally avoid when it's easier to just accept views as fact that fit our own biases. It is not the Father’s House’s policy or intention to influence your voting decisions, rather to help us see more clearly in order to vote with wisdom. Jeremiah 29:7 says it well in speaking of Israel's captivity in Babylon...“Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare. Pray for the well-being of the country you live in. If things go well for the country you inhabit, things will go well for you too,.”
