State of the Union

Pastor’s NewsViews


Tim Edwards, Pastor

First Baptist Church Highlands



In the news for the last week of January is the annual State of the Union address by the President of the United States. Although the timing and methodology has morphed, the mandate for this speech is in the United States Constitution. He (the President) shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. (Article 2 Section 3) By tradition, this message is in January or early February. The State of the Union Address originated as communication to a joint session of Congress. It is still primarily addressed to the Congress, but is now also a direct communication to the people of the United States. In the State of the Union Address, the President reports on the condition of the nation and outlines his legislative agenda and national priorities. On Thursday, January 28th, President Barack Obama will present his 5th such speech to the Congress. Predictably, supporters will applaud and opponents will criticize whatever is said in this speech.

Annual assessments are the expectation for virtually all organizations. Most entities coordinate their fiscal year with the calendar year. The month of January is therefore an appropriate time for corporations, community organizations, all levels of government, and even churches to bring reports to their respective constituencies. These reviews of the past year and vision casting for the current year are generally both objective and subjective. The objective data of the ledger is accountability, and the subjective passion of the leaders sets the tone for action. The bias of the audience will always determine how they perceive the various issues.

Fundamentally, a “state of the union” assessment for any “union” is an examination of the heart of each individual in that “union”. The most pertinent issue facing individuals who are members of any organization and for USA citizens in response to the President’s speech, is to assess all life situations in the context of the Will and Purposes of God. God speaks through His Word. No organization, political party or individual should ask God to endorse their own agenda. By contrast, the plan for your life must be to set your priorities and plans according to God’s agenda.

Our understanding and knowledge is limited. It is God’s assessment of our lives and our “unions” that must be sought. The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s Word as a challenge from God Himself to the nation of Judah 2800 years ago. This message is applicable in 2014 regarding any “union”. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace…” (Isaiah 55:6-1)

God’s Ways must be accepted by FAITH. As Christ-followers, assess any and all situations by the Truth of God’s Word. Depend on God for direction. The “State of Union” for any “union” will be blessed by God only as His Ways are accepted as the goal by individual Christ-followers. Make a difference for joy and peace in our country, workplace, school, family, church or with any “union” of people through your affirmation of the Word of God!