If you've read or listened to my blogs, I hope you've noticed an overall positive and encouraging tone. It's not because I'm naturally inclined that way. I regularly pray against my curmudgeonly nature. If my messages are interesting and uplifting, I am quite sure it is only because the grace, forgiveness, and love of God that I regularly experience is leaking out of me, because Jesus is like that.
When He was here on earth Jesus was invited to the home of a somewhat well-known religious leader for dinner. At the dinner a woman that was not included came in to express her honor, deep devotion, gratitude, and love for Jesus in a socially unacceptable manner. It was awkward, but she didn't seem to care. Neither did Jesus.
The religious leader was offended and judged her to be unworthy to be in his home. Worse, he judged Jesus for accepting her and showing her kindness. Knowing the man's thoughts and attitude, Jesus taught a parable that exposed the religious man's arrogance and rudeness. The moral of the story is recorded in the Bible in Luke 7:47-48.
“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Because I know Jesus and trust the Holy Spirit to guide and correct me, like this woman I am very aware of just how sinful I am, in my thoughts and attitudes if not my actions. Because I need God's forgiveness and to make amends with those I sin against, I sincerely try in person, in writing, and recorded messages to focus on the positive and extend the same grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness that I receive from God. Sometimes I have to work really hard at it.
This is one of those times
So, forgive me if this blog causes unnecessary irritation or offense. I will try and deliver my thoughts with God's heart, but I am aware that I may be more direct than usual. Read on at your discretion and may God have mercy on us both.
I have friends and acquaintances that are as diverse as our world. I don't intentionally surround and insulate myself with people that are like me, particularly in thought or belief. I go out of my way to try and build honest relationships of respect, care, and trust. That's not easy for me. I am WAY more introverted than you know. However, I value my family, friends, and acquaintances as gifts from God, and I love and desire the best for them.
This is especially true in the highly charged social and political climate of our world today. It is so easy to offend. Somehow that has become the cardinal sin. "Speaking the truth in love" as the Bible commands in relationship with one another comes at a high cost. We usually err one way or the other. Either we hedge the truth (as we see it) in our endeavor to appear loving, or we wield the truth (as we see it) as a weapon regardless of the harm we inflict on someone without regard to the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."
Understanding the risk, once more into the breach
Yesterday on my social media feed there were back-to-back, in-your-face messages from two close friends and followers of Christ regarding their political views. They were very clear regarding what every other Christian must (in their view) believe and act on. The first post vehemently stated that anyone voting for Democrats are in league with actual evil (the devil). The second post just as emphatically stated exactly the opposite regarding anyone that votes Republican. Each listed their reasons in graphic, pejorative detail. Each made it clear there was no room for any discussion, dialogue, or disagreement with them. Both messages were frank: agree with me, vote solely for the political party and candidates that I am loyal to, or I judge that you are unfaithful to God and therefore dead to me.
Christians, is this really our message? Who are we really serving by slavish devotion to a political party and obviously flawed politicians? Our non-Christian friends see all of this and wonder why anyone should listen to anything that Christians have to say. Just look at the signs of the times. We're obviously in trouble with God and I wonder if we're even going to have a national election at this point.
Should Christians Vote?
For the record, I am registered unaffiliated. I believe as citizens with the privilege to vote, it is our civic duty to do so. I recommend reading I Peter 2:9-17 for context. But the Bible does not provide a clear mandate. I'm going to quote John Piper. He is not my favorite resource, but in this case, I think his view is instructive. He writes, "when the duty to vote is elevated to the point where it overrides other Christian principles of virtue, it has been taken too far. At times...a vote for any proposed candidate is so offensive, so morally compromised, so misleading that it may be a matter of greater integrity, more faithful obedience to Christ, and a clearer witness to truth if we do not vote for any of the proposed candidates."
There is room for disagreement on this and I'm sure some of you may take issue with my conclusion. However, I hope everyone is responsible, does the research, and makes the best choice in voting that is available. But open belligerence and passing grave moral judgment against others that disagree coming from people that I love and respect makes me sad.
Our region has just experienced two devastating hurricanes in rapid succession. Here in North Carolina the scale of destruction and need for coordinated relief and assistance is massive. Fortunately, neighbors are helping neighbors and there is increasing coordination among local, state, and federal entities, churches, businesses, and aid organizations. But now, even in a major disaster, where the people of the United States once pulled together and excelled, divisive politics has reared its ugly head.
Navigating the Issues
To my non-Christian friends, I apologize that we Christians are not representing Jesus very well. Let me provide three examples of hot button campaign issues where this is true.
Until recently I was pro-life. But now evidently, I'm a radical extremist. I make no apologies. For background you can read my own personal story. It amazes me that abortion on demand at any time, for any reason, whether by physical procedure or chemical agent is portrayed as a non-negotiable women's healthcare issue. Here's the truth. With every abortion, no matter the precipitating circumstances, there is a tragic death. Shouldn't we collectively grieve and have compassion rather than divide and fight?
I'm very troubled by people and policies that mess with children, their personhood, and their innocence. I agree with Jesus in Matt. 19:14, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Please, in all of your adult culture and political wars, leave the children out of it.
Third, we must deal with national security and a wide-open border. America historically loves immigrants. It's how our country was founded. The Bible tells us repeatedly to welcome the foreigner and the stranger and do them no wrong. Heb. 13:1-2, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Unfortunately, we have deadly enemies that are taking advantage of American goodwill for nefarious purposes. In Nehemiah 4 Jerusalem constructed a wall to keep out its enemies, but it wasn't completed. Their enemies concluded, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” Jerusalem's leader, Nehemiah, told the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work." We have to address both of these legitimate concerns with a well-structured border policy.
These are very serious, perhaps even existential, crises that plague our nation whether you believe in a Creator God or not. Is demeaning, dehumanizing, and dismissing everyone that disagrees with your political party or candidate the best way to address and resolve these problems? And Christians, don't get me started on the idolatry of that approach.
OK, Christian/Straight/White/Male Boomer
Yeah, yeah, I get it. I'm supposed to shut up now. I've had my turn, and my generation dropped the ball. True. OK Boomer. But apparently, you haven't met me. I'm going to say my peace anyway and you can ignore or dismiss it if you choose. It's a free country.
Here's what I do believe is the only complete truth in all of this, delivered with the love of God for each and every person without regard to any human division we can devise, define, or imagine.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - John 3:16-17
Trite? Maybe. But ever true. Because the Son of God, Jesus, laid down his divinity to live a sinless life among us, as one of us, bearing the consequences for sin in our place, He is able to rescue and redeem everyone that believes in Him. Jesus eliminated once and for all the wall of sin and separation that kept us from God the Father. Following His example, I therefore choose not to divide and separate myself from anyone even when we vehemently disagree. You are loved by God. Period.
So, I guess that's positive after all. Hang in there. It's going to be a bumpy ride.
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