One of the things heavy on my heart this week is the state of my nation. I am actually not thinking directly of the present administration, which you may or may not like. I'm reacting to the people.
Two things have disturbed me: some of those supportive of the present administration here in the States and some of those against it. Let me begin in reverse--with those against it.
Someone I work with, who speaks to large groups of Christians, reported an alarming attitude amongst the majority of those to whom he talks. They seem to be arguing that our only option is to form militias. This is disturbing on many levels.
For one, the conduct of a Christian as taught in the Bible is expressly contrary to rebelling against authority. Paul urges us strongly to pray for our leaders and respect those in authority as God's agents.
The Apostle Peter argues: "What credit do you deserve if you endure a beating for doing something wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing something good, God is pleased with you. God called you to endure suffering because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example so that you could follow in his footsteps. Christ never committed any sin. He never spoke deceitfully. Christ never verbally abused those who verbally abused him. When he suffered, he didn't make any threats but left everything to the One who judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:20-23)
We have an unusual right to peacefully make our voices heard. When we know something to be wrong, we can try to vote against it or entreat our leaders to follow their consciences. We are not, however, called to take violent action (even if things get worse) to take back what we have had.
We are promised persecution. As hard as it is to accept, what we as citizens of the West have experienced is unusual to most of the world. PRAY we keep it! But don't, by your thoughts, conversations, and potential actions CAUSE persecution for all Christians, because you choose to take the law into your own hands (the devil's delight!). Don't be such a pawn. Be a Christian, if you call yourself by His name.
On the other side, I worry when I hear people twisting definitions in order to make something that's unconstitutional palatable. I'm thinking here of the right of the President to go against Fox News. Whether you like them or not is immaterial. I have heard over and over those in journalism saying Fox does not qualify as news, because they do not present their material with the appearance of objectivity. Because it is not news, they say, it is perfectly right for the President to close them down.
I see freedom of speech slowly being redefined to fit a narrow definition of what is allowed. I hear of it in the UK--a couple imprisoned, because they said they believed Islam was wrong, and that offended the Muslims who heard. There is less tolerance for truth and more applauding of twisted, mutilated truth that has a pretty face and good PR.
When we seek to know which side of the political line God is on, I'm reminded of Joshua 5:13 - 15. Joshua was leading the Israelites into a battle God had told him to fight. Before the battle he saw, "a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our enemies?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.'
As Oswald Chambers said, God is not on any side. The question is are we on God's side. If we claim the name of Jesus, let us follow the example of Jesus, wherever it may lead.
Kate: You are right! We both are writing along the same line of truth. I enjoyed your commentary and your thoughts. I wonder what Bonhoeffer would say when comparring his Nation and ours at this juncture? We sure need to pray earnestly the God would awaken our Nation to the truth of God's Word. It is His truth, after all, that will only set us free in Christ. Love you so much!
ReplyDelete