I was a sophomore in High School when Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory during the 1980 Presidential campaign. I didn't follow politics then. I do remember my parents, staunch Republicans, were elated that the Carter years were finally done. I remember school getting out early when an assassins bullet struck him. I remember "there he goes again," the commercials in 1984 of a great Russian bear stalking, star wars missile defense, "tear down this wall," Iran-Contra, Grenada, and a few other things. I didn't start really following politics until Bush v. Clinton and Perot in 1992.
Reagan has become the symbol of what it is to be a Republican. It's been 27 years since he left office, yet his name is revered today like he was just leaving office next year. He's become an icon, and every Republican candidate since, except maybe an insurgent like Ron Paul, has invoked his name and legacy stating they are the one to return us to the days of Reagan. Today whether it be Cruz, or Rubio, or any of the others apart from Trump, they still make his legacy a central part of their campaigns. Cruz and Rubio are 45, meaning they were 13 when Reagan was elected. Call me a cynic, but I knew very few 13 years olds who were political wonks. Yet they claim more than the others that only they can return the country to the glory days of Ronald Reagan.
But is that really possible?
I look back to those days when I was a teen, and I see a country that doesn't exist anymore. No internet; cable TV was a new thing; no cable news; no talk radio; people got their news from Walter Cronkite, not Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly or Chris Matthews. People went to church, little league games and practices weren't scheduled on Wednesday or Sunday out of respect for this. During this era people watched Cheers, The Cosby Show, and 60 Minutes. Well, we still watch that.
In those days we had a clear enemy, the Soviet Union. No one knew what AIDS was, or Trans-genders. Kids weren't shooting each other in schools, never even thought about it. Teachers could still spank a child, parents did as well. Billy Graham crusades were aired on Saturday nights. Bob Hope still visited the troops and announced the All-American football team. Bear Bryant still roamed the sidelines. People still wrote letters, and used encyclopedias.
It was a different world.
Everyone has a recollection of their "good ol' days." When examined, they are usually found as rife with problems as any other point in history. But things do change. The world has changed immensely since those heady days of the "era of Reagan." It happens. Fifty years before Reagan, the nation was in the midst of the Great Depression, few owned a car, or a house, or even a phone. Radio was entertainment; newspapers were king; airlines didn't exist; marriage was by and large for life; abortion wasn't even a blip on the radar, let alone Gay marriage.
Today is as different from the days of Reagan as the 1930's were the 1980's.
We cannot go back in time. Those days are never coming back, in fact, more radical changes to our lives are on the way. It's the way of mankind, and the world. Central themes traverse time. Evil still exists, sin still swallows the world. The "heart of man" is still as "deceitfully wicked" as when Jeremiah penned those words 2600 years ago. As Jesus said we'll always have the poor with us, and there will always be rich and poor here on earth. A sucker is still born every minute, politicians will still say anything to get elected, and promise a "chicken in every pot," maybe today a Big Mac. A few things never change, but most change dramatically over the course of a generation.
The days of Ronald Reagan are gone. We live in a reality TV world where coarseness and provocative behavior draws the limited attention spans we hold. We communicate in 140 characters or less on Twitter; base our opinions on sound bites instead of context; talk on Facebook instead of face-to-face; look at our phones instead of each other; download our music and movies; attend church to watch a preacher on a big screen. Reagan was a product of his generation, who survived the depression and World War II. We are a product of Vietnam; the Civil Rights movement; feminism; free love; "Greed is good;" a fetus isn't human; White House sex scandals; and parsing the meaning of the word "is."
For us as Christians, this election should be a lesson. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23, "and to the Jews I became a Jew, that I might win the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law, to those whom are without the law, as without the law (not being without the law towards God, but under the law towards Christ), that I might win those who are without the law; to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospels sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you."
As Christians, in this reality TV world, maybe we'd be better purposed to be looking at what this election has revealed of the world that we live in, and how to relate to it, instead of looking for the next Ronald Reagan. Those days are as different from today as winter is from summer. Instead of filling our minds with the political squabbles of the day, and seeking a return to our "good ol' days," maybe we should heed the words of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 8:20, "the harvest is past, the summer is gone, and we are not saved!" That has not changed.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
For the Christian in Politics, Does the End Justify the Means?
Ahhhhhh, it's political season in full force here in South Carolina. New Hampshire is in the rear view mirror and my home state is now in the crosshairs of the remaining candidates in the race for President. Our roads will be littered with signs, our airwaves overrun with ads on radio and TV, our Facebook feeds full of venom from those heinous Super PAC's, and so it is for the next few weeks.
South Carolina is an interesting animal politically. Conservative yet independent, known for underhanded and bare knuckled political brawls. Over 60% of the voters are self declared Evangelicals, as we are still most definitely a religious state. Yet when it comes to politics, it seems we are often far to willing to ignore dirty, cheap and frankly dishonest tactics, overlook them in spite of their un-Christian tenor, under the mantra, "well, that's politics." But, should this be the mindset for the Christian voter or the candidate running under the banner of faith?
That's a question that has really bothered me this election cycle. As we watch a hotly contested Republican primary, we've seen the typical politics of our generation. Anything goes. Of the candidates remaining, only one is not really running with his faith as a centerpiece of his campaign, and that is Donald Trump. Yes, Trump has appealed to the evangelical vote, what Republican candidate doesn't? He's received the endorsement of some religious leaders like Dr. Robert Jeffress and Jerry Falwell, Jr. But he most certainly is not out there trumpeting his faith. When he has spoken of it he's been visibly hesitant and awkward. I do not consider him a religious candidate in the least. The rest however are running with a bible in hand and their faith prominent as part of their appeal to voters. And that will especially be on display here in South Carolina.
Ben Carson speaks of his Seventh Day Adventist faith eloquently and sincerely. By all accounts he seems to be as honorable a man as their is in the contest. He's simply not a good politician. By that I mean, he's way to nice and has not resorted to an anything goes approach, which means he has no prayer of being elected. It doesn't help he appears to be napping most of the time. Still, I respect his candidacy and his integrity.
Former Florida Governor Jeb! Bush does not speak of his Catholic faith as often as his brother George did of his Episcopal beliefs. Still, when he does, he does so comfortably and seemingly sincerely. Bush is in a desperate position as he enters South Carolina and it will be interesting to watch how his campaign proceeds here. How low will he be willing to go? Brother George went pretty low here in 2000 in his match-up with John McCain, even so far that rumors of McCain having an illegitimate black child, was a traitor, was crazy, his wife was a drug addict, were widely circulated via flyers and push polls. Bush went on to win the nomination and Presidency, did the "end justify the means" for an avowed born again Christian?
Ohio Governor John Kasich is an avowed conservative Anglican. He also is comfortable when speaking of his faith, though it's not a centerpiece of his candidacy. Kasich has so far run a very positive campaign and avoided the trap of the anything goes politics that are so prevalent today. With little to no organization in South Carolina, he's not a factor. I really don't even expect him to compete here, so if he does resort to politics as usual, it won't be here.
That brings us to Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, the two most prominent faith based candidates.
Rubio is Roman Catholic and has a riveting testimony in regards to his faith in Jesus Christ. Over the course of his life, Rubio has been Catholic, then Mormon as a teen, later an Evangelical who attended an SBC megachurch, and now has returned to his Catholic roots of which he says says he fully embraces all Roman Catholic doctrine. Rubio's political journey is as muddled as his journey in faith. He was elected Senator in Florida as a Tea Party Constitutionalist running on a strict anti-immigration amnesty platform, but almost immediately reversed course when elected when he emerged as a co-sponsor of the doomed "Gang of Eight" amnesty bill. Now, he says he no longer backs the bill he was a primary proponent of. He also is on the record as first saying in hindsight he would not have gone to war in Iraq, but later saying it was not a mistake, and has changed his positions on defense spending several times. He's had to revise the story of his parents flight from Cuba due to inaccuracies. Now, everyone is entitled to change their minds. But for one running on their faith as visibly as Rubio is, it seems the words of the bible "let your yay mean yay and your nay mean nay" should have some bearing. He comes off as one who will say what he believes will get him elected. For Rubio, will the "end justify the means?"
No candidate is running as strongly on his faith as Southern Baptist Ted Cruz. Cruz, Senator from Texas and son of Pentecostal Pastor Rafael Cruz, has garnered the backing of such conservative Christian stalwarts as James Dobson and Tony Perkins along with some questionable characters like Kenneth Copeland, Mike Bickle and David Barton. In South Carolina nearly 150 pastors have endorsed Cruz, including former President of the SCBC Tommy Kelly of FBC Varnville. Cruz has cultivated networks of pastors to organize Christian voters is several states, including here, and is counting on as he so boldly claims in stump speeches for "the body of Christ to rise up and restore this nation!"
This type language obviously plays well with religious conservatives. Cruz has also publically shown a willingness to stand up to the powers that be, the "Washington Cartel," as he has labeled them, further endearing him to those with conservative political views who see D.C. and the political elites as corrupt. With Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum now gone, Cruz is by far the most openly religious candidate left. Has his campaign reflected the bold statement of faith he so openly is running on?
In Iowa, Cruz was responsible for a clearly deceptive mailer that "shamed" voters by comparing their voting records to their neighbors. Now understand, this is not a tactic foreign to elections in Iowa. Barack Obama used the same tactic in 2008 and the Iowa Republican Party has used the tactic as well. It is accepted politics as usual. But is deception a tactic a candidate running on a faith centered platform should be using? The Ben Carson episode on Caucus night clearly was mishandled by the Cruz campaign, infuriating the ever docile and honorable Carson. Ben clearly felt wronged. Now, in politics, one looks for every advantage, and clearly in Iowa, a state also with a large Evangelical voting block, any vote that could be won from Carson, who was appealing to the same voter block, was an advantage. And their is no doubt some were swayed. There was nothing illegal here, it was indeed politics as usual. But was it ethical, and do ethics matter for the candidate running as "the" conservative Christian candidate?
Cruz also has his flip flops. The campaign commercials have already begun here and the tenor of some are highly questionable to me, including an on-line ad from a Super PAC supporting Cruz, playing to the Confederate flag issue here against Donald Trump. This issue is clearly divisive, and more importantly, of no bearing on this election. It's a play to the lowest common denominator of some of the voting public. Is it politically effective? Maybe it will be. Is it the way "the" conservative Christian candidate should be campaigning? For Cruz, will the "end justify the means?"
Now, I'm not leaving the Donald out of this. He's flip-flopped on more things than an Olympic gymnast, uses language that would shame a sailor, and also appeals to the "baser" instincts of many. But as I stated, he's not running with his faith front and center of his campaign. Except when asked about it, he rarely mentions it. My question surrounding all of this is should the candidate clearly running with faith as a central part of their campaign be held to a higher standard by the Christian voter?
Men like Huckabee and Santorum certainly had their faith front and center, ran honorable campaigns, and were out of the race after the first contest getting less than 3% of the vote between them. Many say someone running this type of campaign, Carson being another example, cannot win. I'm actually convinced of that. Politics is a cutthroat proposition. But what type of testimony is it for the Christian to adopt the ways of the world simply to get elected? The Christian is supposed to be about Christ first and foremost, and abstain from the ways of the world. We are to be "salt" and "light" to influence the corrupted culture we live in, but as Jesus says, when salt "loses it's flavor," it becomes useless.
It's clearly a difficult thing to process. I firmly believe we need more Christian influence in our government. More faithful, committed people of integrity whose "yay means yay." But we live in a world where the game apparently has to be played the "game's" way. Does that match up with our faith? For me, it doesn't. For the Christian, you see, the "means" are every bit as important as the "end." If they are not, we may be elected, but we lose credibility in the thing that should matter most, our testimony of Jesus Christ.
South Carolina is an interesting animal politically. Conservative yet independent, known for underhanded and bare knuckled political brawls. Over 60% of the voters are self declared Evangelicals, as we are still most definitely a religious state. Yet when it comes to politics, it seems we are often far to willing to ignore dirty, cheap and frankly dishonest tactics, overlook them in spite of their un-Christian tenor, under the mantra, "well, that's politics." But, should this be the mindset for the Christian voter or the candidate running under the banner of faith?
That's a question that has really bothered me this election cycle. As we watch a hotly contested Republican primary, we've seen the typical politics of our generation. Anything goes. Of the candidates remaining, only one is not really running with his faith as a centerpiece of his campaign, and that is Donald Trump. Yes, Trump has appealed to the evangelical vote, what Republican candidate doesn't? He's received the endorsement of some religious leaders like Dr. Robert Jeffress and Jerry Falwell, Jr. But he most certainly is not out there trumpeting his faith. When he has spoken of it he's been visibly hesitant and awkward. I do not consider him a religious candidate in the least. The rest however are running with a bible in hand and their faith prominent as part of their appeal to voters. And that will especially be on display here in South Carolina.
Ben Carson speaks of his Seventh Day Adventist faith eloquently and sincerely. By all accounts he seems to be as honorable a man as their is in the contest. He's simply not a good politician. By that I mean, he's way to nice and has not resorted to an anything goes approach, which means he has no prayer of being elected. It doesn't help he appears to be napping most of the time. Still, I respect his candidacy and his integrity.
Former Florida Governor Jeb! Bush does not speak of his Catholic faith as often as his brother George did of his Episcopal beliefs. Still, when he does, he does so comfortably and seemingly sincerely. Bush is in a desperate position as he enters South Carolina and it will be interesting to watch how his campaign proceeds here. How low will he be willing to go? Brother George went pretty low here in 2000 in his match-up with John McCain, even so far that rumors of McCain having an illegitimate black child, was a traitor, was crazy, his wife was a drug addict, were widely circulated via flyers and push polls. Bush went on to win the nomination and Presidency, did the "end justify the means" for an avowed born again Christian?
Ohio Governor John Kasich is an avowed conservative Anglican. He also is comfortable when speaking of his faith, though it's not a centerpiece of his candidacy. Kasich has so far run a very positive campaign and avoided the trap of the anything goes politics that are so prevalent today. With little to no organization in South Carolina, he's not a factor. I really don't even expect him to compete here, so if he does resort to politics as usual, it won't be here.
That brings us to Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, the two most prominent faith based candidates.
Rubio is Roman Catholic and has a riveting testimony in regards to his faith in Jesus Christ. Over the course of his life, Rubio has been Catholic, then Mormon as a teen, later an Evangelical who attended an SBC megachurch, and now has returned to his Catholic roots of which he says says he fully embraces all Roman Catholic doctrine. Rubio's political journey is as muddled as his journey in faith. He was elected Senator in Florida as a Tea Party Constitutionalist running on a strict anti-immigration amnesty platform, but almost immediately reversed course when elected when he emerged as a co-sponsor of the doomed "Gang of Eight" amnesty bill. Now, he says he no longer backs the bill he was a primary proponent of. He also is on the record as first saying in hindsight he would not have gone to war in Iraq, but later saying it was not a mistake, and has changed his positions on defense spending several times. He's had to revise the story of his parents flight from Cuba due to inaccuracies. Now, everyone is entitled to change their minds. But for one running on their faith as visibly as Rubio is, it seems the words of the bible "let your yay mean yay and your nay mean nay" should have some bearing. He comes off as one who will say what he believes will get him elected. For Rubio, will the "end justify the means?"
No candidate is running as strongly on his faith as Southern Baptist Ted Cruz. Cruz, Senator from Texas and son of Pentecostal Pastor Rafael Cruz, has garnered the backing of such conservative Christian stalwarts as James Dobson and Tony Perkins along with some questionable characters like Kenneth Copeland, Mike Bickle and David Barton. In South Carolina nearly 150 pastors have endorsed Cruz, including former President of the SCBC Tommy Kelly of FBC Varnville. Cruz has cultivated networks of pastors to organize Christian voters is several states, including here, and is counting on as he so boldly claims in stump speeches for "the body of Christ to rise up and restore this nation!"
This type language obviously plays well with religious conservatives. Cruz has also publically shown a willingness to stand up to the powers that be, the "Washington Cartel," as he has labeled them, further endearing him to those with conservative political views who see D.C. and the political elites as corrupt. With Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum now gone, Cruz is by far the most openly religious candidate left. Has his campaign reflected the bold statement of faith he so openly is running on?
In Iowa, Cruz was responsible for a clearly deceptive mailer that "shamed" voters by comparing their voting records to their neighbors. Now understand, this is not a tactic foreign to elections in Iowa. Barack Obama used the same tactic in 2008 and the Iowa Republican Party has used the tactic as well. It is accepted politics as usual. But is deception a tactic a candidate running on a faith centered platform should be using? The Ben Carson episode on Caucus night clearly was mishandled by the Cruz campaign, infuriating the ever docile and honorable Carson. Ben clearly felt wronged. Now, in politics, one looks for every advantage, and clearly in Iowa, a state also with a large Evangelical voting block, any vote that could be won from Carson, who was appealing to the same voter block, was an advantage. And their is no doubt some were swayed. There was nothing illegal here, it was indeed politics as usual. But was it ethical, and do ethics matter for the candidate running as "the" conservative Christian candidate?
Cruz also has his flip flops. The campaign commercials have already begun here and the tenor of some are highly questionable to me, including an on-line ad from a Super PAC supporting Cruz, playing to the Confederate flag issue here against Donald Trump. This issue is clearly divisive, and more importantly, of no bearing on this election. It's a play to the lowest common denominator of some of the voting public. Is it politically effective? Maybe it will be. Is it the way "the" conservative Christian candidate should be campaigning? For Cruz, will the "end justify the means?"
Now, I'm not leaving the Donald out of this. He's flip-flopped on more things than an Olympic gymnast, uses language that would shame a sailor, and also appeals to the "baser" instincts of many. But as I stated, he's not running with his faith front and center of his campaign. Except when asked about it, he rarely mentions it. My question surrounding all of this is should the candidate clearly running with faith as a central part of their campaign be held to a higher standard by the Christian voter?
Men like Huckabee and Santorum certainly had their faith front and center, ran honorable campaigns, and were out of the race after the first contest getting less than 3% of the vote between them. Many say someone running this type of campaign, Carson being another example, cannot win. I'm actually convinced of that. Politics is a cutthroat proposition. But what type of testimony is it for the Christian to adopt the ways of the world simply to get elected? The Christian is supposed to be about Christ first and foremost, and abstain from the ways of the world. We are to be "salt" and "light" to influence the corrupted culture we live in, but as Jesus says, when salt "loses it's flavor," it becomes useless.
It's clearly a difficult thing to process. I firmly believe we need more Christian influence in our government. More faithful, committed people of integrity whose "yay means yay." But we live in a world where the game apparently has to be played the "game's" way. Does that match up with our faith? For me, it doesn't. For the Christian, you see, the "means" are every bit as important as the "end." If they are not, we may be elected, but we lose credibility in the thing that should matter most, our testimony of Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 29, 2016
The Roles of Government and the Church
As the Republican debate reached it's closing statements round the other night, Dr. Ben Carson closed his rather uneventful night in a unique way. He recited the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
You know what? I memorized that in the third grade as part of my 48th ranked, South Carolina public school education, and can still recite it to this day. In this short paragraph the Founding Fathers of our nation very simply and concisely defined what they felt the role of government should be. While there is no doubt the role of government has expanded well beyond this definition, I found it refreshing to hear in a political debate in this age of HUMONGOUS government exactly what the original intent was. And I got to thinking, how does God define the role of the church?
First let's look at the Founding Fathers definition of government.
"We the People of the United States" It is we the people who are to rule this nation through elected representatives. We exercise our rule through elections, very poorly sometimes. But ultimately the responsibility of what our government is rests at our feet. You don't like the government? Look in the mirror!
"in order to form a more perfect Union" We are united together in a common purpose to make our nation the best it can be. Not perfect, as that is impossible, but more perfect. Striving for the best. This is also a "perfect" definition for how the Christian should strive to live their life, be "more perfect" everyday.
"establish Justice" To establish justice is to establish a fair system of treatment for all under a rule of law. God alone is just and He alone knows perfect justice, and as flawed as our system is, it is still the best man has ever come up with. Judged by our peers.
"insure domestic Tranquility" Tranquility is a word we don't use much anymore. It means peace, calm. The government is to insure peace among the citizens, meaning I believe guarding against physical, armed conflict from within. We've had mixed results with this.
"provide for the common Defense" Perhaps the most understood and accepted role of government, to protect the citizenry from outside enemies.
"promote the general Welfare" To promote the well being of it's citizens. Provide equal opportunity, safety, the opportunity to improve oneself. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
"secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" We are free people, free to do as we wish so long as laws are not broken or no harm comes to another. It's the government's role to secure this right that comes not from man, but from God. And we do this with an emphasis on our posterity, those who come after us, insuring they will enjoy the same freedoms we do!
Notice some things here. It does not say establish a national religion, as freedom of religion is guaranteed in the First Amendment of the constitution that follows. It also does not say limit religion, which is also guaranteed by that same First Amendment. The government is to stay out of religion, and any religion has the freedom to practice it's beliefs within the confines of the freedom we are all granted. The Founders were pretty smart dudes. They stayed out of the business of the church.
So what is the role of the church?
Like our Founding Fathers, God did not give us difficult instruction in regards to this. Like our government today, I believe many Christians have complicated and added to the role of the church making it really incomprehensible. It is not. The role of the church is this:
Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."'
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
You know what? I memorized that in the third grade as part of my 48th ranked, South Carolina public school education, and can still recite it to this day. In this short paragraph the Founding Fathers of our nation very simply and concisely defined what they felt the role of government should be. While there is no doubt the role of government has expanded well beyond this definition, I found it refreshing to hear in a political debate in this age of HUMONGOUS government exactly what the original intent was. And I got to thinking, how does God define the role of the church?
First let's look at the Founding Fathers definition of government.
"We the People of the United States" It is we the people who are to rule this nation through elected representatives. We exercise our rule through elections, very poorly sometimes. But ultimately the responsibility of what our government is rests at our feet. You don't like the government? Look in the mirror!
"in order to form a more perfect Union" We are united together in a common purpose to make our nation the best it can be. Not perfect, as that is impossible, but more perfect. Striving for the best. This is also a "perfect" definition for how the Christian should strive to live their life, be "more perfect" everyday.
"establish Justice" To establish justice is to establish a fair system of treatment for all under a rule of law. God alone is just and He alone knows perfect justice, and as flawed as our system is, it is still the best man has ever come up with. Judged by our peers.
"insure domestic Tranquility" Tranquility is a word we don't use much anymore. It means peace, calm. The government is to insure peace among the citizens, meaning I believe guarding against physical, armed conflict from within. We've had mixed results with this.
"provide for the common Defense" Perhaps the most understood and accepted role of government, to protect the citizenry from outside enemies.
"promote the general Welfare" To promote the well being of it's citizens. Provide equal opportunity, safety, the opportunity to improve oneself. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
"secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" We are free people, free to do as we wish so long as laws are not broken or no harm comes to another. It's the government's role to secure this right that comes not from man, but from God. And we do this with an emphasis on our posterity, those who come after us, insuring they will enjoy the same freedoms we do!
Notice some things here. It does not say establish a national religion, as freedom of religion is guaranteed in the First Amendment of the constitution that follows. It also does not say limit religion, which is also guaranteed by that same First Amendment. The government is to stay out of religion, and any religion has the freedom to practice it's beliefs within the confines of the freedom we are all granted. The Founders were pretty smart dudes. They stayed out of the business of the church.
So what is the role of the church?
Like our Founding Fathers, God did not give us difficult instruction in regards to this. Like our government today, I believe many Christians have complicated and added to the role of the church making it really incomprehensible. It is not. The role of the church is this:
Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replied, 'Love the Lord God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."'
It's not rocket science!!! In doing the "Greatest Commandment," we are "salt and light" in this world! That is the role of the church! Yet somehow, today, it feels as though the church feels part of it's role is to win elections. I don't find that command in the bible!
Does this mean a Christian should not participate in the government? Run for office? Vote? Of course not! In doing this we can be "salt" in the culture we live in. But the government, and elections, are not to be the focus of the church. These are things of man, and while we can influence them as Christians living out the "Greatest Commandment," they are not a means to see the gospel spread and our nation turn to God. There is only one way this happens, through our faithful witness and the power of the Holy Spirit! The only way we can be "salt" is to continually point to THE "light", Jesus Christ. Government and elections point to man.
Do we as citizens have the right and freedom to defend the religious liberty granted to us by our constitution so eloquently written many years ago? You bet we do!!! But I'll ask you this. Does, should, the church need the government to share Jesus, practice the "Greatest Commandment," and be "salt and light?"
Something to ponder in this explosive election year.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Curious Case of Donald Trump and Christianity
Earlier tonight Donald Trump, Republican frontrunner in every poll for the 2016 Presidential nomination, withdrew from the last scheduled debate on FOX News before the Iowa Caucus on February 1. It is the latest occurrence instigated by Trump in this most unusual of election years that has the media up in arms exclaiming "THIS" is the mistake that could lead to his downfall. Trump has brought dynamics to this race, some very positive, some in my opinion not, more than any candidate in my lifetime. He's tapped in to the furor from grassroots America against politics as it has been, often referred to as the "establishment." He's dominated media coverage with an in your face, take no prisoners, downright crass style that has offended many. In the latest polling he leads among Evangelical voters by 17 points in spite of an inability to articulate his faith, and garnered the endorsement of such noted conservative Christian leaders as Jerry Falwell, Jr. To some he is grotesque, to others a hero. To all he is an enigma, balking every conventional political method yet still garnering apparent huge support.
As a Christian, I adhere to a biblical worldview. I support candidates who also have that worldview. Most Christians have, though in recent years those lines have been blurred. In 2012 Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee, and in spite of his Mormon faith, which most of conservative Christianity does not consider Christian, still collected most of the Evangelical vote cast. In 2008 John McCain, who like Trump this year, has profession of faith that is "light," also garnered most of the Evangelical vote. Evangelical is a term that really has no meaning anymore, as it is used to describe such varying degrees of Christianity, it is literally undefinable. For the conservative Christian who believes the bible the literal word of God, this election seems to carry a significance beyond any I can remember. How is that?
I believe this will either be the year that conservative Christianity either reclaims some relevance as a voting block, or loses it completely. For many it is a dilemma with no easy answer, tired of having to choose between two candidates, neither of whom really represent their worldview adequately. They are frustrated, and Donald Trump has ignited debate in this rather large voting block like no one ever.
I see both sides of the Trump debate. Politically he is not a conservative. But he's not running as a conservative, even though he claims to have changed past views on social/moral issues important to conservative Christians. He's running as an America first populist that is as tired of the "stupid" politicians as much of America is. I agree with what he says in regards to politicians, as I view the system as corrupted and one in desperate need of an overhaul. People are ready for an option other than the same vote they've been casting for years that has reaped little to no real effect on the status quo. Trump, although running as a Republican, I believe can rightly be called a Third Party Candidate. I see the voter angst clearly as I too wish for more options than we currently are presented with in our rigid two party system. I think we need radical change.
But I also believe character matters, and this is where I struggle with Trump. Trump has some admirable qualities. His children, unlike many of the offspring of the rich and famous, all are upstanding, hard working, respectful people. That does speak to him as a father. I actually believe Trump would be a great negotiator, as that is what he does. But as a Christian, with that Christian worldview, I also see a man who has lived a life that is far from one that represents Christ. One that for us who claim the mantle Christian we all should be seeking to live. Trump claims to be a Christian, as do 99.9% of all politicians, even the Mormon Romney. I don't expect perfection at all. If that were the case, no one but Christ is worthy of anything. I do wish to see someone who claims to be Christian, have a life that reflects that. That cannot be said of much of Trump's life.
The dilemma for the Christian is where do we draw the line in regards to something that is purely secular like politics, and our faith? Can the Christian with a biblical worldview knowingly cast a vote for someone who has displayed such un-Christian behaviors? I don't believe there is a concrete answer for that, and because of that we see extremes on either side of the debate. Some claim they could never vote for a man like Trump. But the character of past President's is hardly exemplary in most cases. Others say it doesn't matter, I'm not voting for a pastor, but for President. Both have a point. So what is the answer?
The bible tells us in Philippians 2:12 that we should "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." We do need to be consistent that our faith translates to all areas of our lives. Jesus also tells us in Matthew 22:21 that we should "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's." Politics are not our faith or church. The bible also says we have "liberty in Christ" in regards to non-essentials of the faith. Politics are most definitely a non-essential when it comes to faith. How we approach things such as politics are a matter of our own personal conscience, as is anything the bible does not specifically call sin.
So why do I feel this is such a crucial election for Christians with a biblical worldview? Well, it's not for the reasons many espouse. You see, me, personally, feels as though politics has become a "golden calf" in many Christians lives. Instead of seeking to see the world changed through the proclamation of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have turned to politics and men to attempt to spread our biblical worldview. The bible tells us we should be "salt and light," yet through this faith we've placed in
As an American, I love this country. As a Christian, I know the only thing that can save our nation from ruin is a movement of the Holy Spirit, not any political candidate or party. We should participate in the process as salt, but we have to repent and abandon the idol that politics is the means to the change that so desperately needs to occur. And I fear that if a Christian worldview does win out, our dependence upon the political realm will only grow. Does that mean I openly root for an ungodly government? Not at all! It does mean that I believe our nation needs, must have, a change of heart. And only God can give us a "new heart."
The early church faced an ungodly government, and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. He moved because they were not focused upon overthrowing Caesar, but sharing Christ. That's what we must get back to as the church. With a win of the Christian worldview, I can see that inevitably delayed. With a loss, however that is defined, quite possibly we stop looking to men and instead cast our attention once again to our true, "blessed hope," Jesus Christ. If an even worse and hostile America means a revived body of Christ, but an America that is more in line with our worldview means a continuing absence of the power of the Holy Spirit, which should we desire? This earth is not our home.
I pray one day abortion is illegal. It is murder and sin. No nation can truly prosper flouting God with such abomination. I pray one day our government can once again not endorse the sin of homosexuality and gay marriage. I pray our nation can turn from it's obsession with money, materialism, culture of celebrity, me first appetites, all of which the bible calls sin. I do want, as Donald Trump says, for America to be great. But the only way that happens is through a heaven sent movement of God, not who we vote for. Whatever it takes for the church to get that, understand that..........that is my prayer to happen.
As a Christian, I adhere to a biblical worldview. I support candidates who also have that worldview. Most Christians have, though in recent years those lines have been blurred. In 2012 Mitt Romney was the Republican nominee, and in spite of his Mormon faith, which most of conservative Christianity does not consider Christian, still collected most of the Evangelical vote cast. In 2008 John McCain, who like Trump this year, has profession of faith that is "light," also garnered most of the Evangelical vote. Evangelical is a term that really has no meaning anymore, as it is used to describe such varying degrees of Christianity, it is literally undefinable. For the conservative Christian who believes the bible the literal word of God, this election seems to carry a significance beyond any I can remember. How is that?
I believe this will either be the year that conservative Christianity either reclaims some relevance as a voting block, or loses it completely. For many it is a dilemma with no easy answer, tired of having to choose between two candidates, neither of whom really represent their worldview adequately. They are frustrated, and Donald Trump has ignited debate in this rather large voting block like no one ever.
I see both sides of the Trump debate. Politically he is not a conservative. But he's not running as a conservative, even though he claims to have changed past views on social/moral issues important to conservative Christians. He's running as an America first populist that is as tired of the "stupid" politicians as much of America is. I agree with what he says in regards to politicians, as I view the system as corrupted and one in desperate need of an overhaul. People are ready for an option other than the same vote they've been casting for years that has reaped little to no real effect on the status quo. Trump, although running as a Republican, I believe can rightly be called a Third Party Candidate. I see the voter angst clearly as I too wish for more options than we currently are presented with in our rigid two party system. I think we need radical change.
But I also believe character matters, and this is where I struggle with Trump. Trump has some admirable qualities. His children, unlike many of the offspring of the rich and famous, all are upstanding, hard working, respectful people. That does speak to him as a father. I actually believe Trump would be a great negotiator, as that is what he does. But as a Christian, with that Christian worldview, I also see a man who has lived a life that is far from one that represents Christ. One that for us who claim the mantle Christian we all should be seeking to live. Trump claims to be a Christian, as do 99.9% of all politicians, even the Mormon Romney. I don't expect perfection at all. If that were the case, no one but Christ is worthy of anything. I do wish to see someone who claims to be Christian, have a life that reflects that. That cannot be said of much of Trump's life.
The dilemma for the Christian is where do we draw the line in regards to something that is purely secular like politics, and our faith? Can the Christian with a biblical worldview knowingly cast a vote for someone who has displayed such un-Christian behaviors? I don't believe there is a concrete answer for that, and because of that we see extremes on either side of the debate. Some claim they could never vote for a man like Trump. But the character of past President's is hardly exemplary in most cases. Others say it doesn't matter, I'm not voting for a pastor, but for President. Both have a point. So what is the answer?
The bible tells us in Philippians 2:12 that we should "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." We do need to be consistent that our faith translates to all areas of our lives. Jesus also tells us in Matthew 22:21 that we should "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's." Politics are not our faith or church. The bible also says we have "liberty in Christ" in regards to non-essentials of the faith. Politics are most definitely a non-essential when it comes to faith. How we approach things such as politics are a matter of our own personal conscience, as is anything the bible does not specifically call sin.
So why do I feel this is such a crucial election for Christians with a biblical worldview? Well, it's not for the reasons many espouse. You see, me, personally, feels as though politics has become a "golden calf" in many Christians lives. Instead of seeking to see the world changed through the proclamation of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have turned to politics and men to attempt to spread our biblical worldview. The bible tells us we should be "salt and light," yet through this faith we've placed in
As an American, I love this country. As a Christian, I know the only thing that can save our nation from ruin is a movement of the Holy Spirit, not any political candidate or party. We should participate in the process as salt, but we have to repent and abandon the idol that politics is the means to the change that so desperately needs to occur. And I fear that if a Christian worldview does win out, our dependence upon the political realm will only grow. Does that mean I openly root for an ungodly government? Not at all! It does mean that I believe our nation needs, must have, a change of heart. And only God can give us a "new heart."
The early church faced an ungodly government, and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. He moved because they were not focused upon overthrowing Caesar, but sharing Christ. That's what we must get back to as the church. With a win of the Christian worldview, I can see that inevitably delayed. With a loss, however that is defined, quite possibly we stop looking to men and instead cast our attention once again to our true, "blessed hope," Jesus Christ. If an even worse and hostile America means a revived body of Christ, but an America that is more in line with our worldview means a continuing absence of the power of the Holy Spirit, which should we desire? This earth is not our home.
I pray one day abortion is illegal. It is murder and sin. No nation can truly prosper flouting God with such abomination. I pray one day our government can once again not endorse the sin of homosexuality and gay marriage. I pray our nation can turn from it's obsession with money, materialism, culture of celebrity, me first appetites, all of which the bible calls sin. I do want, as Donald Trump says, for America to be great. But the only way that happens is through a heaven sent movement of God, not who we vote for. Whatever it takes for the church to get that, understand that..........that is my prayer to happen.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Donald Trump is Mad As Hell and He's Not Going to Take It Anymore
In 1976 one of the finest movie satires ever was made, it was called Network. With an all-star cast led by William Holden and Faye Dunaway, and including Robert Duvall and Ned Beatty, it centered around a network news anchor who was about to be fired. Peter Finch played the newscaster, Howard Beale, and took home the Oscar that year for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film garnered Best Picture in 1977. In the film, Beale is given his two weeks notice, and after threatening suicide on air, is given one last show to say goodbye with dignity. Instead, he speaks candidly, emotionally and profanely about what he is feeling, and his ratings go through the roof. He yells at the end, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
As I've watched the rise of Donald Trump to front runner status in the Republican Party Presidential Race, I've been trying to make sense as to why this billionaire, former reality TV star, has connected with so many people. Even his opponents acknowledge he's hit on a nerve in our culture. Tonight, it came to me as to why Trump is so popular. Donald Trump is Howard Beale.
He speaks from with no filter in utter bluntness; emotionally with little detail and often illogically; he hurls insults at any who oppose him; and people love him. Donald Trump is screaming the mantle that so many in our nation feel, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore," and Trump has become their voice.
People are angry with Washington, with elected leaders who stand for nothing and get rich. With leaders who say one thing in the election cycle and do another when they take office and vote. People are angry we have a sieve for a Southern border, and Donald Trump says he'll build a wall. Heck, he could pay for it! People are angry their wages are stuck in neutral and Trump trumps his "art" of making the deal as a businessman and says he'll beat China and others in trade negotiations which suppress wages. People are angry that third rate nations like Iran seemingly squeeze us at the negotiating table; angry we can't call a terrorist a terrorist; angry that freedom of speech is being squelched by political correctness; angry that baby parts are being sold for profit; and you know what? People have a right to be angry about many if not all these things! Donald Trump has come out with the attitude that these politicians are all stupid and you need a guy like me to fix these things, and people are eating it up.
His latest dust up with FOX anchor Megyn Kelly has led Trump to his crudest level yet. He feels FOX targeted him unfairly, and he may be right, and he's lashed out on Twitter and in interviews with his usual, filter less banter. FOX apparently was flooded with tweets, Facebook responses and emails trashing them for their unfairness to Trump, and Trump is playing to that, and might actually gain in the polls, even acting like a 12 year old who had their cell phone taken away for the weekend. The debate itself drew the largest ratings of any political debate ever, any non-sports cable show ever, as 24 million people tuned in. They tuned because of Trump! People watched to see just what he would say, just as they did Howard Beale in Network. It was theatre at it's finest, and Trump didn't disappoint.
Network was a satire, but this is playing out in real life! I'm not sure that's a good thing, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Trump, crass and boorish as he is, speaks the truth in at least one regard, maybe more. When he says one of our nations biggest problems is political correctness, he's absolutely right! The First Amendment guarantees us freedom of speech, it does not guarantee us the right not to be offended by another persons words. Now words have consequences, and in the past, society policed that by correcting or ignoring the offender. Nowadays, we run playing the victim card crying we've been offended, and freedom of speech is limited if not erased. That is most definitely not a good thing! Maybe through this Trump candidacy the oppression of political correctness can be lifted, at least for a while.
In Network, Howard Beale struck that chord with a fed up public. Donald Trump is doing exactly the same thing. Things didn't end to well for Beale in the movie, and my suspicion is they won't for Trump either. Now, I pray he doesn't meet Beale's fate(he was murdered on air), and hope that's not morbid even to mention. But eventually, if this continues, Trump will go to far. Beale was known as the "Mad Prophet of the Airwaves," and Trump certainly could be called the "Mad Prophet of the 2016 Election." He's speaking to peoples frustrations and they are responding with remarkable loyalty. They are fed up! They aren't going to take it anymore! And until someone else learns that and Trump's mantle is passed to them, they aren't likely going anywhere soon.
I'm not a Trump supporter, but I do hope this nerve that he has so vividly exposed is responded to. We need truth and we need honesty, and people are craving that from their leaders and they do not feel they are getting it. If our leaders were to respond to that, Trump will have done a great good for the country.
As I've watched the rise of Donald Trump to front runner status in the Republican Party Presidential Race, I've been trying to make sense as to why this billionaire, former reality TV star, has connected with so many people. Even his opponents acknowledge he's hit on a nerve in our culture. Tonight, it came to me as to why Trump is so popular. Donald Trump is Howard Beale.
He speaks from with no filter in utter bluntness; emotionally with little detail and often illogically; he hurls insults at any who oppose him; and people love him. Donald Trump is screaming the mantle that so many in our nation feel, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore," and Trump has become their voice.
People are angry with Washington, with elected leaders who stand for nothing and get rich. With leaders who say one thing in the election cycle and do another when they take office and vote. People are angry we have a sieve for a Southern border, and Donald Trump says he'll build a wall. Heck, he could pay for it! People are angry their wages are stuck in neutral and Trump trumps his "art" of making the deal as a businessman and says he'll beat China and others in trade negotiations which suppress wages. People are angry that third rate nations like Iran seemingly squeeze us at the negotiating table; angry we can't call a terrorist a terrorist; angry that freedom of speech is being squelched by political correctness; angry that baby parts are being sold for profit; and you know what? People have a right to be angry about many if not all these things! Donald Trump has come out with the attitude that these politicians are all stupid and you need a guy like me to fix these things, and people are eating it up.
His latest dust up with FOX anchor Megyn Kelly has led Trump to his crudest level yet. He feels FOX targeted him unfairly, and he may be right, and he's lashed out on Twitter and in interviews with his usual, filter less banter. FOX apparently was flooded with tweets, Facebook responses and emails trashing them for their unfairness to Trump, and Trump is playing to that, and might actually gain in the polls, even acting like a 12 year old who had their cell phone taken away for the weekend. The debate itself drew the largest ratings of any political debate ever, any non-sports cable show ever, as 24 million people tuned in. They tuned because of Trump! People watched to see just what he would say, just as they did Howard Beale in Network. It was theatre at it's finest, and Trump didn't disappoint.
Network was a satire, but this is playing out in real life! I'm not sure that's a good thing, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Trump, crass and boorish as he is, speaks the truth in at least one regard, maybe more. When he says one of our nations biggest problems is political correctness, he's absolutely right! The First Amendment guarantees us freedom of speech, it does not guarantee us the right not to be offended by another persons words. Now words have consequences, and in the past, society policed that by correcting or ignoring the offender. Nowadays, we run playing the victim card crying we've been offended, and freedom of speech is limited if not erased. That is most definitely not a good thing! Maybe through this Trump candidacy the oppression of political correctness can be lifted, at least for a while.
In Network, Howard Beale struck that chord with a fed up public. Donald Trump is doing exactly the same thing. Things didn't end to well for Beale in the movie, and my suspicion is they won't for Trump either. Now, I pray he doesn't meet Beale's fate(he was murdered on air), and hope that's not morbid even to mention. But eventually, if this continues, Trump will go to far. Beale was known as the "Mad Prophet of the Airwaves," and Trump certainly could be called the "Mad Prophet of the 2016 Election." He's speaking to peoples frustrations and they are responding with remarkable loyalty. They are fed up! They aren't going to take it anymore! And until someone else learns that and Trump's mantle is passed to them, they aren't likely going anywhere soon.
I'm not a Trump supporter, but I do hope this nerve that he has so vividly exposed is responded to. We need truth and we need honesty, and people are craving that from their leaders and they do not feel they are getting it. If our leaders were to respond to that, Trump will have done a great good for the country.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Things That Have Irritated Me Lately
OK, maybe that's not the best title for a blog from a pastor. Let's call it "Things That Have Troubled Me Lately." Nah, I'm not really troubled by them. They don't cost me sleep at night. Maybe, "Things That Confuse Me Lately." Nope, I don't think I'm confused. Is it OK for a pastor to get irritated? I hope so. Being irritated doesn't mean I dislike someone or don't respect them. It simply means I strongly disagree with many things I've seen lately and they get under my skin. So long as I don't lash out, I feel that's OK. So here goes, hopefully in the proper spirit.
It irritates me when I see people say the Confederate flag has been banned. It has not been banned, it was removed from statehouse grounds. You still have the freedom to fly it wherever you want personally. If that freedom is ever challenged, I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with you.
It irritates me when I see Christians share anything on social media as if it's the gospel truth. Where is our discernment? Every time we share a half truth we share an untruth. Every time we share something that is misrepresentative, we promote a lie. There will be plenty of truth to share in the coming days, let's make sure what we share can be backed up by facts and scripture. We destroy our credibility when we share things that have no basis in truth.
It irritates me how little people know about history, and even current events. We seem to read only opinion we agree with, and again take what is said as absolute truth. Their are two sides to every story, and this includes history. The truth is almost always found somewhere in the middle.
It irritates me how many Christians are biblically illiterate or simply don't care what the bible actually says. It is not your preacher's fault if you know nothing of the bible. We are to feed ourselves the word. If we do that, we'll quickly realize if we are in a church that proclaims the truth, or does not. Then we face the decision, stay or leave. If the only "bread" you receive is on Sunday morning, you are probably biblically illiterate. "Study to show yourself approved." Question everything you are taught compared to scripture. Leave room for disagreement on non-essential matters, but stand firm on the primary things. We can't do this unless we know the primary things.
It irritates me that football season is still seven weeks away. My how I long for some harmless entertainment and good natured ribbing.
It irritates me when I see Christians in America say how persecuted we are. Seriously? We can watch ISIS beheading any who disagree with them, read of Christian pastors held captive and facing death for standing in their faith, know the factual history of the black person or American Indian in our country, know the history of the Holocaust, and seriously claim we are currently being persecuted? It grieves me how unprepared many Christians are for real persecution, and it is almost certainly coming. If any of the disciples or Jesus responded the way some do to the world being against them or not getting their way, we would have no basis for a faith to live our lives by. And when it does come, realize we were told we must endure these things. Told to take joy in them. I don't see much joy from Christians in many things these days. I see fear. We're told to "fear God," and nothing else. "Consider it pure joy." We are not victims. "The servant is not greater than the Master."
It irritates me that the "Dukes of Hazzard" HAS been banned from TV Land. Now that folks is overreaction. It does not irritate me Walmart no longer sells the Confederate flag. I rejoice for the small business owners who will reap the benefits of this. Walmart has run to many small businesses out of business. That said, everything else about Walmart irritates me ;-)
It irritates me how freely we throw around terms like racist, bigot, hater. Like heretic or false teacher in Christian circles. Are their people who are racist, or bigots, or who truly hate? You bet there are. Are there people who deny the faith and are true heretics and false teachers? Absolutely. But because we disagree about something does not make me or you one of these things. Racists are easy to spot, as are people who are bigots or who hate. Heretics and false teachers are as well if we know the essentials of the faith. Labeling people with false claims only divides and stirs unrest.
It irritates me I fall short as a pastor, as a husband, as a brother, as a friend. That I fall short as a Christian.
You see, that's the thing about irritation. It should be two-fold. If we think we won't be irritated by things from the outside, that things will always be as WE want them, well, we set ourselves up to be miserable. We'll find little joy or comfort. What we must do however is deal with those "planks" in our own eyes. Irritation means we pay attention to something. We scratch a mosquito bite. I think it would do all of us good, and most certainly myself, to pay more attention to those things in my life that are an irritant on the inside. This won't mean things on the outside won't irritate me, that they are unimportant, but I have little to no control over those things. I can scratch those bites I personally feel.
Paul tells us to "examine yourselves." You know what, that irritates me. But that's not a bad thing.
It irritates me when I see people say the Confederate flag has been banned. It has not been banned, it was removed from statehouse grounds. You still have the freedom to fly it wherever you want personally. If that freedom is ever challenged, I'll stand shoulder to shoulder with you.
It irritates me when I see Christians share anything on social media as if it's the gospel truth. Where is our discernment? Every time we share a half truth we share an untruth. Every time we share something that is misrepresentative, we promote a lie. There will be plenty of truth to share in the coming days, let's make sure what we share can be backed up by facts and scripture. We destroy our credibility when we share things that have no basis in truth.
It irritates me how little people know about history, and even current events. We seem to read only opinion we agree with, and again take what is said as absolute truth. Their are two sides to every story, and this includes history. The truth is almost always found somewhere in the middle.
It irritates me how many Christians are biblically illiterate or simply don't care what the bible actually says. It is not your preacher's fault if you know nothing of the bible. We are to feed ourselves the word. If we do that, we'll quickly realize if we are in a church that proclaims the truth, or does not. Then we face the decision, stay or leave. If the only "bread" you receive is on Sunday morning, you are probably biblically illiterate. "Study to show yourself approved." Question everything you are taught compared to scripture. Leave room for disagreement on non-essential matters, but stand firm on the primary things. We can't do this unless we know the primary things.
It irritates me that football season is still seven weeks away. My how I long for some harmless entertainment and good natured ribbing.
It irritates me when I see Christians in America say how persecuted we are. Seriously? We can watch ISIS beheading any who disagree with them, read of Christian pastors held captive and facing death for standing in their faith, know the factual history of the black person or American Indian in our country, know the history of the Holocaust, and seriously claim we are currently being persecuted? It grieves me how unprepared many Christians are for real persecution, and it is almost certainly coming. If any of the disciples or Jesus responded the way some do to the world being against them or not getting their way, we would have no basis for a faith to live our lives by. And when it does come, realize we were told we must endure these things. Told to take joy in them. I don't see much joy from Christians in many things these days. I see fear. We're told to "fear God," and nothing else. "Consider it pure joy." We are not victims. "The servant is not greater than the Master."
It irritates me that the "Dukes of Hazzard" HAS been banned from TV Land. Now that folks is overreaction. It does not irritate me Walmart no longer sells the Confederate flag. I rejoice for the small business owners who will reap the benefits of this. Walmart has run to many small businesses out of business. That said, everything else about Walmart irritates me ;-)
It irritates me how freely we throw around terms like racist, bigot, hater. Like heretic or false teacher in Christian circles. Are their people who are racist, or bigots, or who truly hate? You bet there are. Are there people who deny the faith and are true heretics and false teachers? Absolutely. But because we disagree about something does not make me or you one of these things. Racists are easy to spot, as are people who are bigots or who hate. Heretics and false teachers are as well if we know the essentials of the faith. Labeling people with false claims only divides and stirs unrest.
It irritates me I fall short as a pastor, as a husband, as a brother, as a friend. That I fall short as a Christian.
You see, that's the thing about irritation. It should be two-fold. If we think we won't be irritated by things from the outside, that things will always be as WE want them, well, we set ourselves up to be miserable. We'll find little joy or comfort. What we must do however is deal with those "planks" in our own eyes. Irritation means we pay attention to something. We scratch a mosquito bite. I think it would do all of us good, and most certainly myself, to pay more attention to those things in my life that are an irritant on the inside. This won't mean things on the outside won't irritate me, that they are unimportant, but I have little to no control over those things. I can scratch those bites I personally feel.
Paul tells us to "examine yourselves." You know what, that irritates me. But that's not a bad thing.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Let's Talk About the Flag
Romans 14:19, "Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."
I'll state from the beginning here this blog is meant in particular for those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.
In the wake of the mass murder of nine our our brothers and sisters in Christ last Wednesday in Charleston, what we have seen is nothing short of miraculous. Here in South Carolina, the body of Christ has come together in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit like no other time I can recall. Yes, after 9/11, we saw our churches filled, but that was an American thing. The attacks on our nation that day unified our nation for a short while, but within weeks of the attacks, our churches were back to normal, and the unity we shared shortly thereafter vanished.
And while these nine lives that were lost on Wednesday were definitely blood shed over racist motives, it was also, importantly, an attack upon the church. And the church has responded as only the church can. The church is not of itself, it is of Christ. And when we see the unity we have seen since last Wednesday, we know that it is a work of the Spirit. This work of the Holy Spirit was given an exclamation point by the inspiring denial of self by the victims of the families themselves. In the most God honoring display of Christian love, grace and mercy I have ever witnessed, these families looked the murderer of their loved ones in the eyes, and told him they love him and forgive him. Friends, only the Holy Spirit inside of us can do that!
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions that has left me drained. But in spite of the senseless violence that started this, its is the work of God through His people that has left an indelible impression. This is what Christ's church is supposed to look like, and it has been beautiful.
But I fear, much like 9/11, the unity could be fleeting. The question for us as believers here in South Carolina is this: Will we allow a flag to divide us, and thus quickly snuff out the work of the Holy Spirit we have seen?
I'm not going to get in to the points that are made in regards to the Confederate Battle Flag of Northern Virginia representing heritage, the standing for states rights that many see it representing, or any of the other things that have been bandied about for countless years in our state. I will concede all of them. I respect your view and what the flag represents to you.
But what if this flag means something else to another? And it does. Of that there is no doubt. As a believer in Christ, is it worth it to hold to your strongly held feelings and appreciation of heritage, yet offend your brother and sister in Christ? Is that the path Christ would have us take? Will that in any way further the kingdom of God?
Unity is something we see far to little of in the church. Instead of edifying, building each other up, as scripture compels us to do, we seem incapable of getting out of our own way, and in the process we tear down each other, and quench the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead of the peace that should define us, we quibble over things that have no bearing on the work of the church on this earth.
Unity is maintained through a basic scriptural principle, and that principle is humility. Christ is our model in humility, the One who "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Humility is the essence of denying ourselves, something Jesus tells us all of His disciples will do. Are those of us who hold the flag as something we value in regards to our heritage willing to humble ourselves for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ at large?
If we cannot see that this flag issue that has hung over our state for years and years is about to reach a defining moment, then I believe we are hiding from reality. Criticism of the flag is about to erupt from all sides of the political and religious spectrum, and it is already dividing us. It may be knocked off the front pages of the news when the gay marriage ruling from the Supreme Court comes down, or another story captures the interest of the media, but when legislation is presented late this year to remove the Confederate Battle Flag, it will surely rise up like a gasoline fueled fire. Judging by conversations I've seen on social media, the emotions in regards to the flag are still at a fever pitch. Emotions like that will crush the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Those emotions are not based in the Holy Spirit, but rather the flesh. And the bible tells us that those two are contrary, are opposed, to one another.
This, for us Christians, cannot be a political issue. We cannot look at those who we agree or disagree with politically for our basis in how we proceed here. This is a matter of what is best for the body of Christ! It is a time for humility! And we, the church, are the one's who should be leading in this.
We really only have two choices. We can embrace the things we say we hold so dear; grace, and mercy and love, and humble ourselves so as not to offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. Or, we can dig our heels in and watch this unifying movement of the Holy Spirit I believe we have all rejoiced in quickly disappear.
To you. my brothers and sisters, who value the flag and what it means to you, I ask you consider this. Consider the humility exhibited by those families when they gazed upon the one who murdered their loved ones. The strength that took. The denying of self. Can we do that for those who do not see things as we do?
Removing the flag from our statehouse grounds will not end racism. Racism is sin, and will be with us until Jesus returns. It will not end murder, or hatred, or even divisions in the church. They are all sin. But Jesus tells us; "Blessed are the peacemakers." We have the opportunity to be just that right now.
I'll be honest with you. I'd really like to see what God would do in our state if that were to happen.
I'll state from the beginning here this blog is meant in particular for those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ.
In the wake of the mass murder of nine our our brothers and sisters in Christ last Wednesday in Charleston, what we have seen is nothing short of miraculous. Here in South Carolina, the body of Christ has come together in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit like no other time I can recall. Yes, after 9/11, we saw our churches filled, but that was an American thing. The attacks on our nation that day unified our nation for a short while, but within weeks of the attacks, our churches were back to normal, and the unity we shared shortly thereafter vanished.
And while these nine lives that were lost on Wednesday were definitely blood shed over racist motives, it was also, importantly, an attack upon the church. And the church has responded as only the church can. The church is not of itself, it is of Christ. And when we see the unity we have seen since last Wednesday, we know that it is a work of the Spirit. This work of the Holy Spirit was given an exclamation point by the inspiring denial of self by the victims of the families themselves. In the most God honoring display of Christian love, grace and mercy I have ever witnessed, these families looked the murderer of their loved ones in the eyes, and told him they love him and forgive him. Friends, only the Holy Spirit inside of us can do that!
This week has been a roller coaster of emotions that has left me drained. But in spite of the senseless violence that started this, its is the work of God through His people that has left an indelible impression. This is what Christ's church is supposed to look like, and it has been beautiful.
But I fear, much like 9/11, the unity could be fleeting. The question for us as believers here in South Carolina is this: Will we allow a flag to divide us, and thus quickly snuff out the work of the Holy Spirit we have seen?
I'm not going to get in to the points that are made in regards to the Confederate Battle Flag of Northern Virginia representing heritage, the standing for states rights that many see it representing, or any of the other things that have been bandied about for countless years in our state. I will concede all of them. I respect your view and what the flag represents to you.
But what if this flag means something else to another? And it does. Of that there is no doubt. As a believer in Christ, is it worth it to hold to your strongly held feelings and appreciation of heritage, yet offend your brother and sister in Christ? Is that the path Christ would have us take? Will that in any way further the kingdom of God?
Unity is something we see far to little of in the church. Instead of edifying, building each other up, as scripture compels us to do, we seem incapable of getting out of our own way, and in the process we tear down each other, and quench the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead of the peace that should define us, we quibble over things that have no bearing on the work of the church on this earth.
Unity is maintained through a basic scriptural principle, and that principle is humility. Christ is our model in humility, the One who "humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Humility is the essence of denying ourselves, something Jesus tells us all of His disciples will do. Are those of us who hold the flag as something we value in regards to our heritage willing to humble ourselves for the sake of unity and the greater good of the body of Christ at large?
If we cannot see that this flag issue that has hung over our state for years and years is about to reach a defining moment, then I believe we are hiding from reality. Criticism of the flag is about to erupt from all sides of the political and religious spectrum, and it is already dividing us. It may be knocked off the front pages of the news when the gay marriage ruling from the Supreme Court comes down, or another story captures the interest of the media, but when legislation is presented late this year to remove the Confederate Battle Flag, it will surely rise up like a gasoline fueled fire. Judging by conversations I've seen on social media, the emotions in regards to the flag are still at a fever pitch. Emotions like that will crush the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Those emotions are not based in the Holy Spirit, but rather the flesh. And the bible tells us that those two are contrary, are opposed, to one another.
This, for us Christians, cannot be a political issue. We cannot look at those who we agree or disagree with politically for our basis in how we proceed here. This is a matter of what is best for the body of Christ! It is a time for humility! And we, the church, are the one's who should be leading in this.
We really only have two choices. We can embrace the things we say we hold so dear; grace, and mercy and love, and humble ourselves so as not to offend our brothers and sisters in Christ. Or, we can dig our heels in and watch this unifying movement of the Holy Spirit I believe we have all rejoiced in quickly disappear.
To you. my brothers and sisters, who value the flag and what it means to you, I ask you consider this. Consider the humility exhibited by those families when they gazed upon the one who murdered their loved ones. The strength that took. The denying of self. Can we do that for those who do not see things as we do?
Removing the flag from our statehouse grounds will not end racism. Racism is sin, and will be with us until Jesus returns. It will not end murder, or hatred, or even divisions in the church. They are all sin. But Jesus tells us; "Blessed are the peacemakers." We have the opportunity to be just that right now.
I'll be honest with you. I'd really like to see what God would do in our state if that were to happen.
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