Thank goodness the elections are drawing down. Living in a “Swing State” has seen an amazing volume of daily mail, accented by an unprecedented blitz of phone calls, telephone calls, radio and tv ads, and billboards.
There’s much passion on both sides. People of good faith and conviction stake out positions, often on opposite ends. That’s the nature of humankind. We’ll never really agree on anything. But something I remind my friends is that even if the election goes their way, all of their troubles won’t be solved.
Think about it. When have politics ever saved us from harm, let alone saved us from ourselves?
For centuries, God’s faithful believers have lived through despots, knaves and fools as kings and rulers. The Church has survived tyrants, dictators and simpletons at the helm. Since we are in the world, but not of it, our purpose transcends politics.
Our forefathers simply went about, doing their job. They preached the gospel. They cared for the poor, the needy and the disenfranchised of this world, following the Christ’s admonition to help “the least of these.” But something happened along the way. The government stepped in and offered to take on that role. They promised they could do it better. And the church responded by washing our hands. Our tithe money was diverted to taxes. We quit caring.
Our forefathers simply went about, doing their job. They preached the gospel. They cared for the poor, the needy and the disenfranchised of this world, following the Christ’s admonition to help “the least of these.” But something happened along the way. The government stepped in and offered to take on that role. They promised they could do it better. And the church responded by washing our hands. Our tithe money was diverted to taxes. We quit caring.
Is it possible that a big government is a direct result of a little church? How much of our focus is not on the lost, but staff and buildings, programs and “ministries?”
The Gospel message is this — We are a body of believers, living in community, effecting change in the world. This mission, given to us by Christ Himself, does not depend on government or institutions It really doesn’t even depend on individual churches. It starts with me. It starts with you.
That’s the city on a hill we should long for. The Kingdom of God transcends any party, any platform, any body politic.
How many Christians willingly display plaster yard signs and bumper stickers for their favorite candidates, argue for a bill or a position, but wouldn’t dream of sharing their faith?
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
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