Racism;
Patriotism; Capitalism; Supremacy; Football; Protests; Christianity. Maybe by
now you are all tired of the rhetoric. Some of it has been unkind, some
unreasonable, and some just coarse. I pray that you will find the brief
thoughts that follow to be none of those things. * I am a Christian first and a
Patriot second. I long for the day when God’s people can be as moved and
vocal about Jesus as they can be about the country they love. Are we as upset
and vocal when the institutions and doctrines of God are disrespected as we are
when our nation’s institutions are disrespected? Are we as willing to speak in defense
of the cross as we are in defense of the flag? Don’t get me wrong here – love for
our country, its founders and the (God guided) writers of our Constitution of
freedom and equality, is the glue that holds our Republic together. But don’t
forget - we are all aliens in this world and our true citizenship is in heaven
(Philippians 3:17-21). * Freedom of Speech must be Tempered with
Respect. I am thankful for my “freedom of speech” granted me and
protected by the 1st Amendment of our Constitution. But I must keep
in mind that this great privilege of freedom must be tempered with respect. For
example, I am opposed to the practice of homosexuality, but I will not join myself
to groups who share in the same view, when they seek to share that view in a
disrespectful way. I, at the same time, must not negate my valid message of
love for my fellow man found in the gospel of Christ. Freedom of speech doesn’t
license anyone to disrespect others. How and where we exercise our freedom of
speech is important (Romans 12:9-21). * Acknowledge the Plight of the Oppressed.
We must lose the “get over it already” attitude some people possess.
Oppression, injustice, inequality, and discrimination still exists in our
country, as it does in most of the world, and to act as if they don’t, because
you don’t happen to experience any of them, is ungodly. Godliness lifts the
burden from the oppressed, rights the wrongs, and treats all persons equally (Isaiah
1:17; Micah 6:8; Psalm 82:3-4; Matthew 23:23).
[Colossians
3:5-14] It doesn’t take much to get a dog to wag its tail – just a pat on the
head, a smile on your face, maybe a bowl of food or a softly spoken word of
praise. Children react in much the same way. Kindness has a language all its
own and a child is quick to understand it. When considering all my past
associations I can recall that some of the roughest characters I’ve known have
also been the kindest. As we follow the life of Jesus we are struck by the
great consideration with which he treated all persons. No one could doubt his sincerity.
For those who knew Jesus intimately, his friendship was a great enveloping
love. The fickle crowds turned back to him again and again. The Lord yearned
after them as a shepherd after his sheep. Toward his enemies, Jesus evidenced a
great and abiding patience. Even toward those whom he condemned he showed no
malice. Surely, love suffers long and is kind. What is the flavor of our lives?
Do the dogs and even the children slink away when we come near? Are we harsh in
our judgments and do we let bitterness creep into our relationships with
others? Do we really follow Christ Jesus, our Lord? Jesus told his followers: “A
new command I give you - Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must
love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you
love one another” (John 13:34-35). Your love, or the lack thereof, is showing
all the time. May your love be such as to glorify God the Father within this
evil world lost in sin. Share with all the saving grace of God that awaits
everyone baptized into Christ and his resurrection (Romans 6:1-14).
No comments:
Post a Comment