Let It NOT Be Named Among the Saints!
HeartLife Ministries has steered clear o the political forum since its’ inception. Our goal is to reach the heart of God’s people with biblical truth that transcends a particular category. However, we are still people, we are still citizens of this great nation and a part of the world community. As such, when political points of view interact with daily living, as noted Christian philosopher Francis Schaefer said, "how then shall we live?"
As I read my daily feed today, skimming over both current events and Christian exposes, I saw one topic kept intersecting with another. The news of Chip and Joanna Gaines new arrival took second place to the opinions of those who chose to speak out on Sarah Sanders and her dinner party being put out of a Virginia restaurant the other day. While the owner had reasons for her decision, and Sarah Sanders respectfully submitted to her decision, the decisions of many others has caused me to wonder if this is going to be open season on those who not only agree with Trump, but also those who choose to express their faith in other topics of the day such as pro-life and traditional marriage unions. Herein we come to an impasse. Whether I agree with the President on all of his issues or not, will I be grouped as a Nazi if I agree with one of the things he speaks for?
While accusations are growing louder that the current President has a tendency to look like a Nazi, what is to be said about the opposing position which not only wants to denounce him, but publicly shame him and anyone who works with him? Where will this end? Scripture tells us in Leviticus 19:18 (MSG):
18 "Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people.
"Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God.
This is Old Testament. Jesus gets much more specific in the New Testament:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13(KJV)
And what about John’s version of this:
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16 (KJV)
What should a Christian do in the face of the kind of dividing lines that our nation is now experiencing?
I confess I don’t have all the answers. Just as the scripture gives way for interpretation; so every man and woman’s heart must hear from God for themselves. However, when it comes to respect and decency, it seems that some things like name calling, hate slogans, and public humiliation should not be named among the saints, no matter what political party they are a part of.And of course, all of us live in glass houses. The way we treat others has a way of finding our doorstep:
31-34 "Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. Luke 6:31-34 (MSG)
Maria