Thursday, February 3, 2011
Excerpt from Kierkegaards "Works of Love"
Monday, January 24, 2011
Indecisive
This is an interesting 'poem' that my uncle shared with me. Do you believe that what you believe is really real? And what would happen if you did believe what you claimed to?
Totally like whatever, you know?
By Taylor Mali
www.taylormali.com
In case you hadn't noticed,
it has somehow become uncool
to sound like you know what you're talking about?
Or believe strongly in what you're saying?
Invisible question marks and parenthetical (you know?)'s
have been attaching themselves to the ends of our sentences?
Even when those sentences aren't, like, questions? You know?
Declarative sentences - so-called
because they used to, like, DECLARE things to be true
as opposed to other things which were, like, not -
have been infected by a totally hip
and tragically cool interrogative tone? You know?
Like, don't think I'm uncool just because I've noticed this;
this is just like the word on the street, you know?
It's like what I've heard?
I have nothing personally invested in my own opinions, okay?
I'm just inviting you to join me in my uncertainty?
What has happened to our conviction?
Where are the limbs out on which we once walked?
Have they been, like, chopped down
with the rest of the rain forest?
Or do we have, like, nothing to say?
Has society become so, like, totally . . .
I mean absolutely . . . You know?
That we've just gotten to the point where it's just, like . . .
whatever!
And so actually our disarticulation . . . ness
is just a clever sort of . . . thing
to disguise the fact that we've become
the most aggressively inarticulate generation
to come along since . . .
you know, a long, long time ago!
I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you,
I challenge you: To speak with conviction.
To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks
the determination with which you believe it.
Because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker,
it is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY.
You have to speak with it, too.
Totally like whatever, you know?
By Taylor Mali
www.taylormali.com
In case you hadn't noticed,
it has somehow become uncool
to sound like you know what you're talking about?
Or believe strongly in what you're saying?
Invisible question marks and parenthetical (you know?)'s
have been attaching themselves to the ends of our sentences?
Even when those sentences aren't, like, questions? You know?
Declarative sentences - so-called
because they used to, like, DECLARE things to be true
as opposed to other things which were, like, not -
have been infected by a totally hip
and tragically cool interrogative tone? You know?
Like, don't think I'm uncool just because I've noticed this;
this is just like the word on the street, you know?
It's like what I've heard?
I have nothing personally invested in my own opinions, okay?
I'm just inviting you to join me in my uncertainty?
What has happened to our conviction?
Where are the limbs out on which we once walked?
Have they been, like, chopped down
with the rest of the rain forest?
Or do we have, like, nothing to say?
Has society become so, like, totally . . .
I mean absolutely . . . You know?
That we've just gotten to the point where it's just, like . . .
whatever!
And so actually our disarticulation . . . ness
is just a clever sort of . . . thing
to disguise the fact that we've become
the most aggressively inarticulate generation
to come along since . . .
you know, a long, long time ago!
I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you,
I challenge you: To speak with conviction.
To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks
the determination with which you believe it.
Because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker,
it is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY.
You have to speak with it, too.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Purpose of the Church (1)
There is another transition occurring within the church; and at a time like this it is important to look at scripture to try and understand God's intended purpose for it. This understanding has become very important for me. Here at Concordia College I witness a strange dichotomy when it comes to ministries on campus. The campus ministry itself, led by the pastors on campus, has become very bland. Sermons and teachings revolve around us instead of around God. This 'church' seems to be more influenced by the World then it does God, and it is reflected in where they search to find truth and how this changes the interworkings of the community.
On the other hand there is an 'emergent' church on campus as well. These student led bible studies and worship services, have a different character then the more common 'Campus Ministry.' Here it seems the students are more willing to look deep into themselves. There is a yearning for not just more of life, but more of God (which of course are inextricably connected but not always recognized as such.) However neither group is perfect, nor do they completely fulfill the purposes of the church as outlined in scripture. I believe that every church body should strive to conform to the will of God; and in order to do that, we must look towards scripture for our guidance and direction.
In Scripture Jesus scarcely mentions the word 'church', although he does often refer to it indirectly. In Matthew 16:13-18 it says, "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ."
So what can we learn from this passage? I think one of the most profound things is the blessing that Jesus gives to Peter, not the blessing in itself but the reason for the blessing. Jesus blesses Peter not only because he claims Jesus is lord, but because he did not hear it from the mouths of men. This shows and expresses how one must have an understanding of Jesus in order to truly accept Him as our savior. Knowledge is not enough. I cannot merely express a prayer on my lips proclaiming Jesus as my savior, rather it needs to be an internal understanding of myself in relation to Him. Jesus then goes on to say, "and on this rock I will build my church." The church then is made of people who truly 'know' and 'understand' Jesus for who he is. The church is built on the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is only in a community devoted to God and founded on Jesus Christ, where true unity, peace, and joy can be found. The relationships within the church, which differ from relationships of the world, are not based on what we've done or who we are; but on who He is and what He has done.
John Piper puts it this way, "Do you love God because he makes much of you, or because he allows us to make much of Him?" I was convicted by this question and I think it is an important one for every church and individual to answer. One example of a church that appears to put people first, is Joel Osteen's church in Texas. One that I have found that lifts God above all else, is Mark Driscoll's church in Seattle.
Finally we are given a wonderful promise by God in Matthew 16. Jesus says, "And the gates of Hades will not overcome it." The true church, the community that consists of those who understand and know Jesus for who he is, will not be overcome by Satan!! How amazing is the power and glory of God, and oh what peace he brings. Looking into it further, the imagery depicts the church as on the offensive not the defensive. As members of the church we are called to battle against the evil that is in this world. To be a light on a hill that cannot be hidden, to proclaim the good news to all the World; and Jesus promises victory!
On the other hand there is an 'emergent' church on campus as well. These student led bible studies and worship services, have a different character then the more common 'Campus Ministry.' Here it seems the students are more willing to look deep into themselves. There is a yearning for not just more of life, but more of God (which of course are inextricably connected but not always recognized as such.) However neither group is perfect, nor do they completely fulfill the purposes of the church as outlined in scripture. I believe that every church body should strive to conform to the will of God; and in order to do that, we must look towards scripture for our guidance and direction.
In Scripture Jesus scarcely mentions the word 'church', although he does often refer to it indirectly. In Matthew 16:13-18 it says, "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ."
So what can we learn from this passage? I think one of the most profound things is the blessing that Jesus gives to Peter, not the blessing in itself but the reason for the blessing. Jesus blesses Peter not only because he claims Jesus is lord, but because he did not hear it from the mouths of men. This shows and expresses how one must have an understanding of Jesus in order to truly accept Him as our savior. Knowledge is not enough. I cannot merely express a prayer on my lips proclaiming Jesus as my savior, rather it needs to be an internal understanding of myself in relation to Him. Jesus then goes on to say, "and on this rock I will build my church." The church then is made of people who truly 'know' and 'understand' Jesus for who he is. The church is built on the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is only in a community devoted to God and founded on Jesus Christ, where true unity, peace, and joy can be found. The relationships within the church, which differ from relationships of the world, are not based on what we've done or who we are; but on who He is and what He has done.
Finally we are given a wonderful promise by God in Matthew 16. Jesus says, "And the gates of Hades will not overcome it." The true church, the community that consists of those who understand and know Jesus for who he is, will not be overcome by Satan!! How amazing is the power and glory of God, and oh what peace he brings. Looking into it further, the imagery depicts the church as on the offensive not the defensive. As members of the church we are called to battle against the evil that is in this world. To be a light on a hill that cannot be hidden, to proclaim the good news to all the World; and Jesus promises victory!
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Immature Church
My Mom and Dad just showed me an article by Jaynan Clark, the president of the Word Alone Network. Rather than speak for her, I will just copy down what I consider to be the 'meat' of what she has to say.
{ "We are living in a time that publicly despises such a proclamation (referencing the Gospel message). We have denied our sinful state to the point of not even wanting to talk about "sin" anymore because it is such a "downer". Our refusal to acknowledge its dominion over us has resulted in a context that inhales and exhales as hedonistic, narcissistic, defiant spoiled children. Some of these "children" are in their sixties and seventies, and have never put the lessons of the 1960's into perspective. The free love, self-gratification, "I'm OK--You're OK, so get out of my face, who are you to tell me how to live, slaves to the self and the pursuit of personal happiness folks are running the show. They are in positions of leadership in government, business and denominational churches. The "me" generation has not yet accepted that their "me-ness" is the ultimate First Commandment violation. Putting oneself in the place of God has dire consequences for all.
This celebration of the self--belief in the divine spark of goodness within, rejection of absolute truth claims, belief in the Gospel without the law, redefined freedom that applauds action without consequences, redefined love that is a tepid tolerance, and blind acceptance of everyone and everything--has led to this place and time when reevangelization is our primary calling. It must begin in the very churches that pass out this other religion of "selfism" as if it was their "mother god's" milk." }
She has a lot of great and challenging things to say, many that I have been thinking about before. One of the more profound things for me was her statement that the churches main goal is reevangelizism. Do you know what that means? It means that the 'Christians' in the church don't know the Gospel and that our leaders must devote themselves to tell these, 'supposed Christians,' who Jesus is. Scripturally this is not the purpose of the Church. Today's church is immature; in reading acts and the epistles of Paul, there is a stark contrast in the structure, courage, integrity, and depth within the first 'church' than there is today. The church isn't supposed to evangelize to itself, evangelism is supposed to be for the expansion of the Kingdom of God that already exists. Rather those within the church should be equipping and discipling one another to evangelize... we have a long way to go. Reevangelism must happen before we can reach maturity. This of course is a call to action. Lets get to it, there is no better time than now!
"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so." Hebrews 5:11-14 -- 6:1-3
"Enemy-occupied territory - that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
{ "We are living in a time that publicly despises such a proclamation (referencing the Gospel message). We have denied our sinful state to the point of not even wanting to talk about "sin" anymore because it is such a "downer". Our refusal to acknowledge its dominion over us has resulted in a context that inhales and exhales as hedonistic, narcissistic, defiant spoiled children. Some of these "children" are in their sixties and seventies, and have never put the lessons of the 1960's into perspective. The free love, self-gratification, "I'm OK--You're OK, so get out of my face, who are you to tell me how to live, slaves to the self and the pursuit of personal happiness folks are running the show. They are in positions of leadership in government, business and denominational churches. The "me" generation has not yet accepted that their "me-ness" is the ultimate First Commandment violation. Putting oneself in the place of God has dire consequences for all.
This celebration of the self--belief in the divine spark of goodness within, rejection of absolute truth claims, belief in the Gospel without the law, redefined freedom that applauds action without consequences, redefined love that is a tepid tolerance, and blind acceptance of everyone and everything--has led to this place and time when reevangelization is our primary calling. It must begin in the very churches that pass out this other religion of "selfism" as if it was their "mother god's" milk." }
She has a lot of great and challenging things to say, many that I have been thinking about before. One of the more profound things for me was her statement that the churches main goal is reevangelizism. Do you know what that means? It means that the 'Christians' in the church don't know the Gospel and that our leaders must devote themselves to tell these, 'supposed Christians,' who Jesus is. Scripturally this is not the purpose of the Church. Today's church is immature; in reading acts and the epistles of Paul, there is a stark contrast in the structure, courage, integrity, and depth within the first 'church' than there is today. The church isn't supposed to evangelize to itself, evangelism is supposed to be for the expansion of the Kingdom of God that already exists. Rather those within the church should be equipping and discipling one another to evangelize... we have a long way to go. Reevangelism must happen before we can reach maturity. This of course is a call to action. Lets get to it, there is no better time than now!
"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so." Hebrews 5:11-14 -- 6:1-3
"Enemy-occupied territory - that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
Detachment
"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:16-19
"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." 1 Peter 2:11
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a savior from there, The Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20
So I have had this idea going through my head for quite a while. I do not assert that it is a unique idea to the world; but this past year it has been a unique idea for myself. It is the idea of detachment. It is my belief that being detached/disconnected to the world is good and beneficial, while being attached and connected is actually negative. Now before I say what I think detachment is, I want to say what I think it is not. Detachment is not something that encourages laziness or contentment. It does not allow for immature and rash behavior, nor does it render people stoic and unfeeling. Rather it is quite the opposite. It is a state of being that helps us fully engage with the life that God wants for us here on this Earth. It is an acceptance of life to its greatest degree, a recognition of what is and what can be!
In order to understand this idea of detachment, it is first important to understand how it comes about. Detachment revolves solely around God, for if it was about me personally I would not be detached. As most of you who are reading this have experienced, life before Christ = life in this world. Being a part of this world means that we are very dependent and attached to it. Our decisions revolve around our feelings and desires, we are guided not by what is right and wrong but by what is most convenient or easy. We worry more about how we appear to others, then how we can help them. We are plagued with insecurity, self righteousness, jealousy, bitterness, and an all encompassing yearning for acceptance. ( I feel like I always need to buffer my statements, so that my few 'followers' don't get the wrong idea. I am not trying to say that Christians don't deal with these things, but that our deepest desire as Christians is to conform to God, not the world. To read more of this see previous blog).
Something miraculous happens when we are transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. We know we are accepted! Death no longer prevails over our lives, for we are promised eternity in Heaven! Our perception suddenly, or gradually, changes; we now think "this life isn't about me...it is about God." How profound a revelation, what peace it can bring, if only we accept it.
Detachment then, is living my life for God rather than for myself. As Christians we want to strive to glorify God in all things, for this is the only thing that matters. My happiness comes second to doing what God wants, my well being also drops in priority. No longer am I in the American "pursuit of happiness," but in the Christ like "pursuit of God". God is so much better than happiness, although more often than not he fills us with Joy.
Detachment from the world and attachment to God revolutionizes how we make choices. Decisions now are more influenced by who God is and what God wills, than by my feelings, others opinions, or my personal expectations. As Christians we want to conform to God; what God sees as good we ought to see as good, what God sees as bad we ought to see as bad. Things that make God angry and sad ought to make us angry and sad. Likewise what makes God happy and joyful ought to make us happy and joyful. The Sacrifice of Jesus, which gives us access to God and entrance to Heaven, allows us to become detached from this world. This detachment allows us to glorify God, to let Christ live through us, and to proclaim the Gospel through all things.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Lies
I probably should not be spending time on this now with finals going on, but it has been on my mind. Being at Concordia I am very exposed to the 'liberal' side of Christianity. However, I'm slowly coming to think it may not be Christianity after all. Our country is moving towards a relativistic view of God. I would like to look at just a few 'lies' that are being spread.
1. Using our talents, in general, is glorifying to God. God just wants us to utilize what he has given us.
This is a lie. It says in 1 Peter 4:10-11 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." Therefore when we use our gifts, not only should we recognize who gave them to us, but also for whom we are using them for. We should use them not for our own purposes, but for the purposes of God. We need to cognitively seek God in everything that we do. When we utilize our gifts and talents we do them because of God and for God. This is much different than merely using them because we can misuse our talents and our gifts. For instance I have always struggled with pride, and I often use my gifts for my own glory. I can try to justify it saying, "I'm really doing it for God." But in reality I only care about how it makes me appear and affects me within this world. We, as humans, are fantastic at lying to others and even more so to ourselves.
2. Similarly people today want to say, if we do good things, and if we are good people; then we are seeking God.
This is a LIE. Romans 3:10-12, "As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." God is the only good. When Christians do good things, we do them as a response to what God has already done. All glory to God. Over and over in scripture, we are instructed to give God the glory. Even Jesus humbled himself and did not think himself equal with the father. We cannot do anything to gain salvation, we cannot do anything to attain oneness with God. If we strive for liberty, justice, peace, love, unity, or saving the environment, but do not seek God; then our lives are meaningless.
3. The biggest lie of them all is that loving people is the same as loving God.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27. This shows that loving God and loving others are two different things. Now loving God incorporates loving others, but not the other way around. Now all three of these are connected and very similar; so what conclusion can we draw from them."What is your deepest desire?" By deduction from above, if one says, "Being a good person, living life to the fullest, or doing everything to the best of my ability," then they are not Christian. If this is their deepest desire then they are making those things their God.
However a Christian is someone who has been transformed by Jesus Christ. A Christian is someone who loves the lord, not because of what they have done, but because of what He has done. Their lives are changed not because of knowledge, but because of understanding. If a person is Christian they will answer somewhat like this. "My deepest desire is to know God. To be in a closer relationship with him. To seek him, and to strive to be like Christ." Now this answer incorporates all the previous ones. It includes being a good person, living life the fullest (given in a different light then most people who use that phrase), and doing everything to the best of their ability, yet it is so much more. It is about God, not about us.
If our deepest desires revolve around ourselves, then we have it wrong. This does not mean that a Christian does not sin; nor does it mean that a christian doesn't have sinful desires. Rather it is a reflection of the deepest desire. Do we desire to do what God wants us to do (by doing so we die to ourselves and find life in Christ); or do we want to utilize things for our own glory. Its a simple yet difficult distinction between choosing ourselves or choosing God.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Political Hypocricy
During this time of campaigning and voting I have come to notice a very disturbing thing; the devotion, dedication, and radical support that we give to a political belief we have. This in itself is not what troubles me, but the contrast between one's political support and the support one gives to God's Kingdom is astounding. Regarding political beliefs and candidates, supporters go to extreme measures to spread that belief and encourage others to cast their vote in accordance to it. In the past couple days I have seen political supporters going room to room 'Evangelizing' to others. They know they will get snubbed in some instances, and persecuted in others; but because they hold so tenaciously to their beliefs, they spread it anyway. When it comes to politics, we want to get everyone involved, we push for truth, and we are taken back when we are met with ignorance. Why don't we do the same thing, or even more so, in spreading the Kingdom of God? Which of the two are more important?
God's Kingdom is far superior to those of this world. It contains all that is good, all that is beneficial. In fact the cause of His Kingdom, and the purpose for which it stands is far more important than any standpoint in our political systems. For it doesn't have to do with health care, retirement, or education; but with the very lives that we cling too. God's Kingdom is eternal life, the most important and profound revelation..period. If God's Kingdom reigned in this world, our silly political systems and candidates would be rendered obsolete. All good things would be fulfilled, and we would not have to vote or argue to get something accomplished. Why are we not campaigning with the same zealous nature for God's Kingdom, when it is far more important, and far more effective than the things we are devoted to?
In general, people are more involved and more passionate about a political standpoint than they are about Christ. This seems absolutely absurd. I'm sure there are democrats and republicans who would willingly face persecution in regards to their political beliefs, in fact I know some; but when it comes to their religious beliefs they are too meek to step forward. Why is that? The one revelation that changes entire lives, that saves us from eternal damnation and grants us unity and happiness with a loving God, is shunned and hushed up. God's sacrifice to welcome us into His Kingdom should be at the forefront of our thoughts day in and day out. How profound is the message of Jesus Christ and how beautiful and wonderful a thing it; truly it must be the greatest cause one can fight for. Sadly what we ought to do isn't always the same as what we are doing. Is our understanding of God so limited that it holds less relevance to our lives and to the lives of those around us than politics?
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only the it cannot be is moderately important. - C.S Lewis
Clearly it is possible for humans to be passionate about something, to hold a belief that is so strong that they want everyone else to know about it and believe it as well. God, Jesus Christ, needs to be this thing. It is of the utmost importance. Anything without God, even politics, is meaningless. Yet for many, belief in God is a private matter, one that should only be spoken of in church or at home. That is utter blasphemy, at best it is a product of ignorance, at worst it is an excuse to be lukewarm partaking in evil. Christianity without Evangelism does not reflect belief in the God that is revealed in Scripture, nor does it stem from an understanding of His sacrifice for us. Spreading the good new is clearly tied up in following after Jesus.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-19
Now I do need to point out that it is important for us as Christians to be aware of our government, and to be responsible citizens within it. But our political views should reflect God's will, not take precedence over our devotion to Him. If we are involved with politics, it should be for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God; and it should be the revelation of Jesus Christ that pushes us to do so.
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim and Earth and you get neither." -C.S Lewis
God's Kingdom is far superior to those of this world. It contains all that is good, all that is beneficial. In fact the cause of His Kingdom, and the purpose for which it stands is far more important than any standpoint in our political systems. For it doesn't have to do with health care, retirement, or education; but with the very lives that we cling too. God's Kingdom is eternal life, the most important and profound revelation..period. If God's Kingdom reigned in this world, our silly political systems and candidates would be rendered obsolete. All good things would be fulfilled, and we would not have to vote or argue to get something accomplished. Why are we not campaigning with the same zealous nature for God's Kingdom, when it is far more important, and far more effective than the things we are devoted to?
In general, people are more involved and more passionate about a political standpoint than they are about Christ. This seems absolutely absurd. I'm sure there are democrats and republicans who would willingly face persecution in regards to their political beliefs, in fact I know some; but when it comes to their religious beliefs they are too meek to step forward. Why is that? The one revelation that changes entire lives, that saves us from eternal damnation and grants us unity and happiness with a loving God, is shunned and hushed up. God's sacrifice to welcome us into His Kingdom should be at the forefront of our thoughts day in and day out. How profound is the message of Jesus Christ and how beautiful and wonderful a thing it; truly it must be the greatest cause one can fight for. Sadly what we ought to do isn't always the same as what we are doing. Is our understanding of God so limited that it holds less relevance to our lives and to the lives of those around us than politics?
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only the it cannot be is moderately important. - C.S Lewis
Clearly it is possible for humans to be passionate about something, to hold a belief that is so strong that they want everyone else to know about it and believe it as well. God, Jesus Christ, needs to be this thing. It is of the utmost importance. Anything without God, even politics, is meaningless. Yet for many, belief in God is a private matter, one that should only be spoken of in church or at home. That is utter blasphemy, at best it is a product of ignorance, at worst it is an excuse to be lukewarm partaking in evil. Christianity without Evangelism does not reflect belief in the God that is revealed in Scripture, nor does it stem from an understanding of His sacrifice for us. Spreading the good new is clearly tied up in following after Jesus.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:18-19
Now I do need to point out that it is important for us as Christians to be aware of our government, and to be responsible citizens within it. But our political views should reflect God's will, not take precedence over our devotion to Him. If we are involved with politics, it should be for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God; and it should be the revelation of Jesus Christ that pushes us to do so.
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim and Earth and you get neither." -C.S Lewis
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