Decisions 2015

It is hard to keep upright and balanced on the surfboards of our emotions during these charged political and culturally challenging times. How do we keep from pressing for our positions for all we are worth, without letting our passions carry us over the top of good judgement and discernment -- or to take the other tact, how do we keep from being a stumbling block by not wanting to be part of the fuss and fury around us, and withdrawing from the fray -- unintentionally becoming a hindrance to right action? -- This much we know -- however we ride the waves between politics, religion and culture, our stance commanded by Jesus is: "Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."

Our challenge is to find and hold a steady moral stance in our daily living of those words as we face this election -- Christians inside a secular culture that is increasingly hostile. Judas got lost there, turning his eyes to the money bags, and perhaps to the poor, instead of understanding the alabaster jar and the value of the Christ right in front of him. Consider also Barabbas: Matthew refers to Barabbas only as a "notorious prisoner" but Mark and Luke further refer to Barabbas as one involved in a stasis, a riot. Robert Eisenman states that John 18:40 refers to Barabbas as a lēstēs ("bandit"), "the word Josephus always employs when talking about Revolutionaries" The Jewish people wanted a physical savior, an earthly king of the Jews. Barrabbas was more of their mindset than were the teachings of Jesus. The two things, how we relate to our government on earth and how we relate to the kingdom of heaven are for some reason very hard for us to separate. It is far easier to fall under the pull of the physical here and now -- easy for the politics of the day to become small idols and then seep into our thinking as biblical motive points. THEY ARE NOT.

We are to keep our balance but separate our steps this way: 'They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod’s followers mixed in, to ask, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 18-19 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it.” They handed him a silver piece.20 “This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?” 21 They said, “Caesar.” “Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”

So here we are, citizens of two worlds that overlap and that are integrally connected. We cannot deny the world and disobey 'Anyone who is not with me is against me..' as the topics of this culture and this coming election bring our faith and our country's moral focus and direction into sharp focus -- and under increasing attack. On the other hand, neither the Republican Party nor the Democratic Party -- or any other party -- is going to produce our king. Our first allegiance is to our faith -- a bedrock upon which we were blessed to have had our nation founded. Somehow we have to be involved but not ensnared by all the crafty words. In a 'by their fruits you will know them world,' it would be easy to see but in these times it is more likely to be by the media's portrayal of their fruits, and we will be spun a story. We cannot wring our hands and just be mad but soldier on, winnowing as we go. We must get it right this time. God help us make insightful choices that guard our nation and bring Caesar's domain closer to His kingdom working out on earth. May God continue to bless our America.