The Placard: Part One

As you can see by the title, there will be more than one part to this post--but I don't yet know how many in all.  Because of that, I'll try to post all parts this week, so that by next Friday, we can move on to something else, but my plan for this week was supplanted by an unexpected opportunity to make the case for exactly why I write this blog. A chance to "shine my light" and I have this feeling that I'm going to be surprised at what I find when the room lights up.  You might be too. 

Very recently, a friend of mine shared a placard developed by a gentleman named Jonathan in South Carolina. This template summarized what Jonathan believes to be the "Biblical Idea of Marriage". Jonathan published it wondering why in the world anyone would argue against the politics of an issue like gay marriage, using--of all things--the Bible! According to his understanding of a few stories he pointed out in his placard, The Bible was just FULL of stories of abuse, selfishness, and all kinds of filth attached to institution of marriage.

I have to admit that when I first read his assertions, I reacted poorly--the result of my hurt feelings.
Even though my intent was to speak the truth over incorrect assumptions, I reacted rather than pray and consider how my loving Father would have me use this opportunity to share His message and His love.  By morning, I knew that my first reaction was wrong.  I had to ask forgiveness and I knew what I would be writing about today and for the remainder of the week.

Jonathan was too polite to say it--so I can't say for sure--but I think his assessment of what he saw in the Bible's old testament stories may have been less a reflection of the written word itself and more the result of the conduct of people he sees in his daily life who claim to be "God's people" and live by this Bible.

He sees Christians shouting obscenities at the top of their lungs to an ever-growing number of people, at an ever-growing number of places. These places now include funerals of fallen service members! No compassion for the mourners of fallen heroes. No honor for the sacrifice of life--just self-righteous pride and a vile lack of love, all poured out like raw sewage--In the name of a Holy, loving Father?

How ironic:  People without love--who claim to represent a God, who is Love.

Even if some Christians don't engage in that loveless behavior, most of us do nothing about it. We don't reach out to those who are hurt by these loveless demonstrations of hatred. Our sins are acts of omission, rather than commission. It's no wonder that someone who doesn't know the historical context of the old testament stories would take it the way he did.

I'm not a pastor: I'm not a teacher--I'm just a forgiven sinner who knows what love is, thanks to a precious few who refused to point their fingers and accuse me--but chose to love me instead. This taught me love in a way that righteous accusations never could have.

Here a few facts that Christians should think about BEFORE grabbing the torches and pitchforks for the next anti-[what-ever] rally.

1. No politician ever took the punishment for our sin.
2. I can't think of a problem in recent history that any politician ever solved by changing a policy.
3. Jesus loved me, and went to hang on the cross--taking the punishment for sins I should have
    paid for and he did it long before I understood, valued or appreciated it.
4. Jesus didn't demand that I change my behavior before he agreed to loved me.
5. Jesus called me (and all Christians) to love one another, following the example he set for us.
6. Jesus lived in one of the most violent, oppressive, immoral times in recorded history and yet,
    every time he makes any kind of reference to the political reality of his time, his answers reflect un-
    mistakable indifference to politics.  He was (and still is) the King of Kings--if I really beieve that,
    do I really have to fret what Brack Obama might (or might not) advocate if he gets re-elected?   
7. Jesus was not concerned with public policy. He was the only one on earth at the time righteous
    enough to judge political leaders--yet he never spoke out against them or incited disobedience of
    the people against the Romans.

I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't be involved and participate in the democratic process.  I am saying that our political furvor should never outweigh the great commission handed down by our savior.  Jesus was concerned about the things of God. He said: "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me". (John 8:28)

Maybe it's time we (the Church) start doing that too. I'll continue this tomorrow and will post a copy of Jonathans placard and will begin discuss the stories he highlighted, pointing out how they really do reflect the thoughts of a loving God toward his people.  I hope you'll come back and follow the series.

Until next time, remember that Jesus loves you, and so do I !  Shine on!