Frustrating period in history

Ok, so it’s been a long time since I’ve added to my blog. More often than not, when I’m not writing, it’s because I’m being lazy…and not that I’m uninspired.

Lately, I’ve been disheartened by a number of “Christians” who are having some vastly un-Christ-like attitudes toward our government and our president. From flippant talk of revolution, to disrespectful attitudes and speech, to having the gall to call the President of the United States the “antichrist.”

I use a phrase quite often: “perception is reality.” What we believe to be true is typically a product of what we expect to see. We enter most situations with a presupposition of what is real…of what is true. That taints our objectivity. It molds our perception. Ultimately, we each see different details and aspects in virtually everything. It’s natural for us to perceive things differently. It’s ok for us to disagree on some things. However, I don’t believe this is one of those things.

I cannot find ONE instance where Jesus Christ, the One we claim to follow and emulate, encouraged (or advocated) revolution. NOT ONCE. Rather, He said “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what is God’s.” Jesus never led a revolt against Herod, Pilate, nor Caesar. He didn’t picket anyone. Jesus never held a sit-in nor a boycott. If He is our ultimate example, where do we get off doing things He wouldn’t have done? How can we call ourselves Christians and act like we HATE our government or our President? What happened to “love your enemies” or “do good to those who persecute you?” Today’s Christianity has become political in nature…and we, for the most part, have forgotten what we are supposed to be…reflections of our Savior.

By the way, here’s a simplified civics lesson for anyone who may need it. We live in a Representative Republic…NOT a Democracy. A “republic” is a political unit governed by a charter (the Constitution). A “democracy” is a government whose prevailing force is always “majority rule.” If we, as American Christians, are going to be upset at our government, it’s the abandonment of the Constitution that should draw our ire. Some of our Founding Fathers may have advocated periodic revolutions…to protect citizens from out-of-control government. That said, it is not the reaction Christians should have.

The Bible is clear on what our attitude should be toward those in authority over us. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV) says “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” That, to me, is pretty CLEAR.

Which brings me to the next thing: we don’t know a lot about our President. Because so much has been hidden from public view, there have been a tremendous number of wild allegations. I don’t know if he was born in Hawaii or Kenya. (Is that important? ABSOLUTELY…if we believe in our Constitution…see above concerning Republic vs. Democracy.) After 20+ years as a member of Jeremiah Wright’s church, we can easily conclude that Barack Obama is not a Muslim…yet because of his name, there are people who refuse to believe he’s anything other than Muslim. Jeremiah Wright is a socialist, a Marxist, and our President’s policies and subsequent statements show that he, too, is a socialist. For those who have done less homework than I have, Socialism and Islam are incompatible. One cannot be Muslim and a socialist. They are opposites at the heart. While I don't agree with many of his policies, Barack Obama is still the President of my country. It is my responsibility to PRAY FOR HIM...especially if I believe that he needs Jesus.

There are people out there who have actually claimed that they believe our President to be THE Antichrist. What??? Read your Bible and quit listening to alarmists. Go get some commentaries on Daniel and Revelation so you can understand what the Bible says about the identity of the antichrist.

If you hate our president, that’s between yourself and God…and you will answer for it.

But please stop hating in the name of my Jesus...who died for ALL and is not willing that ANY should perish.

It’s time to stop fulfilling 1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.”

If you’re a Christian who is frustrated with the state of America, claim 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Helloooooo! “My people…called by My name” means ANYONE claiming to be a Christian! If Christ is my Savior, I choose to be called by His name! God PROMISES that if we, His people, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our sin, that He will forgive us and HEAL OUR LAND. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp. It’s about where our faith rests. Have faith in Him who is eternally faithful!

Otherwise, it’s time to shut up and quit whining.