Continuing from the previous post:
The honest believer’s life is, to those who observe it without understanding the reasons behind it, filled with contradictions. One is how the believer can and does preach a hardcore, unyielding message of either/or, one where eternal damnation isn’t a figure of speech but instead presented as a fact needing to be dealt with by every individual. Yet at the same time, the honest believer interacts with most everyone with ease and grace, spreading encouragement and love regardless of whether those on the receiving end are by Biblical definition reprobates of the lowest order. What gives?
Reference what was said earlier concerning the honest believer’s knowledge they are in no way better than others. Being fully, painfully aware of their own sinfulness and complete reliance on Christ’s sacrifice for their salvation humbles one who seeks to serve Jesus. However, this is only part of the equation. The honest believer knows they, in the same manner as everyone else, has been created in God’s image and therefore is worthy of love and respect. The honest believer seeks that which is beautiful within everyone. Even as they teach through word and example the necessity to abandon sinful ways via repentance, they actively practice loving in the same manner they know they are loved by God, sharing compassion and actively caring for others.
Taking this to the political realm, the honest believer understands practicing politics as usual — the smash bash and crash mudslinging muckraking drek — is sinful. Again it needs to be said: the Prince of Peace trumps politics every single time.
Every. Single. Time.
What do we see when we view a political opponent? Someone whose policies and proposals will lead to disaster? A dangerous imbecile for thinking the way they do? One who must be opposed by all means available? An individual for whom the only appropriate response is milking a cobra for its venom, gathering up feathers and putting another log on the fire currently burning underneath a pot of tar?
Or do we see someone for whom Jesus died?
More later.
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Good words, Jerry. The political side of this coin is why I have parted ways with the Republican Party and will never return. I cannot reconcile my Christian walk with being expected to support absolutely nasty people who have no self-control and spread nothing but hate. There is no beauty in politics one way or another, but hate breeds hate and it cannot be compatible with Christ. I’ve had to back away from some friendships lately where the will of Limbaugh or Maddow became more important than God’s Word. Jesus died for Obama and Bush alike, inconvenient truth or not.
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