Here are some words taken from Psalm 86:
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. 13 For great is Your mercy toward me... 15 ... You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
I believe it's so important for us to know and acknowledge the love of God - even though we may miss the mark, we can recognize that He will restore us, even though we drift away from Him and are not as passionate as we should be, nevertheless He is fully compassionate - loving us unconditionally and calling us to Himself.
There is a powerful illustration in Mark 6 about the compassion of Jesus - He has compassion, unfailing love, for us, and calls us to follow His example and demonstrate His love to others:
31 And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. 33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
There's a new documentary out - in fact some PBS stations are running it; it's called, "Mister Rogers and Me", and was written by a MTV producer, Benjamin Wagner, who moved in next door to the television legend's Nantucket summer home. Obviously, Wagner was impressed, in fact, he compared Mister Rogers - Fred Rogers - to a rock star. Of course, this begs the question, "if a journalist moved in next door to me or my family, or even inserted a camera in my home, what would they see?" Would they see the compassion of Christ, the civility that I believe that He endorses, or the consistency of character?
I think it's obvious, Mister Rogers demonstrated a great measure of compassion on-screen - as an ordained minister, he taught truth consistent with Scriptural values and tackled some hard issues from time to time. And, he was a proponent of civility, quoted as saying: "I got into television because I saw people throwing pies in each others' faces. And if there is anything that bothers me, it's one person demeaning another." I tell you, if there's one characteristic that we need in culture today, it's civility, choosing our words, speaking in an encouraging way rather than a destructive manner. And, day after day, so many saw Fred Rogers, who was consistent day-to-day and apparently in person behaved in the same posture as the on-screen persona. Only the Holy Spirit can give us the incredible ability to model His nature in a consistent way.
So, we celebrate the legacy of Fred Rogers, who, even though was communicating with children on a daily basis, can leave us with some life lessons that we can apply.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
What's Your Excuse?
The apostle Paul gave this exhortation to young Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2:
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus... 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The Lord calls us to be disciplined in following Him, minimizing distractions, thinking about how we might please Him and serving Him according to the principles He lays out for us in His word. Just like a soldier or athlete in training, we are called to have a "no excuses" mentality regarding living out our passion for Christ.
From 1st Corinthians chapter 9:
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
It is the first day of spring, and while we've been in this relative heat wave for a couple of weeks now, the start of the season does remind us that we can spend more time out of doors, and with Daylight Savings Time, we can do it for longer and later in the evening. So, if you're inclined to try to up that exercise regiment, this is great time of year to make those adjustments.
Having discipline in our lives is important. I was inspired by the story of Manohar Aich, who lives in India and is a former Mr. Universe - that is a bodybuilding title also held at one time by Arnold Swarzenegger. Well, Manohar just turned 100 this past Sunday. He credits his long life to his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times. He had overcome a number of hurdles, including poverty and a stint as a political prisoner. He also had a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish. He does not smoke and has never touched alcohol.
Manohar is a great example of a disciplined life. So is award-winning surfer Bethany Hamilton, who will appear on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" tonight. In keeping with the "No Excuses" theme, the contestants travelled to Hawaii and one of the features of the visit was meeting with Bethany, who lost an arm in a shark attack, but who has displayed faith and determination to continue her surfing career.
The Bible speaks often about a disciplined life. We can make excuses for not attempting to grow in our walk with Christ, from not having enough time, to not managing the distractions in our lives, to not having a plan of action, a roadmap to spiritual fulfillment. But, if we are passionate about serving the Lord and deepening our relationship with Him, we can choose to exercise discipline in our our lives and rely on God's Spirit to enable us to keep our promises to Him.
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus... 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The Lord calls us to be disciplined in following Him, minimizing distractions, thinking about how we might please Him and serving Him according to the principles He lays out for us in His word. Just like a soldier or athlete in training, we are called to have a "no excuses" mentality regarding living out our passion for Christ.
From 1st Corinthians chapter 9:
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
It is the first day of spring, and while we've been in this relative heat wave for a couple of weeks now, the start of the season does remind us that we can spend more time out of doors, and with Daylight Savings Time, we can do it for longer and later in the evening. So, if you're inclined to try to up that exercise regiment, this is great time of year to make those adjustments.
Having discipline in our lives is important. I was inspired by the story of Manohar Aich, who lives in India and is a former Mr. Universe - that is a bodybuilding title also held at one time by Arnold Swarzenegger. Well, Manohar just turned 100 this past Sunday. He credits his long life to his ability to take his troubles lightly and remain happy during difficult times. He had overcome a number of hurdles, including poverty and a stint as a political prisoner. He also had a simple diet of milk, fruits and vegetables along with rice, lentils and fish. He does not smoke and has never touched alcohol.
Manohar is a great example of a disciplined life. So is award-winning surfer Bethany Hamilton, who will appear on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" tonight. In keeping with the "No Excuses" theme, the contestants travelled to Hawaii and one of the features of the visit was meeting with Bethany, who lost an arm in a shark attack, but who has displayed faith and determination to continue her surfing career.
The Bible speaks often about a disciplined life. We can make excuses for not attempting to grow in our walk with Christ, from not having enough time, to not managing the distractions in our lives, to not having a plan of action, a roadmap to spiritual fulfillment. But, if we are passionate about serving the Lord and deepening our relationship with Him, we can choose to exercise discipline in our our lives and rely on God's Spirit to enable us to keep our promises to Him.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Finer Than Gold
Psalm 19 reminds us of the value of God's Word in governing our lives:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. God's Word is a source of heavenly wisdom - as we rely on His Spirit and apply His principles, we can face this life with confidence. As we desire His truth more than the things of this world, we can know that His ways are best for us.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The price of gold has been falling slightly, but as a result, some investors and even central banks are taking another look because of the more affordable price. Gold is generally regarded as a stable investment in difficult economic times, and while some perceive that the American economy is improving, albeit slightly, there are still global economic concerns, and gold represents stability. In fact, gold is considered by some to be an essential element of a diversified portfolio, as Solomon portrays in the book of Proverbs. (By the way, on Monday's program, Craig Smith will be along - he knows a thing or two about gold...and oil, which he'll be discussing.)
In the current economic climate, those who invest are looking for stability. And, we realize that the Word of God can give us stability in our hearts as we wrestle with the decisions that affect our lives and as we respond to our circumstances. That is why the Scriptures describe God's Word as finer than gold - more desirable than the physical precious metal that is so significant. Because, we need an anchor, we need truth on which to build our lives, wisdom to make quality choices, and strength in order to live a life of purity.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. God's Word is a source of heavenly wisdom - as we rely on His Spirit and apply His principles, we can face this life with confidence. As we desire His truth more than the things of this world, we can know that His ways are best for us.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The price of gold has been falling slightly, but as a result, some investors and even central banks are taking another look because of the more affordable price. Gold is generally regarded as a stable investment in difficult economic times, and while some perceive that the American economy is improving, albeit slightly, there are still global economic concerns, and gold represents stability. In fact, gold is considered by some to be an essential element of a diversified portfolio, as Solomon portrays in the book of Proverbs. (By the way, on Monday's program, Craig Smith will be along - he knows a thing or two about gold...and oil, which he'll be discussing.)
In the current economic climate, those who invest are looking for stability. And, we realize that the Word of God can give us stability in our hearts as we wrestle with the decisions that affect our lives and as we respond to our circumstances. That is why the Scriptures describe God's Word as finer than gold - more desirable than the physical precious metal that is so significant. Because, we need an anchor, we need truth on which to build our lives, wisdom to make quality choices, and strength in order to live a life of purity.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Breathing In Hope
Listen to these words from Psalm 42:
4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior... As a society, a culture, and a nation - we are in need of hope. There are elements that lead to personal and collective suffocation, a sense that things just aren't right, and we as believers in Christ have a chance to experience God's hope through Christ personally and to transmit that hope to people who so desperately need it. When we are downcast, we can turn to God, our source of hope.
I am encouraged by the words of 1st Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
A Rasmussen poll released earlier this week expresses generally what other surveys have found, as well - a majority of Americans think that our nation is on the wrong track - two-thirds of people, as a matter of fact. I think that we are experiencing a sense of suffocation - many encounter it at the gas pump, as higher prices are becoming a way of life - up 7 cents in the past week alone. There are those who are perhaps facing the loss of a job, or maybe have even seen the loss of a loved one or a friend recently.
We have plenty of reasons to be disillusioned...the circumstances and pressures of this fallen world can, if we're not careful, suffocate us. And, material possessions will not bring us lasting and authentic hope - the latest iPad, while a nifty device, can't bring the air we need for our souls. We need to breathe - we need hope!
And, I think that's why we gravitate to people who are transformational figures, change agents, if you will - I believe that is why President Obama was elected almost 4 years ago...using the slogan, hope and change, he perhaps tapped into the fears of Americans. And, this election cycle, I believe that people who are bringing a message of hope, sometimes even infused with a Christian worldview perspective, are resonating with voters.
And in the sports realm, we certainly find ourselves inspired by people who exemplify hope, including the gentleman who will be in Montgomery tonight, Tim Tebow. He brought his team going nowhere - at 1-4, and led them to 7 wins in 8 games. Not only does he demonstrate his faith, but he shows a determined and exuberant demeanor. On the field and off, he has brought hope to so many people, and tonight he will help to bring hope to cancer patients and their families, appearing to benefit the CWFCA, which helps to provide some of the transportation and medical needs of the families of cancer patients - bringing hope in the midst of suffocation.
We need to breathe in God's goodness and consume God's truth, or else we will suffocate. His presence brings hope to us, and makes us carriers of a bright hope to the world.
4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior... As a society, a culture, and a nation - we are in need of hope. There are elements that lead to personal and collective suffocation, a sense that things just aren't right, and we as believers in Christ have a chance to experience God's hope through Christ personally and to transmit that hope to people who so desperately need it. When we are downcast, we can turn to God, our source of hope.
I am encouraged by the words of 1st Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
A Rasmussen poll released earlier this week expresses generally what other surveys have found, as well - a majority of Americans think that our nation is on the wrong track - two-thirds of people, as a matter of fact. I think that we are experiencing a sense of suffocation - many encounter it at the gas pump, as higher prices are becoming a way of life - up 7 cents in the past week alone. There are those who are perhaps facing the loss of a job, or maybe have even seen the loss of a loved one or a friend recently.
We have plenty of reasons to be disillusioned...the circumstances and pressures of this fallen world can, if we're not careful, suffocate us. And, material possessions will not bring us lasting and authentic hope - the latest iPad, while a nifty device, can't bring the air we need for our souls. We need to breathe - we need hope!
And, I think that's why we gravitate to people who are transformational figures, change agents, if you will - I believe that is why President Obama was elected almost 4 years ago...using the slogan, hope and change, he perhaps tapped into the fears of Americans. And, this election cycle, I believe that people who are bringing a message of hope, sometimes even infused with a Christian worldview perspective, are resonating with voters.
And in the sports realm, we certainly find ourselves inspired by people who exemplify hope, including the gentleman who will be in Montgomery tonight, Tim Tebow. He brought his team going nowhere - at 1-4, and led them to 7 wins in 8 games. Not only does he demonstrate his faith, but he shows a determined and exuberant demeanor. On the field and off, he has brought hope to so many people, and tonight he will help to bring hope to cancer patients and their families, appearing to benefit the CWFCA, which helps to provide some of the transportation and medical needs of the families of cancer patients - bringing hope in the midst of suffocation.
We need to breathe in God's goodness and consume God's truth, or else we will suffocate. His presence brings hope to us, and makes us carriers of a bright hope to the world.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Inside Out
Reading from Psalm 24:3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. God desires for us to come before His throne in worship, and He has made a way through the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. But, because of our sinfulness, we are separated from God - that is why we need a Savior, who can make us right with God and purify our hearts, so we can enjoy fellowship with our Maker.
Here are the words found in Titus chapter 2:
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
As I was returning from Birmingham the other night, I had a chance to dine at one of my favorite hamburger restaurants, which we don't have in Montgomery and South Alabama - an establishment that is known for its incredible special sauce. And, I enjoy sitting down and having a fine juicy hamburger. I don't know if it's applicable to this chain, but earlier this year, another fast food chain announced that it would be discontinuing the use of the controversial meat product known as boneless lean beef trimmings in its burgers, or BLBT.
So, now we discover that a ground beef hamburger may have this BLBT in it, also referred to as "pink slime". And, the US Department of Agriculture has said that starting this fall, schools will be able to choose whether or not they buy hamburger that contains the pink stuff, which is described as being like gelatin.
Last week, ABC News reported that the filler is found in 70 percent of ground beef in supermarkets.
Here are the words found in Titus chapter 2:
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
As I was returning from Birmingham the other night, I had a chance to dine at one of my favorite hamburger restaurants, which we don't have in Montgomery and South Alabama - an establishment that is known for its incredible special sauce. And, I enjoy sitting down and having a fine juicy hamburger. I don't know if it's applicable to this chain, but earlier this year, another fast food chain announced that it would be discontinuing the use of the controversial meat product known as boneless lean beef trimmings in its burgers, or BLBT.
So, now we discover that a ground beef hamburger may have this BLBT in it, also referred to as "pink slime". And, the US Department of Agriculture has said that starting this fall, schools will be able to choose whether or not they buy hamburger that contains the pink stuff, which is described as being like gelatin.
Last week, ABC News reported that the filler is found in 70 percent of ground beef in supermarkets.
The president of the American Meat Institute is quoted by ABC as saying:
"BLBT...is a sustainable product because it recovers lean meat that would otherwise be wasted." OK, but before the manufacturer found a way to use it by disinfecting the trimmings with ammonia, it was sold only to dog food or cooking oil suppliers.
So, I don't want to create panic or even mild concern, because after all, "pink slime" is still meat, but it does remind us that outward appearance doesn't give us the whole story sometimes. And, this is particularly applicable in our spiritual lives. In fact, Jesus warned against dressing up the outside, when inside our hearts are full of thoughts and motives that are not pleasing to Him. And, while we may want to display a veneer of holiness and spiritual maturity, it could be that inside there is a far different story. That is why the Bible deals with the topic of clean hearts so often - because what's in our hearts, no matter how much we try to suppress, deny, hide or ignore it, will manifest itself in our behavior. So, we need for God to change us from the inside out - so that what others see is the character of Christ within us, not something we conjure up ourselves to make people think that we are somewhat holy.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Age is Not a Factor
In Psalm 37, David shares about the faithfulness of God he experienced, even from a young age.
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. David saw the hand of God on his life, even from an early age, and I believe that we can be used of God, as children, and even in the twilight years of our lives - there is a purpose, and as we surrender ourselves, to become vessels through which the Holy Spirit can work, we will see the Lord show up in incredible ways in and through us. In the book of Jeremiah, we see that there was a call of God on the prophet's life for mighty exploits even before his birth...from chapter 1:6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There is a 6-year-old girl from Woodbridge, Virginia, who will become the youngest contestant ever in the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning a regional competition in her home state, winning out over 21 top elementary and middle school competitors. Her winning word: "vaquero," a word of Spanish origin meaning cowboy. Her name is Lori Anne Madison, who is home-schooled, and told a Washington, DC-area TV station,"My parents quiz me. I read lists and I have a really good memory. Based on incomplete records, the previous youngest contestant is believed to have been 8 years of age.
And, today, I have to think about a young man, who at 8 years old in the 1920's began to sell soft drinks and then magazines door-to-door - he began a paper route at age 12, opened his first restaurant at age 25, and turns 91 today - that would be Truett Cathy, the founder of the immensely successful Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain. Up until about 2 years ago, he taught Sunday School to young boys - relating to them the importance of faith, responsibility, and character.
I thought today about how sometimes we sell our young people short and don't encourage them to set goals and attempt bold endeavors, especially allowing themselves to be used of God. And, as parents, we can encourage our children, blessing them and affirming that God wants to work in and through their lives.
Another example that comes to mind: Alex and Brett Harris wrote a book called, "Do Hard Things", which challenges young people to step out and allow God to work through them. We can be reminded that AT ANY AGE, God can use us if we make the quality decision to serve Him.
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. David saw the hand of God on his life, even from an early age, and I believe that we can be used of God, as children, and even in the twilight years of our lives - there is a purpose, and as we surrender ourselves, to become vessels through which the Holy Spirit can work, we will see the Lord show up in incredible ways in and through us. In the book of Jeremiah, we see that there was a call of God on the prophet's life for mighty exploits even before his birth...from chapter 1:6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
There is a 6-year-old girl from Woodbridge, Virginia, who will become the youngest contestant ever in the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning a regional competition in her home state, winning out over 21 top elementary and middle school competitors. Her winning word: "vaquero," a word of Spanish origin meaning cowboy. Her name is Lori Anne Madison, who is home-schooled, and told a Washington, DC-area TV station,"My parents quiz me. I read lists and I have a really good memory. Based on incomplete records, the previous youngest contestant is believed to have been 8 years of age.
And, today, I have to think about a young man, who at 8 years old in the 1920's began to sell soft drinks and then magazines door-to-door - he began a paper route at age 12, opened his first restaurant at age 25, and turns 91 today - that would be Truett Cathy, the founder of the immensely successful Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain. Up until about 2 years ago, he taught Sunday School to young boys - relating to them the importance of faith, responsibility, and character.
I thought today about how sometimes we sell our young people short and don't encourage them to set goals and attempt bold endeavors, especially allowing themselves to be used of God. And, as parents, we can encourage our children, blessing them and affirming that God wants to work in and through their lives.
Another example that comes to mind: Alex and Brett Harris wrote a book called, "Do Hard Things", which challenges young people to step out and allow God to work through them. We can be reminded that AT ANY AGE, God can use us if we make the quality decision to serve Him.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Worship on Tuesday - Vote
Col. 3:16 & 17:
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
We are called to be vessels of His glory – and whatever we do, the way we honor God with our lives, the way we relate to our families and those closest to us, the way we behave at work, and even voting – can be an act of worship to Him.
2 Cor 5:18-19
(God) reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
We are His ambassadors, His representatives – and He uses us for His purposes, as we engage in acts of worship toward Him.
Did you carry out an act of worship today when you voted? Or if you haven’t voted, will that be an act of worship to you? I mean, we have the incredible right as American citizens to participate in an exercise of liberty by selecting our leaders. Thiat is a privilege that not many in history have had – think about the Roman Empire; they certainly didn’t vote for Caesars, or even the people who lived under or loive today under absolute dictatorships – they don’t enjoy the liberties we have, and that many have fought to win and preserve.
So, I believe, like all that we do, according to the Scriptures, voting is an act of worship. And, while some politicians would say that “freedom of worship” is contained within a church building or other place of worship, I believe that our worship transcends any physical walls, and that we can exercise our religious faith in the voting booth.
I wrote a column for Journey magazine recently…it’s in the March edition, in fact.
I jotted down some considerations that could be helpful in making our determinations about whom we will vote.
Who is this person? I think that it’s important that we move beyond just a name on a sheet, or the candidate that has the most signs or makes the most impressions in the media. While there will be millions spent in political advertising, I believe Christians have a higher responsibility to look beyond the media campaigns and find out something about the candidates’ background, their character, and their core beliefs.
Core philosophy. This can be somewhat difficult to determine in some cases, which could actually be a red flag. A person’s core philosophy is revealed through not only their statements, but also their track record. A pattern of making decisions based on the political twists and turns may indicate that the person is not a reliable representative of our concerns. Someone might have a clearly defined core philosophy, but it might contradict the values we hold.
Faith and the decision-making process. While the U.S. Constitution does not provide for a “religious test” to be applied to selecting leaders, I do think how a person’s faith informs and guides their decision-making is a highly important consideration. If a candidate is seeking Godly wisdom and is intent on making decisions according to principles consistent with Scripture, that can be highly influential to me.
Policy consistent with Biblical role of government. I believe that the Bible is clear that government is an institution established by God, responsible to maintain order and to punish evil, according to Romans 13. The determination of what is good or evil – the moral components of our laws – is found in the Scriptures, including the Ten Commandments. When government operates outside of the Biblical prescription for effective operation, then it ends up extending its power and allocating its resources in a manner that actually contributes to a less stable society.
Defense of the sanctity of life. I believe that the taking of human life, inside or outside the womb, is a violation of Scripture. We see candidates who advocate a pro-choice, or pro-abortion position, and are strong promoters of that philosophy. You have people that embrace a dangerous dichotomy – saying they are personally opposed to abortion or want to see reduced numbers of abortions, but still adhere to their belief that a women has a right to choose. Then, there are people who say they are pro-life, but embrace a “check the box” mentality – paying lipservice to the cause of life, without being advocates. I gravitate toward pro-life individuals who are champions for the unborn and promote policies that are consistent with the culture of life. I’ve heard it said if a person’s philosophy is consistent with Scripture on life, then you’ll find that person will have a Biblical position on a host of other issues.
Religious liberties. This is an increasingly emerging issue, and as Christians, we have to be vigilant regarding politicians who would want to enact policies that would supersede our religious liberties. We have to recognize that Judeo-Christian principles have formed a foundation for our nation, and when freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are being challenged, then the very foundations of our society are imperiled. There is an underlying philosophy at play, embraced by some in government, that would subvert all rights, even religious liberties, to the will of the state. We must select candidates who view religious freedom as a paramount principle.
Leadership track record. If someone is looking to be “hired” by the voters to do a job, I believe that experience counts. We are selecting leaders to govern, and the best speaker in the world may not possess the skill set to operate in the political realm. Just because someone might have a political philosophy that aligns with mine doesn’t mean he or she would necessarily be able to translate philosophy into productivity.
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