If ye love me, keep my commandments – John 14:15

Christ’s Third Command - Let your light so shine before men… (Matt 5:16)

Christ commands us to let our light show forth before mankind.  What does that mean; exactly what is Christ commanding us?  The clear purpose of this concept of letting our “light shine” is that God, our Father, might receive glory.  The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches that man’s highest purpose is to glorify God (Rom 11:36, I Cor 6:20, I Cor 10:31, Rev 4:11).  With that in mind, we should carefully consider the true meaning of this command so that we might bring God the glory that He rightly deserves. 

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour , wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.   ~ Matthew 5:13-16 

Christ shares two analogies in this passage and we must interpret them correctly if we are to understand what He is teaching us.  The key to the analogies is in verse 16 where the command is given to “let our light so shine before men”.  The reason for us doing this is that our “good works” might be seen by mankind, and that will create glory for God.  So our “light” allows men see our good works.  This is the beginning of understanding the analogies and understanding what this passage means.

The idea of “good works” is key to this passage, so we should understand what this phrase really means.  The Greek word for work is “ergon” where we get our word ergonomics.  It means employment; any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind; something we do to produce something as opposed to something we do for fun or relaxation.  While there can be a relaxation in doing work, the idea seems to be in the purpose: producing something (even ideas or concepts) as opposed to relaxation.  The Greek word for good is “kalos” and it has a broad meaning including beautiful, useful, magnificent, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends, genuine, and honourable.  So we have a concept for good works that is repeated several times in the Scriptures, often associated with God’s glory:

Whether therefore ye eat , or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God.  ~ I Corinthians 10:31

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service , as to the Lord, and not to men:   ~ Ephesians 6:6-7

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.   ~ Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do , do it heartily , as to the Lord, and not unto men.   ~ Colossians 3:23

If any man speak , let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth : that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.   ~ I Peter 4:11

Our good works are the excellence, usefulness, and honor in our labors, both employment and other productive activity.  Might I suggest that this would include our dealings with others at work, in commerce, in anything we do.  And our “light” shining allows men to see our good works.  So what is our light?  What is it that allows others to see these good works in us?  It is the very same thing that allows us to perform these good works in the first place, our salvation and transformation into a new creature. 

Wherefore he saith , Awake thou that sleepest , and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.   ~ Ephesians 5:14  (See also: John 1:4-5, John 12:46, Acts 26:23, Ephesians 5:8, I Thessalonians 5:5, I Peter 2:9, I John 1:5-7, Revelation 21:23)

When Christ becomes the light is in us, He gives us the power to live a Christ-like life.  It is this Christ-like life that is our light.  So look back to the original analogy and consider what is said of the light.  It cannot be hidden and it should be put on display.  In other words, let Christ live through you so others can see it, and when Christ does live through you others will see it.  A Christ-like life cannot be hidden just like the city on a hill cannot be hidden.  You shouldn’t try to hide that your Christ-like life, just like you wouldn’t hide a candle; rather your Christ-like life should be on display in your life.  How is it displayed in your life?  When people see your good works (Christ working in you – Hebrews 13:20-21).

Consider the other analogy in the passage.  Salt is used to flavor foods to make them more pleasant to taste.  Considering the analogy of the light; we can draw the comparison with salt.  It is the flavor of salt that makes it pleasant to taste just like a Christ-like life makes us pleasant to deal with.  We cannot hide a Christ-like life and having that Christ-like life makes us more pleasant to deal with.  Consider the other part of this analogy; if the salt isn’t good anymore, it is cast away.  Similarly, if our life isn’t Christ-like, we are useless for the purpose to which God has called us.  The differences between the two types of life should make this obvious.  A Christ-like life is kind, forgiving, and loving to those they deal with.  The alternative is what we see every day, anger, malice, evil speaking, and bitterness.  (See Ephesians 4:31-32.)  Which is more pleasant to deal with and which would you likely be drawn back to dealing with?

In this passage, Christ is commanding us to live like He lived, with love for our “neighbor”.  We are never commanded to be isolationists.  We have to be involved with men in order to let our “light so shine”.  We cannot hide, nor should we try to hide our Christ-like life as God will gain the glory when we live a Christ-like life toward those around us.  When we fail to live Christ-like toward those around us, we fail in God’s purpose for us dealing with them.  When we live Christ-like toward others, God is the one who receives the glory.  Our lives should be a shining, pleasant beacon that reflects Christ in us.  When that happens the good works will draws those we deal with to glorify God.

CC

So this is a VERY late post because we were driving from Mississippi back home to South Carolina today.  As we drove, we (or I) played a few driving games that help the miles pass by.  Here are some of the games we play or have played in the past; what do you do to pass the time while you are driving?

State Plates:  We generally start this game with trying to list all of the states, but the point of the game is to see how many license plates you can find.  Eventually, you will see one of every license plate, but to do that on a single trip would be difficult indeed.  Yes, I know you wouldn’t think you could find a Hawaii or Alaska plate, but they do pop up on occasion.  (I know I’ve seen several of both over my lifetime, but never when we were playing.)  This is more of a group game and we generally play it as a family; all for one and one for all.

Alphabet:  This game is simple.  Find every letter in the alphabet on a road sign or license plate or somewhere else (outside the car) in order.  This one is fun to play because everyone can do it.  It gets a little crazy at times when everyone is shouting “I got the ‘E’ in ‘Hotel’” over one another, but it is a ton of fun.  There are also built in “roadblocks” that let the younger ones catch up because of ‘J’, ‘Q’, and ‘Z’.  I think I played by myself today, but I was finished within the first 100 miles thanks to a “Quit Smoking” billboard.

Numbers:  This one is fairly simple, too.  I like this one because it doesn’t end, and you can compete with your own best the next time you take a trip.  The idea is to find every number in order.  Just a hint, the first nine are easy, but when you have to find double digit numbers it gets difficult.  Thankfully some people still put phone numbers on their billboards.  Oh, and the registration numbers on big trucks are helpful, too, but don’t look too long if you are driving.  One rule to keep in mind, we generally don’t allow mile markers because at least one direction on an interstate drive will be like cheating.  I got to 52 today before we got home, but I also got in a good nap between Montgomery and Atlanta.

Red Light/Green Light:  This is one I do when I’m driving by myself and it really doesn’t work with a long (interstate highway) trip.  The idea here is to count the number of Red Lights and the number of Green Lights you encounter to see which one wins.  Generally I consider a Red Light to score a point if I have to step on the brakes because of the Red Light.  Yeah, this is a little silly, but when you are tired and driving it can keep your mind active and help keep you awake.  Oh, and it is more fun if you promise yourself to always root for the underdog!

CC

So we had two choices today.  Today is “Black Friday” so the first choice is obvious.  Black Friday is all about shopping and getting great deals.  Shopping is one of my least favorite activities.  I confess I am a typical male when it comes to shopping.  My idea is park, go straight to what I’m looking for, buy it or not, leave.

This, as many of you will recognize, is NOT what shopping is all about to a typical woman.  Our beloved wives and daughters love to walk around a store for quite some time, inspecting the items on each and every aisle (some aisles twice), picking out some “adorable” items, and ringing up with great “deals” before continuing on to the next store to repeat.  While I will go do this with my wife, I enjoy the fact that I am spending time with her, not the shopping but being with her.

So it is no real surprise that I didn’t opt for going shopping with the “girls” today.  My mom, wife and both daughters went out shopping to find the “great” deals on the “adorable” items this Black Friday.

No my dad, my sons and I instead went to the shooting range instead.  My dad has a Glock 9mm and a .38 Special and my boys haven’t been to the shooting range to shoot pistols before.  So off we went to have some “guy” fun shooting while the girls were shopping.  When we first got into the (indoor) range, my older son and I were getting the target ready on our lane as one of the other patrons started shooting on his lane.  It had been a while since I had been at the range, too, so I’m not sure who jumped higher at the concussion (fortunately we were wearing ear protection).  Everyone had a great time shooting, and suffice it to say that two perfectly good targets will no longer be a threat to the community.

With the shooting done, we called the girls to see what was on the agenda.  We decided to meet them at Wal-Mart and head to a late lunch.  Seems as though I wasn’t going to get out of shopping after all.  We met up and walked through Wal-Mart, which wasn’t nearly as crowded as Black Friday would have suggested.  After some tasty shrimp po-boys, we headed back home to rest up.

Let me just say that I have yet to hear any news report on the matter, but I will go ahead and predict that this will be the “worst year for retail sales on Black Friday” since the inception of Thanksgiving!  Yes, it is a product of our economic struggles, but it is also a sign of the corporate greed.  I will admit to not having gone shopping anywhere but Wal-Mart, but the wonderful deals that are supposed to be rampant were absent.  We were looking for a couple of electronics items and neither was even marked down below the normal price I saw a month ago.  So, when the newsman announces that sales were sluggish and this was a bad year for retail on Black Friday, just remember where the blame for that belongs.

OK, that’s enough for now, I’m off to do some searching online to see if I can get a head start on the “Cyber Monday” sales.

CC

I am so thankful for everything.  We live in a great country, in a wonderful time to exist.  Thank You God for our country and the many things You have given to us.

I have a great job.  Thank You God for the ability to work.  Thank You for the provision You have given through my job.  Thank You for the privilege of doing something I enjoy in my career.  Thank You so much for the ability to provide for my family

I have great friends.  Thank You God for the blessing of kindred spirits to enjoy this life with.  What a true blessing we pass up when we aren’t grateful for the friends God has brought in our life.  God has taught me so much over the years through my friends.

I have a wonderful family.  Thank You God, so much, for my parents and the godly heritage they have given me.  Thank You for my grandparents and the love they showed me and for the aunts, uncles, and cousins who made and make life so blessed.

Thank You God for my children.  Thank You for Lydia and the blessing she is to our family.  Thank You for her spirit and desire to obey and serve You.  Thank You for her willingness to submit to her authority and honor her parents.  (And thank You for her cookie making skills!)

Thank You for Christian.  Thank You for his love of Your Word.  Thank You for his desire to be and grow into the man You want for him to be.  Thank You for making him my son, and my friend.  Thank You for helping him have a great attitude and for helping him look up to and honor his parents.

Thank You for Caleb.  Thank You for his energy and comedy.  Thank You for making him the “life” of our family, and for making him with such a wonderful sense of humor.  Thank You for saving him and giving him a desire to learn about You.

Thank You for Lauren.  Thank You for her sweet spirit and loving heart.  Thank You for saving her and giving her a desire for You.  Thank You for helping her have such a sweet spirit toward her sister and for making them such sweet friends.

Thank You, God, so very much, for my wife!  Thank You for creating Shannon and making her into the most perfect help meet for me.  Thank You for helping me as I learn to love her more.  Thank You for her sweet spirit and her desire to stand by Your Word, regardless the cost.  Thank You for giving her the patience and meekness to endure me.  Thank You for her heart for our children and our family.  Thank You for the millions of things my wife does to make our family and our lives so much more wonderful.  Thank You so very much for my wonderful partner and my very best friend.

Last, but definitely not least, thank You God so much for You.  Thank You for sending You blessed Son to die in order to buy my pardon.  Thank you for adopting me and making me Your child.  Thank You for the wonderful work You have done in my life and for the works You continue to do.  Thank You for the truth You have given us in Your Word.  Thank You for bringing me to the point to look honestly into Your Word for Your truth and for the ability to find You when I get there.  Thank You for Your provision and watch-care.  Thank You that You are my God and my safety.  Thank You so much!

CC

In Colossians 1:2 Paul is wishing grace and peace on the believers at Colosse. It is amazing that these two characteristics are continually listed in Paul’s writings as the state he wishes upon his readers. Verse two explains that this condition can only be obtained from God, our true source of joy, pleasure and contentment.

Grace – That which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, lovliness; benefit, bounty, recompense, reward.

Peace – Harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity; the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.

Paul expresses this condition as a greeting, but also as a sincere wish to his readers for the condition of their lives. Despite the difficulty of the times in which they lived, Paul wanted his readers to be joyful, full of delight (from and in God), bountiful, safe, secure, and content. All of these come from God, not from the places in the world we normally try to find them.

What is also interesting to me is that Paul expects that his readers can experience this condition in spite of the facts of John 15:18-21, II Timothy 3:12, and I Peter 1:6-7. While we are hated of the world, persecuted for our faith, and suffering under the trials of this life, we can still be full of grace and peace. The condition of our heart and life is not dependent on the outward difficulties of life and our experiences, but it is based on our inward relationship with our great God. What a beautiful blessing it is that God grants us grace (joy, pleasure, bounty) and peace (harmony, security, contentment) despite what difficulties we may have to deal with.

CC

A week or two ago, I was directed to an article that opened my eyes to something that bothered me very much.  The reason wasn’t the article itself which is why I didn’t link it (maybe another day).  Rather, the article pointed to a passage and questioned a “traditional” interpretation that I was familiar with.  As I read the article, I realized (as was the point of the article) that I wasn’t really reading the article, but was “resting” on the interpretation I had always heard.

It bothered and convicted much and I began considering how often we do this.  Earlier I had been convicted from our family reading in Proverbs at how important God considers a teachable spirit (instruction).  As I put these two thoughts together it occurred to me that being open to instruction includes approaching the Scripture with an open spirit and giving an honest read to the Word.  It is important that we read, but also that we read with an open, teachable spirit. 

Hearing an interpretation of Scripture and good Biblical teaching is vital to our Christian growth.  Even if we are reading something that we have been previously taught, it is important that we still keep our spirit open to what God has to show us.  When we fall back on what we have “always”  heard, we restrict the work of the Spirit in our spirit.

With this in mind, I began reading Colossians with the intent to study it in depth from scratch.  I hope to continue reading and studying in the same way, with an open and teachable spirit.  As I have read over the past week, it has been refreshing to approach the Word with a renewed attitude and an anxiousness of what I will find.  This should be our attitude when we study the Word.

CC

We were talking today about some friends dealing with some difficult times.  Nothing major, just some minor things they are dealing with.  One of the things we were discussing is the nature of the valley.  Granted, this verse talks about a deep valley, but I think it applies:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.  Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.   ~ Psalm 23:4

I think it is interesting that the comments about God being with us through the valley are accompanied by the comments about the rod and staff.  I haven’t really thought about it before, but the implication of rod and staff is instruction and correction.  The shepherd uses the rod and staff to teach, train and correct the sheep.  God uses His rod and staff to teach, train and correct us.  So the reason for the valley could, possibly be a result of something we did wrong, that is a correction toward us.  (Please do not take this to mean ALL of the valleys in our life are because of sin, that is not my intention.)

This is one of the cases that our friends are struggling with.  They feel that some of the problems they are dealing with are because of wrong decisions they have made.  They have repented of the sin and yet are still dealing with the repercussions.  When we sin, there are consequences whether we have confessed and repented or not, but unconfessed sin will often lead to more consequences (in quantity and extensiveness).

The amazing thing is that, as a Christian, God is with us as we walk through the valley.  Now, if we have unconfessed sin in our lives, we may not feel His presence and we may not have the fellowship of His presence, but He is still there (guiding and controlling the situation).  When we have confessed and repented, we can be confident of God’s watchful care through the difficulties, and of fellowship with Him during even the most difficult times.  He walks with us.

I have another friend who is dealing with some very deep valleys, mostly of his own creation.  He has repented of the sin and has been transformed by God’s forgiveness.  As he deals with the difficulties, I am glad to be there with him as a friend, not just for friendship sake, though.  It is glorious and amazing to see how God walks through these valleys with him and how He comforts my friends even during the most difficult of the problems he is going through.

Praise God that He “will never leave us nor forsake us.”  And I am grateful to experience this with my friends; it strengthens my faith and makes me more grateful for the glorious God we serve.

CC

[This post is part two, please begin with part one of this post, America, a Christian Nation]

So, where does this leave us?

I think the key is in the three commands from Scripture regarding authority.  The word “king” is used only a handful of times in the New Testament epistles where it doesn’t specifically refer to a person.  Only three of these are direct commands about our relationship to civil authorities: I Timothy 2:1-2, I Peter 2:13-14, and I Peter 2:17.  All three of these are supported by other Scriptural teaching about authority.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.     ~ I Peter 2:17

The idea behind the word honor (in both places) is the same idea in I Timothy 5:3 talking about widows, and in Ephesians 6:2 directed to children about their parents.  It is used several times in the gospels in reference to children honoring parents, and at least once each referring to honoring the Father and honoring Christ.  It means, essentially, to place value in something or to revere. (Timao)

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme ; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.     ~ I Peter 2:13-14

The concept of submit in I Peter 2:13 is from a Greek military term.  Hupotasso – “In non-military use, it was ‘a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden’.”  This is so contradictory to our thinking, especially when the authority doesn’t align with our particular political ideology, but that is another issue for another blog post.  Suffice it to say, that we must, according to the commands of God, give in and cooperate with our civil authorities when doing so does not violate God’s commands.

 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.     ~ I Timothy 2:1-2

I saved this one for last because I wanted to make several points.  First of all, notice the “first of all”.  The Apostle Paul gives a lengthy introduction in chapter one and he mentions this as a primary concept when he gets to the “meat” of his message to Timothy (much of which is about teaching the church people at Ephesus how to live).  Now, think of all the things Paul teaches in I Timothy (modesty, requirements for elders and deacons, false teachers, interpersonal relationships, etc.) and over and above all that, Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) says that “first of all” or the most important thing is that we pray for each other, and especially for civil rulers.

And the prayer is very precise.  Supplications are entreaties or needs; seeking and asking for our needs to be met.  Prayers implies that the supplications are being made to God.  Intercession means “a falling in with”, “a coming together to visit”, or “that for which an interview is held.”  In other words, God through Paul is commanding that we meet with God and ask for Him to work His will in the lives of our civil leaders.  Oh, and lest we forget, we also need to be thankful for them.  Sometimes that is a tall order, but it is God’s command.

Paul continues in verse three to tell us “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”  I don’t know how much more plain we can get than that.  Praying to God for the needs of our civil leaders and being thankful for those leaders is something that God considers GOOD.  Then verse four reminds us of the most basic need, and the place our prayers should probably start for these civil leaders – their salvation.  God desires ”all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”  I would suggest that our primary responsibility, given by God, toward our civil authorities is to pray for their salvation.

As difficult as that is, there is more in this passage.  After vindicating what he just said on the basis of God, Christ, and his own apostleship, Paul goes on in verse 8 to tell us how often and in what spirit we should perform these prayers – “everywhere… without wrath and doubting.”  This is to be our constant prayer, everywhere we go; literally in every location that you find yourself, this should be your prayer.  The same concept is presented in I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”  In each and every place and situation we find ourselves, we should be praying, and specifically praying for the salvation of our civil authorities.

Further, this prayer must be done not in wrath (anger, wrath, indignation, agitation of soul).  This seems to never be the case when discussions of politics come into play.  How often we get angry or indignant first, and only then (sometimes) decide to pray.  But that attitude cannot be part of our prayers.  Also, these prayers must be done in faith, not doubting.  How easy it is for us to pray a prayer and not really believe that it will happen.  Given the sinfulness of some of our political leaders, it can be difficult to honestly believe that they might be saved.  But God’s grace and mercy reaches to the worst of sinners.

Oh how great our God is!  He knew that we would have problems through the ages with unrighteous, ungodly civil authority.  He knew the one thing that could give us a “quiet and peaceable life” (vs 2) was the salvation of those civil authorities.  Salvation, a gift from God and the will of God for all men, is exactly what we should be praying for.  God, in his infinite wisdom, knew exactly the two specific sins that would most likely prevent our prayers from being answered (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 59:2; John 9:31) – anger and doubt.  So in concluding this primary command, God reminds us to beware these pitfalls, these sins, that would endanger our prayers from being answered.

What changes would God perform if His people would begin, in earnest, praying faithfully and continually for the salvation of their civil authorities in faith and without anger!  I don’t believe America is a Christina nation; I don’t believe she ever was a Christian nation, but I do believe that if we ever want America to return to the Biblical principles that inundated her founding, we have no choice but to begin with the command of God.  Pray for the salvation of your civil authorities.

CC

Recently, there was some understandable outrage over the following email (edited for space):

…The White House will celebrate “Winter Holiday” this year, not Christmas….  They would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees.  And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme….  If you missed his [President Obama's]statement that “we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation” this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible. 

The truth is a bit different from the email (which was a hoax and is reproduced in full in the link), but it got me thinking about another blog post I had read recently by my friend Scott Kay.  Scott says:

…America is unique in that it was founded on many principles that derive directly from Scripture….  Yet, it is without question that those principles that have influenced American life and thought for so long have been eroding at alarming rates in the past number of decades.  The trajectory toward increased secularism is just that: a movement away from the Christian concepts, practices, and principles that have undergirded and permeated our American society.

I agree with this statement, and like Scott, it concerns me.  I would suggest that you read his entire view on the concept of America being a “Christian nation” as I think it reveals one of the problems that has created the position we find ourselves in today.  The simple fact is that America, whatever she was, is not now a Christian nation, and yet, we still think of America as a Christian nation (whether historically or currently).

I won’t try to reproduce what Scott wrote, but I agree with his premise that America was never a Christian nation (that no such construct ever existed).  I believe our thoughts of America as a Christian nation have produced in us a complacency that has allowed the enemy a foothold to erode the Christian principles in our nation.  We get emails like the above and respond with outrage that this cannot be done in our Christian nation.  However, despite the fact that the above email is a hoax, the foundation for the types of actions it suggests have already been laid.  Sadly, our Christian heritage has vanished from the “public” eye as a driving force in the policy and practice of our civil government.

When we as Christians think of America as a Christian nation, we react to the ideas of removing God from the Pledge of Allegiance, or of changing the definition of the basic family unit to include same-sex couples, or even of restricting free speech in matters of religion.  And we cheer when victories are won on these issues, and proudly proclaim America as a Christian nation while we fall back into our complacency.  Meanwhile the enemy takes the defeat in stride and jumps right back up to start fighting again.

What were the issues that Christians reacted to a generation ago (more or less):  Displaying the Ten Commandments or Nativity scenes on public property, public prayer in public schools, Biblical creation freely taught in science classes.  Where are these issues today?  We have lost the battle in our complacency because when a single fight was won, we sat down complacently while the enemy battled on.  This is the same stance that most Christians take today, and if we maintain this complacent attitude, what condition will we leave our nation in for our children and grandchildren. 

As concerned as we may be about health care, social security, and foreign relations, I submit that we should be more concerned with the heritage we leave for our children in our nation.  As important as social, economic, and international issues may seem, if we keep fighting these battles with a complacent, “Christian nation” mindset, we will end up as defeated as those who went before us.  We need to evaluate our attitude, our strategy and the method we use to fight.

Now, I am one of the least likely people to be a political activist, and, honestly, in most situations I really don’t even like discussions of politics.  Truth be told, I’m not exactly certain of what our proper role as a Christian is concerning political activism.  I don’t see much in the way of commands in the Scripture as to our relationship with civil authority other than to honor (I Peter 2:17), submit (I Peter 2:13-14; Romans 13:1-7), and pray (I Timothy 2:1-2).  I have heard and do understand the argument that we have different responsibilities because we live under a different form of government than the writers of the New Testament.  I don’t condemn anyone who chooses to be politically active, but I can’t say, honestly, that I have faith in being as activist as some of my friends (Romans 14:22-23).  [Please don't misconstrue this as a suggestion that we shouldn't be involved in the political process of our country, I do vote and consider that right and proper.  The issue is the depth of involvement, or when involvement becomes activism.]

So where does that leave us? 

Tomorrow:  Christians in an American Nation

CC

It isn’t often that I talk about my work, but I program computers for a living.  Mostly I use PowerBuilder, .NET, sometime Java or Perl.  I know that means little to nothing for most of you, but suffice it to say, it is writing the “behind-the-scenes” stuff that makes computers do the things we want them to do.

When the program doesn’t do what we want it to do, we call it a “bug”.  OK, well, maybe we call it many more things, but once we settle down and calm ourselves, we refer to the particular part that is broken as a “bug”.  I’ve often wondered about this and where this terminology comes from.  Now, I’m no etymologist, nor am I an entomologist, but I have a theory that at least has some merit.

As I was fixing a problem with my code today, a bug, I created more problems with the supposed fix than we had to start with.  We got them all fixed eventually, but I think that is why we call the bugs, because of the way they multiply.  It is very easy to fix one problem and create more in the process.  As we continue doing this, eventually we stamp out all the bugs (and we did with this project today), but it requires continual work to get them all done.

This is the same way as sin works in our lives.  As we stamp out one, we see a deeper issue or two that needs to be dealt with.  As we deal with these issues, we see other, deeper issues.  If we tire in the work, we leave ourselves in the middle of the sins, and these roots grow back into other problems that will need to be dealt with later.  But, if we work with God and continue to remove these issues from our lives, eventually we get them rooted out and things “run” properly.

This is the process of Christian growth.  We work on the areas that God has revealed.  Sometime the problem is rooted deep and is difficult (and painful) to remove, at other times, it is an obvious problem that we need to fix.  But as we continue to eradicate these issues, we grow more and more to the image of Christ, the goal of God for our lives.  Let us be diligent in digging deep to eliminate the “bugs” that are preventing our lives from being what we should be.

CC