Between the lines
As I was preparing for work Friday morning, a conversation from Wednesday evening with the Young Adults group popped up. We we’re in the "Why study and discuss discernment?" section of our study and discussion and as additional food for thought,I bought up the notion of being able to pick up on subtleties of what’s said with regard to doctrine, beliefs etc.
As a very generalized example, I used Democratic presidential nominee Obam’s call for "change", and the frenzied response of supporters. The idea being that those (not all inclusive) that are in support of Obama seem to respond (emotionally and in an almost cult-like following) to his message of change, but the question remains… "What change is proposed?". Saying you want change is one thing, saying you have a vision or plan for change is another. In another way think of someone professing: "I’m Christian", yet their life merely reflects being a "good person" by man’s standards of morals and conduct rather than being Christ led and thus Christ-like in attitude,behavior, etc. Essentially it’s just a word with no godly weight or sense of Holy Spirit led conviction to it.
Updated 20080907 at 2:33 pm
Hmmm!?… reference the statement: "In another way think of someone professing: "I’m Christian", yet their life merely reflects being a "good person" …" My Pastor practically said the same thing in today’s sermon.
The thought that finally impressed upon me however was that regardless of a Christian’s political interest or involvement, we ought not to think of political figures as messiahs that will bring about moral change through the political process. The Jews seemed to have made a similar mistake in their assumption that the messiah would free them from the occupation and influence of the Roman Empire. They thought that political reform was His mission, at least in part. I’m not discounting the possibility of a godly man or woman being used by God to address this country’s moral deficit however, I think that the call by God is for each of us to fix our eyes on Him and His Word, to be ambassadors of Christ that are an effective catalyst for spiritual change at a localized level.
By influencing those people in our immediate sphere of influence (family,friends,co-workers,employees,neighbors,etc) we can effect a change that works from the bottom up versus putting too much stock and energy in hoping for politicians to employ God’s message and values to the people from the top down.
Grace and peace be with you.