Date Published: 07/08/2009
Deciding which party to vote for is impossible based on a tally of the extra-marital affairs of prominent politicians. When liberal politicians like Eliot Spitzer and John Edwards are caught, we hear conservatives complain about lack of moral foundation. When conservative politicians like John Ensign and Mark Sanford get caught we hear liberals complain about hypocrisy. Of course, as we see with Silvio Berlusconi and Nicolas Sarkozy, the United States does not have a monopoly on philandering politicians.
Politicians are not the only ones who cheat on their spouses. I have had more than enough personal experience with clergy colleagues whose ministries and marriages have been destroyed by infidelity, some of them close personal friends.
In my blog entry of June 24, “No Fault Ministry,” I noted that the Apostle Paul expressed concern that after proclaiming to others he himself should not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27). In his press conference confession, Mark Sanford said that the relationship with his mistress started innocently enough as a friendship, and he observed that he supposed that’s the way these things often start.
To me, all of this suggests that the greatest risk is thinking I am safe, and the greatest security is the vigilance that comes with acknowledging vulnerability. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “If you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.”
Monday, January 2, 2012
Jury Duty Essential
Date Published: 08/14/2009
On August 11 our son Erik received his first jury duty summons since graduating from college. My wife Candy and I have both been summoned several times but have never served on a jury. Almost every one considers a call to jury duty an annoying interruption to what they had planned. The prevailing mood in the jury pool room is “how soon can I get out of here?”
This same week Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of the Burma Democracy Movement was convicted of violating the terms of her house arrest and has her sentence extended by 18 more months. In 1990 she led the National League for Democracy to a decisive electoral victory. Her detention is basically for threatening the military dictatorship of Burma (Myanmar). That prearranged trial, verdict and sentence emphasized the importance of independent courts and citizen participation on juries that we enjoy.
The hassle of jury duty and the disruption it brings to our routines is a small price to pay to protect from the politically manipulated miscarriages of justice such as we saw in Burma. I’m not suggesting that courts and juries always get it right or that there are not some systemic injustices in the U. S. judicial system. Rather, I am suggesting that rather than look at civic participation, such as jury duty, ought not to be viewed as a nuisance or disruption but as a welcome protection.
I you have been reading my posts to “Living in Tents,” you know that my concern is with Jesus Christ, not with promoting western democracy. You also know that I think that the secular drift of the western democracies, including the United States, might actually be healthy for the faith of serious disciples of Jesus. In an increasingly secular society where committed Christians are a shrinking and even maligned minority, democratic institutions, such as and independent judiciary and jury trials, are ever more valuable protections for unpopular expressions of faith.
Besides the atmosphere of annoyance that seems to pervade jury pool rooms, I hear a lot of cynicism about the courts today: too easy on criminals, too activist, too much under the influence of power and wealth, too slow to respond. My point, however, is not to defend the courts or deny the reality of problems. Rather, I want to suggest that where those who truly want to follow Jesus are involved – as jurors, judges, lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants – they bring to bear some values and principles essential to the court that have nothing to do with promoting our particular “religion.”
Justice and truth are at the top of the list. The concern for those who have been wounded (“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.” Psalm 71:1-2) and integrity (Jesus said, “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12).
There was much discussion about empathy and compassion around the confirmation of Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. While a Bible verse cannot be a proof text for a particular judicial philosophy, and I am not commenting on that debate, those who have received the grace of Jesus will also bring mercy into the legal arena. This is mercy for both victims and perpetrators, recognizing the image of God and the brokenness of humanity in all people. (“What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NIV) Throughout Scripture, justice and mercy are intrinsically inseparable.
As disciples of Jesus, we cannot effectively bring justice, truth and mercy into the judicial system if we view our participation as a nuisance or routine or even a duty. Instead, we need to recognize that we are there by divine appointment. We are these as agents of Jesus Christ, though not at that point to preach and certainly not to impose personal morality, but to radiate light in darkness.
On August 11 our son Erik received his first jury duty summons since graduating from college. My wife Candy and I have both been summoned several times but have never served on a jury. Almost every one considers a call to jury duty an annoying interruption to what they had planned. The prevailing mood in the jury pool room is “how soon can I get out of here?”
This same week Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of the Burma Democracy Movement was convicted of violating the terms of her house arrest and has her sentence extended by 18 more months. In 1990 she led the National League for Democracy to a decisive electoral victory. Her detention is basically for threatening the military dictatorship of Burma (Myanmar). That prearranged trial, verdict and sentence emphasized the importance of independent courts and citizen participation on juries that we enjoy.
The hassle of jury duty and the disruption it brings to our routines is a small price to pay to protect from the politically manipulated miscarriages of justice such as we saw in Burma. I’m not suggesting that courts and juries always get it right or that there are not some systemic injustices in the U. S. judicial system. Rather, I am suggesting that rather than look at civic participation, such as jury duty, ought not to be viewed as a nuisance or disruption but as a welcome protection.
I you have been reading my posts to “Living in Tents,” you know that my concern is with Jesus Christ, not with promoting western democracy. You also know that I think that the secular drift of the western democracies, including the United States, might actually be healthy for the faith of serious disciples of Jesus. In an increasingly secular society where committed Christians are a shrinking and even maligned minority, democratic institutions, such as and independent judiciary and jury trials, are ever more valuable protections for unpopular expressions of faith.
Besides the atmosphere of annoyance that seems to pervade jury pool rooms, I hear a lot of cynicism about the courts today: too easy on criminals, too activist, too much under the influence of power and wealth, too slow to respond. My point, however, is not to defend the courts or deny the reality of problems. Rather, I want to suggest that where those who truly want to follow Jesus are involved – as jurors, judges, lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants – they bring to bear some values and principles essential to the court that have nothing to do with promoting our particular “religion.”
Justice and truth are at the top of the list. The concern for those who have been wounded (“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.” Psalm 71:1-2) and integrity (Jesus said, “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12).
There was much discussion about empathy and compassion around the confirmation of Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. While a Bible verse cannot be a proof text for a particular judicial philosophy, and I am not commenting on that debate, those who have received the grace of Jesus will also bring mercy into the legal arena. This is mercy for both victims and perpetrators, recognizing the image of God and the brokenness of humanity in all people. (“What does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NIV) Throughout Scripture, justice and mercy are intrinsically inseparable.
As disciples of Jesus, we cannot effectively bring justice, truth and mercy into the judicial system if we view our participation as a nuisance or routine or even a duty. Instead, we need to recognize that we are there by divine appointment. We are these as agents of Jesus Christ, though not at that point to preach and certainly not to impose personal morality, but to radiate light in darkness.
Labor Day Reflections
Date Published: 09/09/2009
For years I have listened to the jokes about not working on Labor Day. The church’s office is closed for the holiday, so I am not at work today, but the rest of this week will take extra effort to make up for the relaxation I’m enjoying today. I did a little work around the house (fixing a condensate drain in a window AC and taking care of family finances) and hope to have some time for relaxed reading.
Though I had never checked out the details, I have long been certain that Labor Day was not about celebrating the value of work per se by taking a day off from work, but that Labor Day was a celebration of the contributions of organized labor – labor unions – to the history and culture of the United States. As the picnic I was part of on the Sunday before Labor Day, one conversation turned to speculating about the origins of Labor Day. We guessed that it might have been instituted in the time of Franklin Roosevelt when unions rose to prominence.
I did a little sleuthing on the internet today and found that Labor Day truly was founded to celebrate labor unions, but quite a bit earlier than Franklin Roosevelt. Apparently a number of unions, cities and states had some form of Labor Day celebration before it was formally adopted by Congress. Unions paraded through the streets of cities as a demonstration of their size and importance. Grover Cleveland was president in 1894 when Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday. Though the historical impetus is not completely clear, what is evident is that there had been several violent clashes with labor unions, perhaps culminating with the Pullman Palace Railway Car strike, and establishing the holiday may have been a political maneuver to pacify the unions.
Like most of our holidays, the reason for their existence quickly is lost in the push to enjoy leisure time and recreation. Though my father belonged to the Teamsters in the heyday of Jimmy Hoffa (he was an embalmer and they were organized with the chauffers local along with the taxi drivers, since they all drove cars as part of the job), I don’t remember making any special acknowledgement of that on Labor Day. Though labor unions seem to be in the decline at the beginning of the 21st century, I don’t imagine anyone suggesting that we drop Labor Day as a holiday. The owners and managers of union and non-union shops alike enjoy the day off.
I’m not going to stretch or do some mental gymnastics to make a spiritual or religious connection with these observations. That we don’t think of unions much on Labor Day is just another reminder of how hard it is to sustain a passionate focus for a long period of time, especially from one generation to the next. Even something as powerful and precious as faith must be renewed daily if it is to remain fresh.
For years I have listened to the jokes about not working on Labor Day. The church’s office is closed for the holiday, so I am not at work today, but the rest of this week will take extra effort to make up for the relaxation I’m enjoying today. I did a little work around the house (fixing a condensate drain in a window AC and taking care of family finances) and hope to have some time for relaxed reading.
Though I had never checked out the details, I have long been certain that Labor Day was not about celebrating the value of work per se by taking a day off from work, but that Labor Day was a celebration of the contributions of organized labor – labor unions – to the history and culture of the United States. As the picnic I was part of on the Sunday before Labor Day, one conversation turned to speculating about the origins of Labor Day. We guessed that it might have been instituted in the time of Franklin Roosevelt when unions rose to prominence.
I did a little sleuthing on the internet today and found that Labor Day truly was founded to celebrate labor unions, but quite a bit earlier than Franklin Roosevelt. Apparently a number of unions, cities and states had some form of Labor Day celebration before it was formally adopted by Congress. Unions paraded through the streets of cities as a demonstration of their size and importance. Grover Cleveland was president in 1894 when Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday. Though the historical impetus is not completely clear, what is evident is that there had been several violent clashes with labor unions, perhaps culminating with the Pullman Palace Railway Car strike, and establishing the holiday may have been a political maneuver to pacify the unions.
Like most of our holidays, the reason for their existence quickly is lost in the push to enjoy leisure time and recreation. Though my father belonged to the Teamsters in the heyday of Jimmy Hoffa (he was an embalmer and they were organized with the chauffers local along with the taxi drivers, since they all drove cars as part of the job), I don’t remember making any special acknowledgement of that on Labor Day. Though labor unions seem to be in the decline at the beginning of the 21st century, I don’t imagine anyone suggesting that we drop Labor Day as a holiday. The owners and managers of union and non-union shops alike enjoy the day off.
I’m not going to stretch or do some mental gymnastics to make a spiritual or religious connection with these observations. That we don’t think of unions much on Labor Day is just another reminder of how hard it is to sustain a passionate focus for a long period of time, especially from one generation to the next. Even something as powerful and precious as faith must be renewed daily if it is to remain fresh.
Leadership in Charitable Giving
Date Published: 09/02/2009
As we head toward what may be one of the most robust (or rough) Republican primary races for Governor of Texas in a very long time, I was intrigued but not surprised by the low level of charitable giving on both the Hutchison and Perry tax returns: Hutchison at less than 1% and Perry at the national average 3%. I know many factors come into play in deciding how to vote, so I am not implying any political preference or personal critique of these two. I also know that Democratic office holders don’t do any better at charitable giving than Republicans (though I have no idea if anyone has ever done a comparison). I also know that tax returns don’t tell the whole story. Some folk don’t report their full giving in keeping with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:3 about not letting left hand know what the right hand is doing.
So with all those disclaimers, I do want to sound my little voice for leadership in charitable giving by those who are in positions of public leadership in government, in business, in the community and most of all in the church. Maybe we would be spared political debates and the anxiety about the federal deficit about health care reform, welfare reform, aid to families with children and the elderly and a host of other things if giving 10% (a biblical tithe) to charitable causes enabled full funding for voluntary agencies and organizations that address these needs out of a sense of compassion and calling, joy and hope. All those who argue that they don’t want the government to tax them to do something they say should be done voluntarily should be very generous in their voluntary gifts.
So far my input has nothing to do with religion, even if many of the voluntary agencies were operated by religious folk. Many “faith based” organizations are genuinely inter-faith. What kind of transformation of society might we envision of the leaders in government, in business, in the community and religion led in establishing a tithe (10%) of charitable giving as the expected norm for upstanding, responsible citizens? Even atheists could go for that!
I will acknowledge that this does have a religious and specifically Christian dimension. Of course, for people active in Christian congregations, much if not all of that tithe would go to their congregations. I expect that almost any congregation with a tithing membership will have more than enough money for all of the mission to which God calls them. I would include the congregation I currently serve that is presently struggling financially. If all of our members gave 10% of their income, we’d have no money problems (except maybe deciding on new ministries we could launch). While I’m sure that much of such giving would go to support the programs that benefit the current members, I firmly believe there would be plenty to benefit the local, national and global community as well.
Perhaps the greater spiritual benefit for a tithing population is bringing an attitude of caring for others beyond myself, my family, my friends, my congregation, my neighbors. Such an attitude would surely benefit any community both in terms of its intrinsic health and in terms of its purpose of mission in the larger world. Yes, that does have a secular benefit, but I believe it is at the core of a social ethic that springs from the teaching of Jesus, the practice of the pre-Constantinian Church, the word of the Hebrew prophets and the foundation of the Mosaic Law.
As we head toward what may be one of the most robust (or rough) Republican primary races for Governor of Texas in a very long time, I was intrigued but not surprised by the low level of charitable giving on both the Hutchison and Perry tax returns: Hutchison at less than 1% and Perry at the national average 3%. I know many factors come into play in deciding how to vote, so I am not implying any political preference or personal critique of these two. I also know that Democratic office holders don’t do any better at charitable giving than Republicans (though I have no idea if anyone has ever done a comparison). I also know that tax returns don’t tell the whole story. Some folk don’t report their full giving in keeping with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:3 about not letting left hand know what the right hand is doing.
So with all those disclaimers, I do want to sound my little voice for leadership in charitable giving by those who are in positions of public leadership in government, in business, in the community and most of all in the church. Maybe we would be spared political debates and the anxiety about the federal deficit about health care reform, welfare reform, aid to families with children and the elderly and a host of other things if giving 10% (a biblical tithe) to charitable causes enabled full funding for voluntary agencies and organizations that address these needs out of a sense of compassion and calling, joy and hope. All those who argue that they don’t want the government to tax them to do something they say should be done voluntarily should be very generous in their voluntary gifts.
So far my input has nothing to do with religion, even if many of the voluntary agencies were operated by religious folk. Many “faith based” organizations are genuinely inter-faith. What kind of transformation of society might we envision of the leaders in government, in business, in the community and religion led in establishing a tithe (10%) of charitable giving as the expected norm for upstanding, responsible citizens? Even atheists could go for that!
I will acknowledge that this does have a religious and specifically Christian dimension. Of course, for people active in Christian congregations, much if not all of that tithe would go to their congregations. I expect that almost any congregation with a tithing membership will have more than enough money for all of the mission to which God calls them. I would include the congregation I currently serve that is presently struggling financially. If all of our members gave 10% of their income, we’d have no money problems (except maybe deciding on new ministries we could launch). While I’m sure that much of such giving would go to support the programs that benefit the current members, I firmly believe there would be plenty to benefit the local, national and global community as well.
Perhaps the greater spiritual benefit for a tithing population is bringing an attitude of caring for others beyond myself, my family, my friends, my congregation, my neighbors. Such an attitude would surely benefit any community both in terms of its intrinsic health and in terms of its purpose of mission in the larger world. Yes, that does have a secular benefit, but I believe it is at the core of a social ethic that springs from the teaching of Jesus, the practice of the pre-Constantinian Church, the word of the Hebrew prophets and the foundation of the Mosaic Law.
Lehman Brothers and The Guiding Light
Date Published: 09/15/2009
What do the first anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the last episode of The Guiding Light have in common? The Lehman Brothers was founded in 1859. The Guiding Light (“the” was dropped in 1975) started on radio in 1937 and on television in 1952. They became such established fixtures of culture in the United States that imagining life without them became unthinkable. But they are gone (Guiding Light’s last episode: Friday, September 18, 2009).
When established institutions come to the end of their time, we are reminded that what seems permanent to us is truly transitory. Rome thought of itself as eternal. Nazi Germany called itself the “Thousand Year Reich.” The British Empire proclaimed that the sun never set on British soil. But Isaiah 40:8 tells a greater truth: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” (cf. 1 Peter 1:23)
I have never been one to compare the United States to Rome or any other past empire and wring my hands over the impending doom implicit in some growing decadence. But I do know the time will come when everything that seems so familiar and comfortable and established to us will go the way of Lehman Brothers and The Guiding Light. I say that, not with alarm or despair, but with a confidence that the Word of God will stand through all of these changes.
In our time of unsettling transitions, as generations rise and pass away, and with them their cherished institutions, the Church of Jesus Christ will persist, springing up unexpectedly out of the ashes of failed human creations. The persistence of the Church points ahead to the only truly eternal hope: the Kingdom of God. When we try to substitute anything transitory for the Kingdom of God, we are susceptible to idolatry. But when we keep our focus on the Kingdom of God, we can proceed through all transitions, however tumultuous they may be, with hope and a steady course.
What do the first anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the last episode of The Guiding Light have in common? The Lehman Brothers was founded in 1859. The Guiding Light (“the” was dropped in 1975) started on radio in 1937 and on television in 1952. They became such established fixtures of culture in the United States that imagining life without them became unthinkable. But they are gone (Guiding Light’s last episode: Friday, September 18, 2009).
When established institutions come to the end of their time, we are reminded that what seems permanent to us is truly transitory. Rome thought of itself as eternal. Nazi Germany called itself the “Thousand Year Reich.” The British Empire proclaimed that the sun never set on British soil. But Isaiah 40:8 tells a greater truth: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” (cf. 1 Peter 1:23)
I have never been one to compare the United States to Rome or any other past empire and wring my hands over the impending doom implicit in some growing decadence. But I do know the time will come when everything that seems so familiar and comfortable and established to us will go the way of Lehman Brothers and The Guiding Light. I say that, not with alarm or despair, but with a confidence that the Word of God will stand through all of these changes.
In our time of unsettling transitions, as generations rise and pass away, and with them their cherished institutions, the Church of Jesus Christ will persist, springing up unexpectedly out of the ashes of failed human creations. The persistence of the Church points ahead to the only truly eternal hope: the Kingdom of God. When we try to substitute anything transitory for the Kingdom of God, we are susceptible to idolatry. But when we keep our focus on the Kingdom of God, we can proceed through all transitions, however tumultuous they may be, with hope and a steady course.
No Fault Ministry
Date Published: 06/24/2009
I am challenged by what the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:3. He wants to conduct himself in such a way that “no fault may be found with our ministry.” I aspire to a similar reputation, knowing full well how vulnerable I am in both public ministry and personal life. I have witnessed first hand the wounds to congregations and individuals when pastoral trust is broken, and I know I am not exempt. I resonate with Paul when in 1 Corinthians 9:27 he expresses his concern that “after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.”
In my 34 years of ordained ministry, I believe Candy and I have opened our hearts wide without restriction in affection for those among whom we serve, just as Paul expresses in 2 Corinthians 6:11. And we have been rewarded as many have opened their hearts to us as well (v. 12)
In August of 2006 my spiritual director asked me to think of images for my pastoral ministry. For a long time I have embraced Eugene Peterson’s use of the image of Odysseus lashed to the mast as he sails past the sirens to wrestle with calling, vocation and ordination. Regardless of how enticing the distractions, the pastor stays with the Church, and as much as possible the congregation. The responsibility for the spiritual well being of individuals and the congregation cannot be abandoned just because it is painful or difficult or because something else (even another congregation) is more attractive. This is a living model of the rich and joyful harvest of long term fidelity and commitment.
Paul writes of his experiences of “great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger.” (vv. 4-5) Though I would not come close to comparing myself with Paul in the difficulties I have faced in my years of ministry, I certainly identify with the experience. But I also have aspired to bring to my ministry the same resources Paul did to his: “purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God.” (vv. 6-7)
I am challenged by what the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:3. He wants to conduct himself in such a way that “no fault may be found with our ministry.” I aspire to a similar reputation, knowing full well how vulnerable I am in both public ministry and personal life. I have witnessed first hand the wounds to congregations and individuals when pastoral trust is broken, and I know I am not exempt. I resonate with Paul when in 1 Corinthians 9:27 he expresses his concern that “after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.”
In my 34 years of ordained ministry, I believe Candy and I have opened our hearts wide without restriction in affection for those among whom we serve, just as Paul expresses in 2 Corinthians 6:11. And we have been rewarded as many have opened their hearts to us as well (v. 12)
In August of 2006 my spiritual director asked me to think of images for my pastoral ministry. For a long time I have embraced Eugene Peterson’s use of the image of Odysseus lashed to the mast as he sails past the sirens to wrestle with calling, vocation and ordination. Regardless of how enticing the distractions, the pastor stays with the Church, and as much as possible the congregation. The responsibility for the spiritual well being of individuals and the congregation cannot be abandoned just because it is painful or difficult or because something else (even another congregation) is more attractive. This is a living model of the rich and joyful harvest of long term fidelity and commitment.
Paul writes of his experiences of “great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger.” (vv. 4-5) Though I would not come close to comparing myself with Paul in the difficulties I have faced in my years of ministry, I certainly identify with the experience. But I also have aspired to bring to my ministry the same resources Paul did to his: “purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God.” (vv. 6-7)
Oh, That We Might See Better Times
Date Published: 02/04/2010
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” (Psalm 4:6 New Revised Standard Version) The Book of Common Prayer translates it, “Many are saying, ‘Oh, that we might see better times.’” and closes the quotes before the appeal to God.
That seems to me to capture the current ethos: down economy, collapsed discussion of health care, confusion in responding to terrorists, post-earthquake suffering in Haiti, even loss of confidence in Toyota quality. “Many are saying, ‘Oh, that we might see better times.’” But we look everywhere except to God for those better times: governments, businesses.
Society is not going to appeal to God to shine the light of his face on us, and we certainly cannot and should not expect government or business to do so. That is the calling of God’s people! When we hear the voices of many saying, “Oh, that we might see better times.” that is our cue to pray for the light of God’s face to shine on us and on the people around us who do not acknowledge God – whether they are our neighbors near or far!
As the people of God, we (not schools, governments, businesses, institutions) have the Holy Spirit so we can recognize the light of God’s face, that may seem to be but a dim glimmer or glow, and not only point it out but also direct attention to its source.
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” (Psalm 4:6 New Revised Standard Version) The Book of Common Prayer translates it, “Many are saying, ‘Oh, that we might see better times.’” and closes the quotes before the appeal to God.
That seems to me to capture the current ethos: down economy, collapsed discussion of health care, confusion in responding to terrorists, post-earthquake suffering in Haiti, even loss of confidence in Toyota quality. “Many are saying, ‘Oh, that we might see better times.’” But we look everywhere except to God for those better times: governments, businesses.
Society is not going to appeal to God to shine the light of his face on us, and we certainly cannot and should not expect government or business to do so. That is the calling of God’s people! When we hear the voices of many saying, “Oh, that we might see better times.” that is our cue to pray for the light of God’s face to shine on us and on the people around us who do not acknowledge God – whether they are our neighbors near or far!
As the people of God, we (not schools, governments, businesses, institutions) have the Holy Spirit so we can recognize the light of God’s face, that may seem to be but a dim glimmer or glow, and not only point it out but also direct attention to its source.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)