I’ve had the privilege of knowing some pretty wonderful leaders; but in my mind, those who have been the best leaders by example are those who have allowed me to see them falter. I am so, so, so very far from perfect. I need to know that even the best of the best have off days. Another issue for me is that I am so involved in so many secular things, with people who may or may not be of the faith of Jesus Christ, it’s very easy for me to succumb to the flesh as those who don’t know Christ (and some who do know Christ) do. Especially in the political arena.
This morning as I pondered a recent decision I made, and one I made abruptly, I look to the Word of God for wisdom in moving forward. Of course I should have told the person, I’ll pray about it… did I? No. Because unfortunately when it comes to making decisions small and large, my entire life has been lived making them the same way. In the spur of the moment and often with great regret.
Quite often God, in His divine mercy, has allowed me to be used for His glory in spite of my haphazard decision making.
I think of the Apostle Peter, who in a moment of passion cut off a man’s ear who had harmed his friend Jesus. Then Jesus, just as He has done for me so many times, comes along behind Peter and cleans up his mess. Heals the man’s ear (Luke 22:51) and tells Peter to knock it off.
John 18:10-11 KJV
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. [11] Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
I have to tell you, there have been a few meetings where I would have cut a few peoples ears off if I had been given a sword.
Between my involvement with the Republican Executive Committee, for which I currently am Active Chair, and the fact that I report on politics and other pleasant and unpleasant happenings in our area, I’ve been called out more than a few times for doing things people didn’t like. The truth is often painful and sometimes to innocent people. I hate that part of my job. But in following the concepts of journalism, people want to know things other people don’t want them to know. But where does that fall into line with my Christian faith? Is God pleased with me? That is always my concern.
When I began Ridgeview News, I made and have kept a commitment that I would print nothing but truth. If I print opinion articles, I label it as such, and won’t print that without the evidence of truth where I am concerned. Even still, I have cut off a few ears in my time because of my frustration with people. I would print truth, and print it harshly rather than with grace. Right or wrong, I’m not sure but you can see why I have difficulty discerning my actions.
Add to that a recent faith based disagreement I had regarding wrong doctrine and whether or not I speak out on it, I’ve struggled with that too.
Is it our roll as Christians to call out wrong teaching in another church? On the surface I say “no.” Because it makes the church look bad. And the issue I have isn’t with somebody misleading people on salvation, else I would call that spade a spade. But this is doctrine, post salvation, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So I stay silent. But I want to cut off people’s ears. Be not deceived.
The Apostle Paul was a man of great passion. As a Jewish leader he went so far as killing those who disagreed with the Pharisees. He was at the stoning of Steven. But in one of God’s great moments of grace and mercy, He saved Paul. On the road to Damascus Paul is blinded by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He then turned that passion for Jewish law to the passion of Jesus’ grace. But he obviously still struggled with the flesh. He was passionate, not perfect.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
There are many opinions as to what that thorn in the flesh was. The spiritual thumping by Satan. His issue with lack of eyesight. It could have been any number of things. But the point is, something made him feel weak.
Me too. It’s my inability to keep my mouth shut.
The question in the forefront of my mind this morning is “Would Paul or Peter have served in things of a political nature?”
I doubt it. They were after all ministers of the Gospel. But, I do believe they’d have had an opinion, and a strong one. If either of them had seen political leaders of the day dressed in drag, promoting abortion, allowing laws to be broken for the almighty dollar, they’d have called their names from the pulpit.
Paul did. In Timothy 4:10 he told Timothy that Demas had forsaken him, having loved the present world. Called him right out! He did others the same way. It wasn’t because the people had hurt Paul, it was because they had hurt God. Paul said that Demas loved the world. Is that not the case with leadership today when they put anything above the Word of God? I’m talking those who say they’re saved. Not those who make no profession. But if you say you’re a believer, your decisions and your agenda should be God’s agenda. Else don’t mention the name of Christ and drag Him through the mud with you.
My conclusion this morning was this:
Christians need to be involved because we believe in a God who cares passionately about his world and his creation, and consequently how it is run. The Bible is hugely political – in that it is about how God wants people to behave and act towards him, and towards each other. This involves economics and law because these are tools that need to be used to build justice. So often it is injustice which dominates God’s world and this grieves Him. As believers in God we have much to bring to politics – a deeper commitment to justice and compassion which throughout history has made a difference in the political sphere. ~ Jon Kuhrt
He said it much more eloquently than I could. But what he said, I meant. God hates anyone’s sin. And I am certainly not without it. As heartbreaking as that is, I want no part of dragging others into sin, or deceiving people for worldly gain. Justice should be blind, but it’s not. However, God is no respecter of persons. As children of God we should not be either. Viewing all mankind the same… souls in need of a Savior.
As always, I love your article! The issue of “judge and be not judged” is always interesting and so often gets tossed about and thrown in our faces by folks who aren’t even necessarily believers, etc. We are absolutely to judge (discern) if a situation or action is sinful or consistent with the word so that we can establish our lives and protect our loved ones – after all, we have the mind of Christ and the HG living within us. That said, judging another’s heart (motivation) is not our role, but that of God, as we generally only know a sliver of what others have done (silently and behind the scenes or even overtly), believe and why, or have suffered for Christ, or may be suffering physically or emotionally in the natural right now. But God does! Calling out men and women for false or errant teaching within Christian ministry, or even a church as a whole, is a situation that is, rightfully, risky and intimidating – in part because of one of the things you cited – we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! Deciding if it is required, and how best to do it, and assuring it is done biblically and discretely is challenging. But, I so admire your balanced and reasoned approach to the matter. I heard a sermon once titled “Jesus Is Political” which was very well done. There is the almost irrational fear in many to even recognize that Christians should be leaders in God-ordained civil government (Romans 13), despite its political nature, BECAUSE we operate, hopefully, in the wisdom of God, with love, and with virtue. Again, very thought-provoking article!