I just put the following words on Facebook, then decided to throw them out here. They aren't the best edited, but rather a free flow of thoughts. Maybe someone can help me out here. They are:
Since when did it become OK for Christians to compromise who they are,
and what it means to be God's children, today, in order to hopefully
"avoid" some consequence in the future? Since when is it OK for
Christians to say that the end justifies the means? Since when is it OK
for Christians to yoke themselves with those who stand against the core
heart and intent of God's Words, saying, "Well, God uses anybody"?
I am really struggling with this. I am not wanting to start any arguments,
and if the comments get nasty I'll just erase them or this post, but
I'd really like to hear some thoughts as it is hard for me to see the
support that Christians are giving Donald Trump who, to my eyes (and I
could be wrong), seems to be:
1. A lover of money
2. Proud
3. Unrepentant
4. Rude
5. Disrespectful
6. A lobbyist for his own self interest who will donate his resources
and influence to anyone who benefits him, regardless of their stands on
core issues like abortion, religious freedom, etc.
7. Arrogant
8. Without a core baseline of values that are Biblically linked about which he won't compromise or lend support to
I get the anger. I get the refreshing sense he brings in a world of
political correctness and Washington garbage, but I can't bring myself
to yoke myself with him when it seems to me he is the living opposition
of so many things the Bible says to avoid and separate ourselves from.
Maybe I'm totally wrong. Again, I'd love to hear respectful, thought out
responses. If he is elected I believe God can use him, but I just am
struggling to see how Christians can see him as a man representing the
values, humility, servanthood, truth, and light that God calls His men
to be---and then yoke themselves to him with their support. I would
rather choose to stand for that which is uncompromisingly Christ, and
trust God with my future, than to---as I perceive it---compromise myself
today trying to secure my own future.
These are just my thoughts
and things I'm trying to work through. I know I struggle with a lot of
things and fall very short of Christ's standards, and I am not being
judgmental in a haughty or superior sense. But God does call His
children to be discerning, and when error is noted in our walk and
heart, to be repentant and have a Godly grief over it. I just don't see
that.
Friday, February 26, 2016
9 comments:
Thanks for your comments, I look forward to and value your sharing. Due to a large number of SPAM comments, you will need to enter a word verification before your comment will be sent to me for moderation. Your comment will be visible after I publish it. Erick
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Romans 13:1-2
ReplyDelete“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
My application of these verses is that it is a BIBLICAL duty to vote.
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian Nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
John Jay
As a 70%+ professing Christianity country we have failed miserably on this point.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
God softens Kings' hearts (King Nebuchadnezzar)
God Hardens Kings' hearts (Pharoh)
I am not sure I agree that voting for someone is being 'yoked' to them. The Israelites were not yoked to Egypt, Babylon or Rome but God DID tell them to obey.
Donald Trump may be all the things you have said.
The question is - what person that can win the election next November will do the most to benefit this country and (at the least) reduce the present persecution of Christians?
Hi David! Thanks for your thoughts. I am certainly not advocating not voting. And, in a general election, should it come down to Trump against Hillary or Bernie, I would have to seriously consider whether I'd vote for him or a third party candidate, but I know I wouldn't vote for either Hillary or Bernie. But, in the primary, we are not in that position. I do feel that to give my vote and support to someone is to yoke myself with them. I believe it is to harness myself with them in an effort to help them in their work. I am lending my vote and effort to their pull and helping them on their journey, and partnering with it. I can't see another way to see it, honestly. And, at this point, I just can't see how I am honoring God to come along side Donald Trump (as a Christian) when he seems to stand against so much that I believe God calls us to be and to stand for. But, like I said, I am still trying to process it. My fear is that the reaction of anger toward the establishment is pushing a lot of people to ignore character qualities (or lack of) that they never would otherwise. Just thoughts. Thanks for yours. I really value them. God bless you and yours.
DeleteErick, God bless you and yours...
DeleteIn the final analysis, there are three things required.
1. A well informed vote for the 'best' candidate available. Romans 13:1,2
2. Do the three things required:
a. humble myself
b. pray and seek God's Face
c. TURN FROM MY WICKED WAYS
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
3. Trust in God for the result.
John 19:11 (NKJV)
Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
Blessings
Thanks, David. God bless you. We can just pray and see what God does. I am so glad that in the end, no matter what, I have Him as my true anchor and hope.
DeleteI have a lot of the same concerns and thoughts. I also read the comment regarding the polls of 70% Christians to which I feel if all of those were true born again believers this country wouldn't be in this condition.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Trump goes I feel a lot of people are so fed up with the way things are they just want change. However I don't agree with him at all the points you made about him are true. I feel if we Christians voted for a man with character and integrity Trump would be out!!! I've prayed about this a lot as I have thought what will I do if he wins primary I do feel we are suppose to vote but at the same time I don't feel I can vote for him. The Bible tells us that God can change the hearts of our ones in authority however I feel that the problem lies within our churches and within the hearts of Gods people. If we would truly repent and seek His face this could have a different outcome. But I feel God is waiting to see what His people are going to do. 2 Chronicles 7:14
It doesn't matter what the unbelievers and the world does it matters what we the Church is going to do and it's time we wake up and Seek His Face!!! Then He will show us the way we shall walk and the thing we should do!! Jeremiah 42:3
As a pastors wife I am praying for a revival within the Christian family. God Bless
Thank you so much, Christy, for your thoughts. Keep praying! I resonate with all you wrote. I value your taking the time to comment. I am a pastor (which makes my wife a pastor's wife as well). Maybe one day we can all share some fellowship. We sound like minded. God bless you and yours. May God pour out His Spirit upon your husband as he shares truth tomorrow.
DeleteForgive me for being "direct" here but it's the only way I know how.
ReplyDeleteObedience to government involves being loyal to the laws of the land--doing the speed limit, not stealing, not covetous of what others have, not lying about people.Obedience to government is serving the defense of my country from destruction and tyranny, paying my taxes, and joyously putting up with TSA workers who feel the need to touch me or violate my space without my express permission.
Obeying my government is NOT associating myself with members of this stellar crowd.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ~2 Timothy 3:1-7
It comes down to this:
You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ~Matthew 7:16
I conclude with this: these types, and I'm not pointing any fingers, just saying, are enemies of God. And therefore, they are MY enemies. Enough said?
Amen, Jon. The 2 Timothy passage ended up as on referenced in the comments on my Facebook page when I posted this. It is a passage I feel is key here, and one that I have thought of a lot in light of the current evangelical love affair with a man I just don't feel reflects (shows the fruit of) a Christ-centered heart. We'll keep praying. I am glad we are on this journey together. God bless you, my online friend!
DeleteAnd you, Erick!
Delete