Slideshow image

Last week I considered some of the responses we will be committed to if, at some point, our government becomes genuinely hostile to the way of Jesus. In reading those commitments, one might be tempted to think that I'm suggesting that our posture as citizens should be one of inaction and almost indifference. Today I'd like to suggest a few elements of action which we should engage in. Take a minute to read the scriptures referenced to allow scripture to encourage you.

  1. Pray for those in government - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (This prayer even includes thanksgiving, which can be a challenge at times!)
  2. Obey those in authority - Romans 13:1-7 (It shouldn't be surprising that Jesus people shouldn't be known as lawbreakers.)
  3. Act on behalf of the weak and vulnerable - James 1:27; Isaiah 1:17 (Sitting idly by while others are oppressed is not an option for Jesus followers.)
  4. Live in a way that challenges systems of inequity - Philemon (Paul didn't have illusions about undoing slavery as an institution in his day. He did call on his fellow Christians to see slaves as brothers, however. I would suggest that if enough of us challenge the systems of inequity, through our lives and through the systems available to us, they will change. Sadly, Christian history is filled with examples of us doing the opposite.)
  5. Engage the world with wisdom, clarity, and grace. - Colossians 4:5-6 (How we speak can be just as important as what we speak. We represent Jesus through our posture and attitudes as much as with our words.)
  6. Pursue peaceful living - Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:17-21 (When people see how we live do they see a reflection of Jesus offering and praying for forgiveness while he was wrongly condemned or do they see someone swinging a sword? Matthew 26:52-52)

I am thankful to be a part of a tradition which has sought to do these things well, often in the face of persecution. I am also thankful that we have the presence of the Spirit to empower us in our journey.

I'm praying for you . . . and for us together . . . as we pursue this kind of life.

Jon