Tensions are high. Conversations can sometimes become
toxic. Protests. Riots. Fighting. Division. We can probably list more, but we
get the point. Since the time that Cain killed his brother Able (Genesis 4:8-16),
humanity has developed friction in its relationships and has put prerequisites
on the ability to love unconditionally.
The last year of Presidential leadership, elections and the
inauguration combined with the pandemic of COVID-19, many have become anxious enough
to retreat back to their groups of identity where they have become polarized
into becoming angry, fearful, and willing to “take sides” against their own
families and fellow Americans.
Sadly, we see the same patterns developing in the Church.
We have allowed the events and the ways of this world to not only distract us,
but to pull us back into its ways and ideologies. May we never forget the words
of Jesus in John 18:36, “Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of
this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the
Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
As Christians, we need to be extremely careful when we
allow rightful patriotism to become a possessive idol in our lives where evolves
into our identity to be protected at any cost. I realize that it is a blessing to
live in a nation with so many freedoms and privileges, that we are first and
foremost citizens of a heavenly kingdom, who are seeking our heavenly home.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be to be
people of the Bible (Word) and servants of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is also
a reminder that the center of our faith is the cross in which Jesus shed His
blood.
Our Conference Superintendent, in a letter written to our
Pastors, had sound words on this issue when he said, “This was God’s
response to the brokenness in our world – not to kill, but to die. Not to
forcibly demand submission, but to wash filthy feet. Not to enlist powerful
politicians, but to call fishermen, a tax collector, prostitutes, and even the
greatest enemy of the movement – and angry and violent Pharisee named Saul. We
must pledge to proclaim God’s Word and love all His people.”
There is nothing wrong with patriotism and flying the flag
of the United States. There is nothing wrong with supporting political
candidates or having a favorite sports figure, musician, or music group. We can
still show pride and support for our military, schools, and sports teams. Our
interests in these things are fine when they are kept in their proper order of
importance.
What we cannot do is allow these interests, individuals, and
groups to grow into a greater passion where what was once honest “likes and
interests” has now become an unhealthy obsession. When these things grow to becoming
god-like, we can easily become agitated, angry, defensive and possibly hateful,
hurtful, or even violent when others question us or say something that offends
us regarding these areas in our life.
Instead of investing so much time and focus into the things
of our culture and world, let us remember the Kingdom in which we truly belong.
Let us be about our Father’s business of living out the Great Commandments and the
Great Commission by loving God and our neighbors while striving to make disciples.
May we live in such a way that we reveal Jesus to others. May we be spiritually
deep and scripturally rich children of God who live excited about their future
homeland.
May we exhibit hope and exude the life of Christ that glorifies
our Heavenly Father. May we extend grace and love to all and continue speaking God’s
truth. May we know when to avoid social media, television, radio and all
formats that become loud and divisive static disrupting the focus of our souls.
Let us unfurl the banner of God’s Kingdom to show the world
life-giving holiness, love driven-justice, Christ-compelled service, where we
are empowered by the Holy Spirit to change the world with Christ’s love and to
keep making disciples who make disciples. Let us hold fast to our mission and
remember the Kingdom of God that is our true home.