BY STEVE DUNN
We live in a time of cultural warfare. The radical left often seems bent on
eradicating Christian witness from the public square and detaching the nation
from biblical values. The “church” is
perceived as the enemy of politically correct definition of tolerance. Many in the church, especially the
fundamentalist right, are vehemently attacking those efforts-and at times
demonizing those who choose to even be moderates or to voice the idea that
there is some element of truth outside the Christian faith. Both extremes tragically are not serving our
nation, simply throwing gasoline on a fire that further damages the well-being
of the American people.
I cannot speak for the radical left—nor would even
consider doing so. The contempt for even
basic Judaeo-Christian values and the worship of every man’s right to do what
their heart desires without accountability for its impact are antithetical to
my faith and values.
But I can speak to my fellow Christians. The political rhetoric, the judgmental
intransigence over every issue facing us as a free people defy the words of the
Lord through Isaiah—words not spoken to society in general but to the people of
God:
Wash and make
yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn
to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the
fatherless; plead the case of the widow. "Come now, let us settle the
matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like
wool. – Isaiah 1.16-18
We need to take the plank out of our own eyes. We need to remember the words and example of
Jesus.
You have heard that
it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love
your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in
heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on
the righteous and the unrighteous. If
you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax
collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you
doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as
your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:44-48
We have become very adept at turning over the
tables. But I wonder greatly if tactics
that so much resemble the world’s way of doing things don’t deaden us to the
vital truth that the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ must guide our opinions
and actions towards others—especially those who we perceive or who declare
themselves to be enemies.
The New Testament records only ONE incident of Jesus
overturning the tables—and countless examples of the love and graciousness and
forgiveness of Jesus.
Please think about this---prayerfully, honestly and
apolitically.
© 2018 by Stephen
L. Dunn. You have permission to reprint
this provided it is unchanged, proper authorship is cited, it is in a
publication not for sale, and a link is provided to this site or to www.drstevedunn.com.
For all other uses, contact Steve at sdunnpastor@gmail.com
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