Looking for Answers

We have been reminded again in recent days of what a mixed up world in which we live. Sadly, we seem to value life less and less. We see arguments over which lives matter, which lives matter more, and which lives matter at this juncture. Further, we see arguments over which words we use and how we use them. In order to hash these things out we turn to social media where we can drop verbal bombs with little consideration of the feelings of others or the impact of our words. It is always easier to hide behind a key board than it is to look someone in the face.

I would not try to dissect what is going on in our world for a million dollars. I don’t understand it. I can’t understand it. I am an educated, middle class white man who has never experienced what others from various minority groups have. Every encounter I have ever had with police has been pleasant; except for one officer with a particularly bad attitude in Wharton, TX (funny story for another time, but I almost went to jail).

Yesterday I met with a group of local pastors and faith leaders. It was a representative group of our community. Different races, denominations, and even different faiths. I expect that this group will continue to grow as we meet in the future, thus furthering the diversity of the group. We met to talk…that’s all. We are not even sure what the group will be, we only wanted to start a conversation. I’m not sure it will help or fix anything, but we are trying.

As I stated, I have more questions than I do answers. I have no solutions to offer and no plan for reconciliation. However, I did read this in my morning Bible reading, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:37-40). I’m not sure we can improve upon what our Lord has commanded. If we can love our God and love our neighbor, at least it is a start.

Standing Firm in Difficult Times

Without a doubt, we live in a very progressive time. It seems that on a daily basis strides are made to normalize what society has previously refused to accept. We have seen laws passed, some of which were predictable, some of which were surprising. We have further seen attempts to force the acceptance of what is contrary to our values or belief system. In short, our society is changing.

With the change that is coming so rapidly, how is the Christian to respond? Well, Peter summed this up rather succinctly for us. In Acts 5 the apostles have been arrested for teaching in the name of Jesus. They were locked in prison, but God moved to set them free. After a subsequent detainment the high priest questions them. He said to them, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Peter’s answer to this questioning enlightens us as to how we are to live in our society. Peter says, “We must obey God rather than men.” In other words, we appreciate your concern but we must do what God has called us to do.

This is the perfect position for the believer today. We must obey what God has called us to do. We must follow what God has set forth. No law, no man, and no movement can impose on us anything contrary to the word of God. Keep in mind however, resistance does not have to be hostile. We do not have to display anger nor do we have to ostracize people. We can stand up for our beliefs and proclaim the truth of God’s word in love. We do not have to look any further than our own Lord and Savior to see how to accomplish this.

Obey the word of God. Stand on the word of God. Share the word of God. But, do it all in love.