Think About It
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Salt or Not? "God does not call the church to influence
the culture by promoting legislation." "I really believe, with all my heart, one of
the greatest mistakes in the religious world is the involvement in
politics. I believe that I should not be on one side or the other. I
believe I should be as neutral as possible and be able to teach the Word
of God and not alienate anyone." "The time is ripe for conservative
Christians to spend less time trying to influence Caesar, to consider what
it means to render unto God, and to start rendering." "[Christian activists are] often seen as
indignantly condemning the sins of the world more than proclaiming the
good news of salvation from those sins." "As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'" - Romans 9:33 "For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of
soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart." "[Some] believe that for Christians to
involve themselves in cultural issues — even though they are profoundly
moral in nature — is to dilute the gospel message . . . I firmly believe
that ‘engaging the culture' and ‘sharing the gospel message' are not
two distinct things . . . we as Christians must use our influence to
defend righteousness in this democratic system of government." "Apathy is the glove into which evil slips
its hand." |
From the Chaplain's Desk Recently in conversation with various Christians, I found they believe Christian "activism" is something to be shunned. This surprises me. I think of Jesus as the greatest activist of all time. What He knew and taught He also did. Think of getting the money changers out of the temple, calming the stormy sea, healing the sick, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel. He fed huge crowds of people, chastised wrong doers, ministered in the temple or from a boat. He taught how to love, how to show mercy, forgiveness and grace. Jesus' willingness, His example, His activism so roused the religious leaders they crucified Him. When He went to the cross He took the penalty for our sins. THAT activism brings a huge Hallelujah from my heart! Get active! You may never preach to 5000 from a mountain top (or you may); nor whip the temple money changers as in John 2:15, but your love for God will guide you how to take action for the cause of Christ. Live His love. Learn what is going on in your community. Find how YOU can help make a positive difference. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17 When we profess the one whose name is above every name (Philippians 2:9) as our Lord and Savior, and are not active in our obedience to, and influence for, Almighty God – aren't we breaking the commandment that says, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain." - Chaplain Jim Robinson
P.S. I encourage you to take a look at Dr. Dobson's May 2002 newsletter discussing this topic. If you don't have access to the Internet, you may contact us and we will send you a copy. |
"You are the salt of the earth; but
if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for
nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of
the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a
lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all
who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:13-16
Think About It!
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