I don't know a whole lot about politics. I am just now coming to the point in my life where I am gaining more of an interest, but overall I am still in the dark about how it all works. I want to get that out of the way right off the bat. So when I talk about Arizona's Proposition 102 I am talking not from a political sense but coming at it from more of a Christian perspective.
It isn't that I am really even wanting to talk about the proposition itself. What I am desiring to address is how the church seems to be the institution that is pushing this proposition more then anyone else. Let me come out and say it. I don't think the church should be pushing this proposition.
Hear me out before you start griping. There is always a reason for what I say. I would like you to take the time and listen.
Why are Christians so concerned about amending our Arizona constitution to read "marriage is the union of one man and one woman?" Do they really think that the "20 simple and clear words" of this proposed change will have some drastic affect on society?
I think a lot of Christians are like water. They seek the path of least resistance. For some reason we as Christians have the idea that if we make our stand against social immorality we will somehow advance the Kingdom of God, but I have to ask myself a couple of questions. Are a majority of Christians really so blind that they can't see what really changes society? Or, are a majority of Christians trying to replace the most significant act God has called them to with one that seems just as significant?
So let me drop the vague language and just come out and say it. The only culture changing strategy that exists is Jesus Christ. You can't change a culture when it believes that man is at the center of the universe. Yet this is exactly what Christians are doing. I think there is in reality a fear to do what God has called us to do. "As you go make disciples..." If we really want to make a difference in Arizona (and ultimately America) then we need to show people who Jesus is. We need to replace their view that man is the center of the universe with the proper view that Jesus is the center of all things.
Wake up church!!!! We are supposed to be in the business of equipping the saints. We need to be giving them the tools and showing them how to engage the culture we live in. We need to be about helping others find Jesus. When Jesus is found a transformation will take place as a result of minds made new. Why can't we put the same amount of effort we spend in rallying Christians around a cause into equipping those within our influence to share the love of Christ with all who are around them? Just a question.
It isn't that I am really even wanting to talk about the proposition itself. What I am desiring to address is how the church seems to be the institution that is pushing this proposition more then anyone else. Let me come out and say it. I don't think the church should be pushing this proposition.
Hear me out before you start griping. There is always a reason for what I say. I would like you to take the time and listen.
Why are Christians so concerned about amending our Arizona constitution to read "marriage is the union of one man and one woman?" Do they really think that the "20 simple and clear words" of this proposed change will have some drastic affect on society?
I think a lot of Christians are like water. They seek the path of least resistance. For some reason we as Christians have the idea that if we make our stand against social immorality we will somehow advance the Kingdom of God, but I have to ask myself a couple of questions. Are a majority of Christians really so blind that they can't see what really changes society? Or, are a majority of Christians trying to replace the most significant act God has called them to with one that seems just as significant?
So let me drop the vague language and just come out and say it. The only culture changing strategy that exists is Jesus Christ. You can't change a culture when it believes that man is at the center of the universe. Yet this is exactly what Christians are doing. I think there is in reality a fear to do what God has called us to do. "As you go make disciples..." If we really want to make a difference in Arizona (and ultimately America) then we need to show people who Jesus is. We need to replace their view that man is the center of the universe with the proper view that Jesus is the center of all things.
Wake up church!!!! We are supposed to be in the business of equipping the saints. We need to be giving them the tools and showing them how to engage the culture we live in. We need to be about helping others find Jesus. When Jesus is found a transformation will take place as a result of minds made new. Why can't we put the same amount of effort we spend in rallying Christians around a cause into equipping those within our influence to share the love of Christ with all who are around them? Just a question.
2 comments:
Brian,
I enjoyed reading your comments and I find myself in agreement with some of what you have said. If political action is the sole means to the end of transforming culture, then the effort and passion are misplaced.
I agree that emphasis and priority in the local church should always be on equipping saints to the work of ministry and especially to the work of reaching out with the truth of the gospel.
I too am frustrated when it seems like people will get fired up about fighting the homosexual agenda or the culture of death, but no one signs up to learn basic witnessing techniques.
But all that needs to happen for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing. We have been blessed in our nation to some extent with self-government. We have an obligation as citizens to influence our culture through the political process. The forces that would undo what little good is left in our nation will use whatever means necessary to destroy the institutions that make up a healthy society. If the church cannot unite to protect something as basic as marriage and do so in a positive and public way, then we would squander the privilege or what is left of it of being Americans.
Take care,
Andrew
You are right Andrew. I agree with you, but I also know that without a heart change within the culture the inevitable will happen no matter how many propositions and amendments the church rallies behind. I am not saying don't vote either. I agree that it is our duty as citizens of this great nation to vote, and definitely the Christian vote needs to be counted. I am saying that the church needs to make it clear that the ultimate agenda is not political but spiritual. So yes, go out an vote!!!! But make sure voting isn't the only thing that you are doing as a Christian. It really plays a very minor role in the long run.
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