Fact, Faith, Feeling

Every once in a while I feel like pontificating! I get pompous and even stoop to thinking that others may find value in what I think. So, here goes!

 

For the past two weeks Pat and I have stayed up late to listen to political speeches and to assess the endless stream of promises. Two observations seem worthy of thoughtful conversation. First, thoughtful people ought to be amazed that political operatives can gather thousands of rabid partisans into an arena, all of whom are fully convinced that world peace and prosperity for all are possible within four years. The fact is, this world has been at war so long that universal peace is an abstract idea.

 

The second observation is the mindless reaction of Christians to the ineptitude of the politicos, on the ideological right and left. Some candidates, and incumbents, make Christians feel better, and therefore, they must be right. When one with an opposing view speaks he is too often dismissed while trying to explain himself and the material for thoughtful choices is effectively cut in half. We forget that we learn more from those with whom we disagree than from those who already share our viewpoint. A sage teacher once shared that FACTS is the locomotive pulling the decision-making train. The second car is FAITH. Faith must be rooted in fact, not wishes or desired assurances. And, then, FEELINGS is the caboose! The teacher’s counsel is, “Get the facts right first.”

 

For the next three full months we will suffer a barrage of heated rhetoric, candidate-bashing ads, and a redundant volley of accusation-counter accusations. This election season is almost enough for some to rediscover the joy of reading! But, I suggest that there is something more that we can do. 

•                  We can discipline ourselves to be consistently respectful toward those who hold elective office. It seems to me that people who claim the Bible as their rule for faith and practice ought to observe how people in the Bible handled similar circumstances. My last reading of Daniel uncovered no compromise in the prophet or his friends. And I cannot find any disrespect for some of the most ruthless leaders in history. Three Hebrew faithful men crossed the threshold of the fiery foundry furnace without dishonoring the king. As an object of Babylon’s cultural reorientation program, Daniel maintained personal convictions and integrity without disrespecting the crown. David lamented that he snipped a corner off the robe of “the Lord’s anointed.” I wish my contemporary zealots would be of the same spirit.

 

•                  We can pray! Now, that is a novel idea for a politically charged arena. I gently remind us that our prayers can be rooted in the assuring FACT recorded in God’s Word. The Lord makes kings and brings them down again. (Daniel 2:21) Our President is a husband and father. Shouldn’t we want him to succeed in those roles? He is also the one elected by the majority of Americans. Can’t we be magnanimous in respecting the decision our neighbors have made in a constitutionally mandated election? If the President’s decisions affect the quality of life and destiny of people around the world, isn’t prayer for those in power the best thing we can do? Have we misplaced Paul’s clear teaching, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth?” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

 

•                  We can love our adversaries. Why do Christian people gloat when others stumble? Jesus defined the attitude required of His followers in the Sermon on the Mount, “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 sons 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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48) Who deputized Jesus’ followers to be rude, crude dudes?

 

•                  We can convene a new coronation of the King of Kings! Jesus’ followers will benefit as they meet in sacred, glorious assembly affirming that Jesus is Lord and that His Kingdom is now and will never pass away. That ought to be happening every time the church assembles. We don’t have time for hand-wringing, fear-enlarging responses to events in the public arena. Jesus’ followers are citizens of another kingdom. Worshiping Jesus as King of Kings minimizes the strength of the kings of the world. For disciples of Jesus, we are refreshed in soul and mind. We remain sane and serene in public arenas gone mad.

 

Do you remember this scene? 

“Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.” (Daniel 3:19-23, The Living New Translation)

 

I remember the story. I learned it as a child. And, I pray that the quality of my life will contribute to a response from contemporary leaders similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s,

“Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!’ So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.
“Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

“Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
“‘Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, (My friend suggested that including “or political party.”) speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!’
“Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.”

I really believe that the King of Kings is better prepared to lead His world from the moral morass and economic confusion in a way that confounds politicos and potentates, the wide and learned, the power wielding strong arm of man!  That is a FACT! Therefore, I believe it, FAITH! There it is! I have pontificated! And, I know peace and I FEEL good too!