Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176
It’s tempting in our world to believe the ends justify the means. We use this line of thinking whenever we feel our worldview or way of life is under threat. I see it in politics. I see it in business. I see it in the personal decisions people make. I see it in the church. For example, the denomination I serve is facing a difficult decision. One over which there is significant disagreement. It’s a divisive topic and many have very strong opinions on both sides. Sadly, I have seen far too many of my friends and colleagues exhibit a lack of integrity as they promote fear, misinformation, and, in some extreme cases, question the character of others as they seek to sway opinion in their direction. They truly believe the future of our denomination is at stake and it therefore justifies any tactic they employ. I see the same dynamic in play in our political discourse in America today. We no longer hold our leaders to any kind of moral standard. We are locked in a race to the bottom. The moment our opponent strikes a low blow, we go lower. And sadly, this approach works. Voters seem motivated by all the anger and outrage and hate. They truly want to believe they are battling an existential threat to their way of life. Both sides are infected with it. Both sides believe democracy is at stake. It’s a cultural death-spiral.
Is there a way out? I’m often asked this question when I meet with people and the answer is unequivocally, “Yes!” But it requires us recommitment to God’s Word. It requires us to trust in God’s Word as a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” It means making God’s Word our “hiding place and shield.” It means placing our faith in the commandments and statutes of God rather than human beings. It means fearing God more than anything else in our lives. More than failure. More than the future. More than our political opponents. More than those who disagree with us. We must hate all deceit. We must put to death all lusts. We must flee all sin. We can give no quarter to greed or selfishness or a desire for influence and power. We must live by grace and extend mercy and forgive freely and seek reconciliation and promote peace as a way of life. Most of all, we must submit ourselves to God’s Law. We must surrender ourselves to His judgment. We must humble ourselves before Him. I love how the Psalmist concludes Psalm 119. “Listen to my cry for help, O Lord! Give me insight by your word! Listen to my appeal for mercy! Deliver me, as you promised. May praise flow freely from my lips, for you teach me your statutes. May my tongue sing about your instructions, for all your commands are just. May your hand help me, for I choose to obey your precepts. I long for your deliverance, O Lord; I find delight in your law. May I love and praise you! May your regulations help me! I have wandered off like a lost sheep. Come looking for your servant, for I do not forget your commands.” (Psalms 119:169-176 NET)
Readings for tomorrow: Song of Solomon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5:1