Practice What You Preach

Matthew 7:21

"Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to Me on the day "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name and in Your Name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'"

I started today's blog with this Scripture because I'm mentally tired of seeing a trend, especially in the media, namely the newspaper editorial sections. Perhaps you've seen this too.

What I'm referring to is how people will argue their points of "logic" based on certain Scriptural passages that (apparently) reinforce their position. These arguments also are quick to point out how not only are they doing the 'will of God' but how those opposed to them are not. I see this so very often between conservative and liberal readers. Those are the "tags" many of them love to wear to describe themselves and each other. It's especially disgusting seeing this form of post-modern, convenient Christianity being displayed by politicians who can quote and cite the Bible only when it serves their purposes but fail to adhere to Biblical standards when it matters most.

A great example of this is when Republicans will castigate Democrats for their stance(s) on issues like homosexuality, abortion and an overal liberal mindset that doesn't include a central belief in God. Democrats, conversely, will in turn accuse Republicans of being greedy, deceitful, robbing the poor to line the pockets of the rich and ignore the social plight of Americans (as well as all people) who suffer from poor living conditions, strive to make it with no medical insurance benefits and the continuous deterioration of our planet's natural resources.

NEITHER of these parties are correct about their own personal "correctness". Neither of these parties are doing anything to "earn" a special favor from the Lord. The Bible plainly states that "God does not show favoritism" so for Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, to claim that THEIR beliefs are more in tune with Christ is pure political double-speak hogwash.

I'd call it something a bit stronger except my Mama would wash my mouth out with soap. LOL I'm sure you all can guess what this kind of political language is more commonly known as.

I don't know how many times I've read editorials in the paper where someone is railing against a pastor in our area, pointing out his human flaws and then quoting scriptures about how Jesus wouldn't be seen driving around NWA in a big SUV. Jesus would be riding a bike or walking among the homeless, not socializing with the "big money" people.

While there is a small nugget of truth buried in here somewhere, these opinions, and everyone has a right to one, are nothing more than hate-filled diatribes, set out to cause harm and hurt rather than live by the principles they espouse.

The point I'm trying to make today is this.

If you're going to assert your position is of God, make sure it is. Make certain that if you're going to try and appeal to Christians to support you and your cause, it isn't flawed with a good dose of humanistic self-worth. That's something that grates on my nerves so much and totally makes the person's argument invalid to me.

"I'm a Christian and if you don't believe that, look at how I vote on these issues. Isn't that how Christ would've voted if He were in the Senate?"

Gag. Please...your reasoning is disgusting.

If you want to profess that it's God that guides your voting, then allow Him to do just that. Say no to special interest groups and lobbyists who may be giving your office a little somethin' somethin' under the table. I'll never understand politicians and social groups who say they believe in God but "we can't let our personal feelings (read: God) dictate how we vote in session".

Really? Why is that? Are you afraid you'll "offend" someone or alienate yourself from your peers & powerful lobbyists? If you believe in something like you assert, then why (or how) can your beliefs not guide you in every area of your life?

I've been reading the Bible on a consistent basis for about 2 years now and I have NEVER found a verse or reference in either Testament that says "Love the Lord your God and serve Him but only as it will serve your whims and agenda".

Now, as I've mentioned, I haven't found a verse like that so if you may know of one, please let me know. From what I've seen, each verse has been quite contrary to the hypotheical verse (yet literal lifestyle) I made above. I keep reading things like "There shall be no other gods before Me" and "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength". "

Ideals like trusting in the Lord in ALL things, believing in Him at ALL times, placing your faith in Him and allowing Him to lead & guide your paths.

The road to destruction is wide. Don't fall prey to a bright smile, soothing words uttered for your appeasement and people who view you only as one more vote. I'm not here to endorse one party over another. What I am trying to bring up is how both parties are flawed (some would say fatally) and we can't just be led down the road like sheep. Issues need to be investigated, discussed and prayed about before casting our blind support.

There's only ONE Shepherd and it's only His instruction we can depend upon at all times.