Our faith calls us to act

Hebrews 12:1-2

     Sometimes I think we are in an astrological age that is defined by groups of apposing demonstrators, perhaps we can call it 'ragious major'. There seems to be no limit on who will demonstrate and for what cause.  There is great value in this. I myself have been found on the steps of our capital marching to chants orchestrated with bull horns  and whatever message punctuated by 'got to go!' In essence, whoever is marching, whatever chanting or screaming, they are witnesses to their cause. It is a very human activity. We are relational beings. Hopefully, not like a pack of wolves. Sadly we see events like Charlottesville where good faces evil in spite of what anyone says. Evil is evil and cannot be redefined as "some good people' on both sides.

     As these haters proclaim their superiority and that they wish to reclaim a so called 'christian nation', their very actions speak to the exact opposite of intentions and  beliefs. What is the difference between opposing sides? Is it a matter of opinion?  Actions that perpetuate and give witness to God's love are not subjective. You cannot say something like ' I loved him so I killed him'. That makes no sense, it bears no witness to truth, love, life or God. When you disrespect others, claim more love for oneself than God has for another, you negate any message other than evil.

       Still, our beliefs give rise to actions. Our appreciation and acknowledgement of our gifts call us to action. But these are never actions of hate and violence. God created us in love, Jesus called us to love, and Jesus died at the hands of a mob mentality that he freely submitted to for His love of us.

       When I see the machinations of groups like the KKK and the Westboro Baptist church or what might be called 'new wave republicans', I see evil that we are called to counter. We are called to show love with equal zeal and with informing and powerful love. We must never be complacent. We must never forget the evil that lurks and exists. 

       If we do not stand up for truth and love, we might as well be sitting in a lounge chair on the side of evil.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.