8-3-20<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My grandfather used to tell a story about an old man who went alone to church one Sunday morning when his wife was unwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When he returned home the wife asked her taciturn husband what the preacher\u2019s message was about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSin,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She pressed him: \u201cWhat about it, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s against it,\u201d the husband replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m afraid that joke represents the extent of theology many Christians acknowledge. Also, I think it is similar to many citizens\u2019 brand of patriotism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know what we are against; but do we know \u2013 much less fight for \u2013 what we believe in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people are in the quiet center, the normal \u201cmiddle,\u201d of issues, debates, and controversies\u2026 but these times are neither quiet nor normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We ought to give thanks that every generation does not experience such momentous turmoil as we face today. But every once in awhile societies are surprised how suddenly the viciousness \u2013 of people, and of nature \u2013 can be unleashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our current angst might have been precipitated by a pandemic, which unfortunately happens in cycles. And a history of racial injustice has precipitated periodic outbursts of resentments. But except for the coincidence of timing, it is unlikely that the current rioting, looting, and destruction directly are related to those phenomena. Or are spontaneous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People on the nervous outskirts of these battle zones, or sitting in living rooms far away, watching war correspondents on the evenings news, wonder about the Americanized versions of Mogadishu or Kabul. They wish this mayhem to be a bizarre exception that will vanish some Monday morning. \u201cThis is awful, but what can I <\/em>do about it?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Theodore Roosevelt said in another context, our choice is not whether to meet these challenges\u2026 but whether we meet them well or ill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the murderous street thugs perhaps are misguided youths who emerged like larvae from their parents\u2019 basements around the same time\u2026 they will have to be chased, one by one, down into the parents\u2019 basements if necessary. Lawbreaking never has been unaccompanied by penalties, whether in the Bible or in civil societies\u2026 until now, inexplicably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some Christians are very quick to quote Christ\u2019s admonition to turn the other cheek when we are wronged. We may have different reactions, however, when Jesus is wronged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible tells us always to be ready to mount a good defense\u2026 and it may well be for settings beyond polite living-room discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBe not deceived; God is not mocked.\u201d The Lord knows what is in the hearts of those who curse His name and defile His places of worship. The verse from Galatians concludes that whatever people sow, they also shall reap. That warning applies to enemies of the Cross\u2026 but also to those who are too timid to defend their faith and their God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luke 11:21 \u2013 \u201cWhen a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luke 22:36 \u2013 \u201cIf you don\u2019t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n We must remember that defense is different than revenge. The Lord sanctions defense of life and family and the Word; but \u201cvengeance is mine, saith the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRepay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all.\u201d People sit in groups, clucking about what they disdain on the evening news. You know what you resent, what you hate. What do you support<\/em>; what do you love<\/em>, enough to answer the anarchists and revolutionaries in kind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is this too fine a \u201cneedle\u201d to thread? Does the Bible contradict itself? Of course not; it is precise, with detailed teachings. \u201cAll scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the people of God may be perfected, thoroughly equipped for every good work.\u201d (II Timothy 3: 16, 17)<\/p>\n\n\n\n And we watch \u2013 we watch \u2013 as hordes topple statues of Mary and Jesus and saints. And destroy or spray-paint the ruined statues. We see acid, urine, and feces spread over the statues. Likewise are churches defaced, looted, and set afire. Flags are burned, and Bibles too. We hear the vilest curses screeched about Jesus, not to mention George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the old man who summarized the pastor\u2019s sermon, \u201cWe are against\u201d these things. But\u2026 what are we to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be filled with righteous anger. Do not be overwhelmed with frustrated complaints. Pray about the outrages committed against our nation. God will answer us with wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be \u201cequipped\u201d \u2013 grounded in the Word of God, and in the Declaration, the Constitution, and other foundational documents of our Republic. Affirm what you are for<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNetwork\u201d \u2013 seek out others who share your feelings. Not to complain, but to plan, to anticipate, to act. Be bold, be willing to go out; consider civil disobedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do these things soon. Get ready. When \u2013 not if, but when \u2013 this all comes to your neighborhood, know how you will respond. Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. History is threatened. History is watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n History is now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n + + +<\/p>\n\n\n\n