1 Peter 2

I saw Rick Warren on TV today talking with some news person about his influence in religion and politics. He had a lot of wise things to say and I think represented the name of Christ he carries as a Christian well. One thing I see in this chapter though is quite a bit different than how many "right wing" Christians stand.

This chapter is very clear about how we are to represent Christ in this world. Not by being loud political activists, but by our character and submission to authority. I can understand how Pastor Warren's view, being such an influential leader, is that leadership carries a responsibility to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice. So I certainly am not criticizing his views or him as a person. However, I feel just as strongly that politics is not the arena we were called to influence the world. I get that the unborn are a huge group of people without a voice that need to be assisted. But we have been wielding all the political power we can muster for over 4 decades now, even through years of Republican majorities and pro-Life presidents and have still really gained no ground to rescue babies through legal means. But my friend Courtney, who meets with frightened mothers and provides them all the clothes and necessities they need to care for their babies has saved some. If we all just waded chest-deep, armed with the overflow of the power of the Holy Spirit, I can't imagine how many lives we would save. And yes, it is an unjust law. But so is slavery. And Peter doesn't encourage people to become activists, but for slaves to submit to authority. Totally tough to swallow.

Now I think it's very likely that many people's call to serve God will include causes like modern abolition and many other world issues that are a symptom of people's need for Christ. But I hardly think that governments who can't even manage to pay their own bills are the means to the end we are seeking. Act justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with your God. The same as God spoke through Micah, He speaks again here. Let your increasing character, your call to holiness, and your respectful submission to authorities be your voice.

Oh, and meditate today on that opening line, "now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." Have you? He so is.