The Church and Politics

“But our citizenship is in heaven,

and from it we await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 3:20

Dear friends,

In the last few days, is there any leader in politics, religion, entertainment or sports who hasn’t had some profound comment to make about the death of Charlie Kirk?

I admit, I have been listening a LOT to the various media reports and reading from a variety of sources and yet I personally, as a local church leader, have not had a LOT to say. Actually, I have said very LITTLE. I know some pastors changed their sermons Sunday to reflect on Charlie Kirk’s death. I guess I wasn’t brave enough to do that or maybe it was because I wasn’t well informed enough about Charlie Kirk and all he stood for…and against.

During times of crisis, we are called to respond and sometimes the best response is NO oral response until we have something helpful or productive to say.

This morning, I asked my computer for a list of biblical verses that were “political,” and I was surprised by the number of verses that came up. After reading down the list, I realized that individuals could use any one of these verses to support their own political opinions.

Spencer Cox, the governor of Utah called this a watershed in America, a “turning point,” and said “when people stop talking, that’s when you get violence.” He may be right, but I believe saying the wrong thing CAUSES violence.

My prayer is that we will All stop and listen and then pray for discernment before we speak. Imagine what would happen if politicians prayed the prayer so many of us preachers pray: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer.”

It is a joy to be your pastor.

Mike

* Thanks to everyone who participated in our tailgate after worship yesterday. Congratulations to the Clemson tailgaters, mostly the Scott family, for their winning Tailgate spread.

• ECCO grocery bags due this Sunday September 21
• Children’s choir Tuesday at 5:00pm
• This coming Sunday, September 21 is “refreshments on the lawn”