Being Committed to Christ and Not be a Jerk.

We have had a lot of things posted on social media about our Supreme Court, President, and anyone else in a position of authority. Both sides are being hateful and disrespectful. It seems more like a group of 3rd graders on the playground instead of adults working through issues.

As a Christ follower, I have been wondering how we should respond to any issues that we do not agree with. Some want us to tear down the government and start all over again. Some are putting all their hope in the next election cycle. Many have just given up and chosen to lock themselves inside of their local church and wait for Jesus to return.

Reading through Daniel there is an event in which the State, those in authority, demand that believers bow down to a statue. It sounds so simple and innocent. But three young men determine in their heart that they will not follow the law of the land. This is found in Daniel 3 if you want to read it for yourself. I looked at how they responded to demands that went again the Lord God Almighty. By the way He is Supreme and has supreme authority! Jesus is Lord, not anyone inside or outside of the Capitol Beltway.

First, they stay respectful. No nasty tweets or photo shopped pictures. They address the king as the king. A second point is to see that the real issue is hatred of other people in the kingdom against believers in the One, True God. The third point is that the State makes it sound so logical and simple. Everyone is doing it. Come on, what will it hurt? There is the assumption that the men who would not bow to the statue (symbol of the State) just do not understand the directions. Like they couldn’t hear the loud instruments and see everyone else around them fall down to worship the statue. The other people cave.

Fourth, They do not make excuses or hire a lawyer which is something we can be thankful we have today. They simply say that there is one God. There is one being who deserves to be worship and the king of Babylon is not him. Now we see pride coming out. When the State responds with threats it is because of fear and pride. Fear in that they realize everyone will not just fall down and be a doormat for whatever they want done. Pride is seen as the State cannot believe anyone has the audacity to challenge their authority.

Fifth, the men understand the consequences. God can deliver us, that is not the issue. But even if he doesn’t, we will not bow down to your systems, structures, or laws that violate God’s law. And finally, the king (State) is filled with so much rage he tried overkill. Wipe them out. Silence them. Why does it seem that those who demand tolerance also demand that those who disagree with them must be silenced? I guess it is not considered hate unless you go against certain issues.

I agree that I have never had to make this choice. Many people have lost homes, businesses, or their careers because they are seeking to honor the One, True God. The king (State) sees a miracle, pulls the men out of the furnace and decides to make their God his God. If the state can’t remove God then the state will try to wrap God up in their flag. For believers of Jesus Christ, the example is simple. Pray for our leaders, live a holy life, be respectful in all we say and do and trust the Lord.