We are moving into a time of partisan politics that is as ugly as any other time in history. Equally, the pandemic has separated from each other more than experienced any time else in my lifetime. It’s almost like you have to choose sides and get on the correct side, and lose family, friends, or connections. Why? Because they happen to be on the other side. I have a big question for you today. Whose side are you on?
When it comes to politics, it’s simple. Who lines up with my values? Not everyone, that’s for sure! No one running has a handle on my view of life. Nor do they support me the way they want me to support them.
Turn to the pandemic and you find similar sides. Those who isolate in place and are content to draw the line close to home. Then, those who have no barriers or protections in place.
These lines are similar to which brand of computer, make of car, neighborhood to live in or store to shop at. We know how to draw lines! When we choose sides, we often spend time demonizing the opposite view. It can be petty, and vicious, all at the same time!
Hitch Your Wagon
There’s an old line out of an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson that encourages us to “hitch your wagon to a star”. It’s been used and misused to tell us to make use of another’s influence and status to elevate our own. Well, at the same time, Emerson is known as a thinker that believed in the uniqueness of every person.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Isn’t this the idea of the non-conformer? If I can’t conform to others, then I refuse to conform to your viewpoint. I’ve felt this and related it to a boss who wanted me to be more like him. “I’ll be the best me that me knows how.” I quipped. But the truth is that we are all conformers to someone who’s gone before us. I cannot be like most politicians, scientists, doctors, or philosophers. Why? They don’t believe as I do. My world is wrapped around my Judeo-Christian background. Too much of the opinion and voice of this world is attempting to drown my values out and insert theirs as the dominant “we’re right and you’re not” voice. Even those who claim the same background! They’ve listened to another voice that is drowning out the voice that comes from the Word of God.
They have hitched their wagon to that star.
Hence, my belief-voice-choice can only support that action/person/system that fits as close to my values as possible. That rules out the hype and rhetoric of most snake oil sellers! I’m making choices that are geared to my belief system. If it does not line up to my values, then I will walk my own way. Even if I do it alone.
Here’s My Thought
The liberality of this world is taking us down strange paths. We are overwhelmed by choices that cannot sustain my values. This present world wants me to conform to their world and accept everything. Lock. Stock. Barrel. Everything is acceptable…except for my “puritanical” beliefs. I’m beginning to wonder if this will not be the “end of it all” sign that we find in Revelations. You know. The number of a man. The mark of the beast. Unless we accept this “everything goes except for your conservative values” then perhaps we will not be able to buy or sell.
Ask those who fight for their right to choose who to sell their goods or services to!
Someone once asked me if it would be okay if all Christians were given their own “state” to live in. It’s got me to thinking about what’s being said out there that this would be an option. Think about it. Let’s move all “conservative” voices to a state…say, Texas. Make them stay there. Control their access. Limit their choices to the world. All the while, they get to live how they want in all the other states!
Back in the days of Jesus, the Jewish people were being governed by the Romans. History shows that doesn’t work out very well. Yes. Jerusalem is burned, the nation is scattered, and it will take 1,900 years for them to regather as a nation. The persistence of their voice kept their hopes alive!
Could this present day be a foretaste of that kind of history repeated? Perhaps. If we keep going the way it’s going then your right to be who you are will be controlled by a radical faction that wants nothing more than to bury you under their rule.
What Will You Do?
This morning, in prayer, Word and thought, the Word of God popped into my mind and on my screens.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
(Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)
Call it accidentally timed? Luck of the draw? I think not. I’ve proven God’s Word over and again to provide the answer I needed at the time I needed it the most. When humanity’s voice overwhelms my consciousness and drowns out my voice, God’s Word will always speak exactly what I need to hear. It’s a timely Word.
So. I will vote my values and choose sides that will support my Judeo-Christian framework. That’s the best I can do with what I have in my hand to commit. My world may be shattered by the radical and liberal, but God knows exactly what I need and will strengthen me at just the right time. ~Selah.
I will vote my values and choose sides that will support my Judeo-Christian framework. That's the best I can do with what I have in my hand to commit. My world may be shattered by the radical and liberal, but God knows exactly what I… Click To Tweet