Tag Archives: Civic Responsibility

Voting

Eastertide

May 11, 2021

Scripture Reading:
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’

So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

The right to vote and control of who can vote is all over the news right now. Voting is essential for a democracy to be a democracy. We should never take it lightly. In 2020, I voted for the first time by mail because of COVID, and I must say I was a better-informed voter.

I could not miss the significant candidates and questions. They were constantly on my TV and in my mailbox. I had not paid much attention to the two men running for county sheriff or reviewing the city charter changes. It was not hard to do. I checked the sheriff candidates’ credentials and studied the charter changes. Had I stood in line for and hours or more in the June heat, having not done my homework, I would have grabbed my ballet completed the easy parts, and most likely skipped voting for a new sheriff or expressing my opinion on the city charter issues.

I did a study a few years ago about voting participation and discovered that less than half of registered voters in Oklahoma voted most years. This count did not include those who were eligible to vote but did not register. The result was that none of our elected officials won by a majority of legal voters. Truth is political parties, and people supporting specific issues only what the people to vote who will select their candidate or cause.

We, the people, must control voting. I think everyone should be required to register to vote at the age of eighteen, just like we require people to register for the draft. I also think Australia may be on to something. In Australia, if one does not vote and does not provide a good reason for failing to vote, they pay a fine. That is a little scary to consider. We might have to improve the quality of our education system so young people learn the responsibility they have as citizens.

People of faith have another consideration. We must consider our moral obligations as a citizen and do our part in assuring that our elected officials consider what is right and wrong for their constituents when making decisions, not what is best for their party or their wealthy donors or their personal wealth.

Prayer: God of Justice, help us strive for righteousness and justice in meeting our obligations as citizens. Amen.

Law and Faith

Kingdom Building

June 20, 2019

Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:23-29

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. –Galatians 3:23-27

There is a difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline is designed to help people integrate life lessons, hopefully learning positive ways of functioning; punishment shames or frightens children or adults into behaving in the way another wants them to behave. Discipline applied well helps people internalize proven processes. While all discipline may not be wise and may not be as helpful for some people as for others, it can be modified based on individual circumstances. Once punishment is rendered it is hard to undo.

Galatians above describes the law as our disciplinarian until Christ came so we might be justified by faith. We are children of God called to attain Christ like maturity.

The Hebrew Bible contains essentially three types of “laws” that discipline us: God’s commandments, civic law, and etiquette rules. Living in a country founded on the separation of church and state our civic laws stand apart from our faith commandments. Since we are a country founded on government of the people, by the people, for the people our faith values as may the values, influenced by faith or not, of others guide our civic laws. Emily Post and Miss Manners are drivers of etiquette. God’s Commandments are eternal in nature while civic laws are altered as our world changes from messages etched on stone to the digital environment. Etiquette is most often driven by culture.

The advent of Christ did not replace eternal laws but added the component of grace through faith. The commandments still provide guidance for daily living while we work to love God and our neighbors in forming a world ultimately ruled by love.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the gift of grace that enables us to partner with you in developing your kingdom. Guide us in the use of your eternal commandments as they help to discipline us in practicing our faith. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Servant-Leader

Living in the Spirit
August 3, 2018

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.                                                                                                                                                             –Ephesians 4:11-16

The business model with a power Chief Executive Officer who selects his or her staff is often presented as being the answer to all our government woes. There are some excellent CEOs who might make good government officials but that for-profit business experience is not a formula that guarantees government operation success. The CEO is not the employee of his or her staff. Government officials are. Democracy is messy as it strives to bring together divergent people to define and support the Common Good. Most for-profit businesses have one prime directive to make a profit making it easy to cut and burn anything that gets in the way of that goal. Government is often actually the counterbalance to for-profit businesses as it cleans up the messes left by workplace injury, unemployment from sudden and unexpected layoffs or closures, and inadequate salaries.  Government also provides necessary upfront supports for businesses such as education.

What is described in our scripture from Ephesians today seems to be a combination of a servant-leader CEO pulling together the masses to work toward a world whose prime directive is loving God and loving one another where everyone has enough of the necessities and all possess talents and skills to contribute.

During this election season, we must consider all the skills and talents candidates bring to the table and prayerfully consider how they complement our prime directive of love while we consider what role we are called to play in making our form of government work.

Prayer: Servant- Leader Christ be a beacon of light to us as we work together toward the full realization of your Kingdom. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Civic Responsibility

Living in the Spirit
July 9, 2018

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baalejudah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. –2 Samuel 6:1-5

Moving the Ark of God to Jerusalem solidified David’s rule over the whole of Israel which called for a grand celebration. Oneness bought at the price of war and the power of a charismatic leader stood the test of time throughout David’s reign and the reign of his son Solomon. If peace and prosperity prevail along with just treatment there is rarely any dissent. Discord arises when prosperity becomes markedly disproportionate and injustice seeps in to protect that status quo. We in the USA find ourselves on the cusp of that situation as we move through the mechanics of celebrating the grand experiment upon which our government was founded with the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

I guess the question we now face is can this course be corrected and if so how? Many people in positions of power seem blind to the existence of the problem. In the class that is getting richer or the group on the next step down the ladder of wealth with eyes set to climb up, there is little interest in addressing the disproportionate nature of our economy. Indeed, some work to disparage those in poverty saying they are responsible for their own situations. As more and more people find themselves homeless while working full time the reality of inequity begins to burn at the heart of their lives. This is one of those times when the true test of the efficacy of our system of governance which alleges to be of the people, by the people, and for the people will be measured. For democracy to prevail, we the people must assert ourselves as the backbone of this country and prove that democracy remains a viable form of governance.

There were some signs of life among the people as more voters turned out in Oklahoma’s recent primary than voted in the 2014 general election and the 2016 primary election. The vote of the people is the only thing that can override the power of the pocketbooks that carry much sway among our elected officials often to the detriment of the voters. The challenge is ferreting out the wheat from the chaff among the candidates. Jesus described this well in Matthew 10:16, ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom to discern quality leaders and the courage to support them. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Wicked

Eastertide
May 9, 2018

Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Happy are those
   who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
   or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
   and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
   planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
   and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

 The wicked are not so,
   but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement,
   nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked will perish.

The Wicked Witch of the West comes to mind when reading the word wicked, not of God. The word wicked means evil in character, behavior, tendency, or influence:  being or acting contrary to moral or divine law*. We are, of course, all capable of being wicked. Our scripture today tells us that happiness is the fruit of choosing not to follow wicked ways.

The problem arises when what is wicked presents the facade of being good. As we approached this election season all the candidates will be telling of their plans for doing good and their plans will differ one from another. In some instance, the differences will be in style rather than substance. For example, some see the best way to improve the economy is to support businesses and that will trickle down better lives for all.  Others prefer to increase salaries which when expended will grow the economy. Wickedness asserts itself when greed or lust for power turns any form of governance into self-service for a few at the expense of the many.

Jesus advises us in Matthew 7:15 to ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Good advice to keep in the back of our minds as we listen to politicians’ plans and ideas.

Prayer: Lord, make us wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) Amen.

*http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/wicked

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Awakening

Living in the Spirit
August 28, 2017

Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-15

Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.’ –Exodus 3:7-12

The above scripture is preceded by the story of Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, what I consider to be an awakening experience. How long had Moses chewed on his earlier life and what was happening to his people before the dawn broke and he felt the call to make a difference? Do we all experience moments in our lives when we too understand an issue but ask the question “Who and I to go and address this problem?” The answer in Moses case was self-evident. He knew well the workings of the Egyptian government; he knew well the oppression of his people. No one had greater motivation or was better prepared than he. God did not answer his question with this sort of logic. God said I will be with you and furthermore when you complete the task and are worshiping me back here on this mountain hindsight will tell you that it was I who sent you.

How many of us are feeling the tug of God to get on with the business of being the Body of Christ in the world today and not be distracted by principalities and powers tossing our way of being about like rag dolls? Who are we to go and address the problems of our world?  We serve a risen Savior who is in the world today working in and through us as God worked in and through Moses and Miriam and Peter and Mary Magdalene, and Paul and Pheobe and all of God’s other children who share God’s vision of a world ruled by love. If not us who?

What life experiences do we bring to the table? Are we retired teachers; can we tutor? Are we working in health care; what solutions do we see to cut costs and continue to provide quality care? Are we scientist; can we find ways to curb global warming? Are we citizens; can we remind our elected officials that they work for us, not the lobbyist?

Prayer: Lord, if our backs are to the burning bush, turn us around. Awaken us to your call for oneness and justice throughout our lands. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Yoke of Justice

choose-jesusLiving in the Spirit
November 16, 2016

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

One generation shall laud your works to another,
   and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
   and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The Lord is just in all his ways,
   and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth. –Psalm 145:4-5, 17-18

In a CBS interview with a post-election focus group of Trump supporters, one woman answered she voted for Trump despite some of the negative things stated about him because she was not picking a Sunday school teacher. Her comment raised a lot of questions. I have no idea from what viewpoint her expression came but two questions raised in my mind are one’s faith communities need to consider. Was she saying that faith is in one basket and politics another? Was she suggesting that she was tired of people trying to force their religious beliefs on her?

Separation of church and state is the source of the second question, and I agree to force what I believe on another serves no good purpose. God is very clear in God’s covenants that people follow by choice. Jesus reflected that in all his dealings. He always offered an invitation for people to come to him as a choice. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30) I fear we chase people from God when we try to cram our interpretation of his will down their throats.

Just as important though is separating our faith from our world view. It cannot be done. We either see all people as children of God or we do not. We love our neighbors no matter what. We feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, restore prisoners, and welcome strangers in a continuum of caring that is reflected in all aspects of our lives including the civic part. Over the history of the church, many negotiations happened in how all that plays out. Some so early in church development, their stories are recorded in the New Testament. When we broaden that negotiation stage to include people of different faiths or no faith at all, our God-centered skills of finding common ground toward the Common Good face even greater challenges. Jesus did not say there was no yoke. Jesus says he is sharing the yoke of justice whenever we willingly embrace it.

Prayer: Lord, guide us to find common ground from which to grow the Common Good. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.

The Common Good Revisited

scrooge_pic07Living in the Spirit
June 23, 2016

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-25

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. –Galatians 5:1, 13-15

Free to be…you and me* was released as a song 44 years ago to help children internalize self-worth regardless of race or gender. It was Christ’s message over 2000 years ago and it still is today. Our world works really hard at trying to fasten us separately in chains of hate and fear, and of needing to feel better than another to establish our own worth. We try very hard to convert freedom into privilege. I think that is part of what Paul is trying to get at in our scripture today.

While we can be offended by the outrageous things being said and done in our current political climate, I have been trying to listen through the rhetoric and hear from where such venom is coming. I sense a great deal of fear of what is not known. What does the future hold? What does a terrorist really look like? Are we really as innocent of the forces that are working to create terrorism? If we are not, what can we do about it now?

Economically many find their security slowly but surely slipping away. The middle class shrinks as salaries are stagnant and long-term retirement benefits become a dream not a promise. Yet many seem to be thriving financially; seem to have money for anything they want whether they need it or not. And no one seems to want to pay for the infrastructure to keep our country going: education, roads, bridges. A friend gripping about having to pay taxes responded to me when I replied, “but we need education, roads etc.” saying, “The government is supposed to pay for that.” It appears that we the people have given up our responsibility of providing for the Common Good handing it over to the lobbyist and other power brokers.

Our first primary will be held next week here in Oklahoma. If you are from another state, make sure you know when your elections are scheduled. One step toward loving your neighbor as you love yourself is to carefully consider the candidates and make your vote count for the Common Good.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in all aspects of our lives even as we fulfill our civic responsibilities. Amen.

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_to_Be…_You_and_Me

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.

The Ugly American

the-ugly-american-movie-poster-1020236485Epiphany
January 12, 2016

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
   and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
   and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
   and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
   and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
   so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
   so shall your God rejoice over you. –Isaiah 3-5

While watching the news, the title of the 1958 book, The Ugly American, flashes through my mind occasionally even now. I do not remember ever reading it. I was in elementary school when it was published. I did see the 1963 movie, by the same name, several years after it was first presented. The term, The Ugly American, although not applied much today, still has resonance. While traveling through Europe several years ago on a eurail pass I got a tiny taste of locals’ attitudes towards Americans. I did not understand that the pass was for the first class cars and was really just thankful that I had gotten on the train and found a seat at all. Eventually, there was barely standing room because the car was so crowded. When the conductor took my pass he started yelling at me in German and gesturing toward the front of the car. I did not have a clue what he was saying but some high school students who had learned English soon translated for me that my ticket was first class and I was taking a seat that was needed by many others. I took my ticket and walked through several cars to the one car that was first class on which there was only one other woman seated. She was German but had married a Scotsman and moved to Scotland during the war. She was traveling home to see family. I told her about my experience and she laughed and said, “Oh, yes, the Ugly Americans.” We preceded to have a discussion about the perceptions people have about one another.

I long for my country to be known for its love. I long for my country to cherish its founders’ dream of freedom and justice for all. Yes, we can probably go back and ferret out that they really did not mean “for all” but that does not diminish the vision. As people of faith our love needs to be reflected in every aspect of our lives even our civic responsibilities.

Prayer: God of Justice and Mercy write your vision for your world on our hearts and let it flow forth from there in our actions. Amen.

*The Ugly American is a 1958 political novel by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.