Tag Archives: Voting

Scoffers

Living in the Spirit
September 19, 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. –Psalm 1:1-3

We need to heed this scripture now. The time has come for all of us to rise from the scoffers’ seat letting go of all scorn, derision, and contempt. As Christ followers, we are called to do justice not watch our world turn far away from the vision Christ set for us of bringing about his kingdom on earth.

God holds nations accountable for their actions as well as all the individuals within each nation. During an election year, we get caught in the crossfires of mud slinging and name calling. If we are a part of such unproductive behavior, our first step is to stop. Dealing with real issues is far more challenging but also far more helpful in making decisions about voting.

The USA has a very serious problem regarding poor voter turnout. We each need to vote but also encourage everyone to vote even enabling those who might need a ride to the polls.

If organizations are not willing to share who paid for any political ad, I am not willing to listen to the ad. Various PACs with patriotic-sounding names on all sides of the issues invest millions of dollars from unidentified donners in campaign ads with only their own self interest in mind. When those ads come on TV I hit the mutt button and walk my 250 steps or do something else until my program returns to the screen. Who knows I may be in better shape by the end of this campaign season than I have been in years.

Rise up, O saints of God!
From vain ambition turn;
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts
with nobler zeal might burn. 

Rise up, O saints of God!
His kingdom’s task embrace;
redress sin’s cruel consequence;
give justice larger place*.

Prayer: Lord, help us be doers of the word. Amen.

*First two verses of Rise Up, O saints of God by Norman O. Forness, see at https://www.facebook.com/Our.Saviours.Lutheran.Church.Mpls/posts/rise-up-o-saints-of-godlyrics-by-norman-o-forness-1936evangelical-lutheran-worsh/508634672538648/

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.

Common Good

Living in the Spirit
June 12, 2018

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’ He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. –1 Samuel 16:6-13

How we judge the qualification of others for public office matters. We are in the midst of the 2018 campaign season. In Oklahoma, our primary election is scheduled for June 26. As citizens, we have a moral responsibility to study carefully and prayfully the candidates running for office and to vote.  The airwaves are filled with advertisements attempting to place candidates’ most advantageous posters forward while other adds challenge the credibility of opponents. Highly emotional issues are used to ignite participation even when the office the person is seeking has no influence over those issues.

I accept the concept that the purpose of government is to provide for the Common Good with the definition of Common Good being the benefit or interests of all. In many cases, the Common Good provided by governments is the counterbalance that allows free enterprise to function. For example, companies with many stores routinely evaluate the profit value of each and may give no consideration to the harm to a community if they decided to close a store because it does not meet their profit requirement. The government at all levels is left to pick up the fallout from such a decision: Unemployment, attracting new jobs and meeting immediate needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The government also provides the supportive services that all business must have to function by educating future workers, keeping them healthy, providing roads and airports for transporting goods, providing police and disaster protection, national defense and so forth. The government is also responsible for safeguarding the public from unscrupulous business practices that do them harm. We want health inspectors making sure Ebola is not on our grocery store’s shelves waiting to infect us or that the car we drive does not have a history of brake failures.

We must dig deeper than emotionally loaded 30 second sound bites to discover where candidates stand on issues that affect the Common Good. If a candidate has previously served in any office, try to access his or her voting record. Attend public meeting and asks questions about areas of concern. Many advocacy groups post voting records or other pertinent information about candidates. Some sponsor forums where candidates share their stances. We must do our voting homework.

Prayer: Lord, guide me in my search for the Common Good as I prepare to vote. 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.

On Voting

Eastertide
May 8, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

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. –Acts 1:21-26

Primary elections are already occurring in some states in the USA, Oklahoma’s are scheduled in June. We, of course, do not cast lots to elect our future governmental leaders. We do have a civic responsibility to vote and I must admit when two candidates seem to be equally qualified for the job, I have mentally cast lots to make the decision. Usually, though I have good reasons for selecting one candidate over another. Luke challenges us to pray about our choices in selecting leaders for the church and I believe that is good advice in preparing for our civic responsibility.

The purpose of all governments from the Judges in Israelite history through King David to today is to provide for the Common Good. We sometimes forget that purpose as self-interest often drives our voting decisions.  Jesus does instruct us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves*. I cannot think of a better definition of the Common Good. God wants all God’s children to survive and thrive and that happens best when we seek ways of providing public services that streamline life in the most workable ways possible. Roads and highways are necessary that meet our needs to move about and support our self-sufficiency. Justice systems that are fair, designed to protect all from danger and mistreatment are critical. Public health services prevent contagion and assure as much as possible a healthy environment for all.

Government provides the necessary counterbalance that allows capitalism to work. A business that closes a plant for what it sees as a wise decision often leaves a community destitute. It is the government that picks up the pieces of people’s lives and moves them forward.  It is the government that protects greed from ruining lives. When undocumented aliens are worked at below minimum wage with no benefits, not only are their basic needs being ignored but citizens are undercut from jobs that would have met their basic needs. When there are not adequate numbers of citizens available to provide the work necessary for a business to succeed, it is the government that enables through work visas documenting aliens to enter our country and work legally within a system that pays a living wage. Prudent government regulations protect citizens from businesses creating dangerous working conditions to increase the business’s profits.

The government, at least in the United States, is not a vehicle for forcing one’s personal religious beliefs on his or her fellow citizens. Our government was founded on the principle of separation of church and state. I do not want the government to dictate to me what I am to believe, and I do not think anyone else wants that either.

Now is the time to step away from our media-driven electioneering and consider what is essential in government and what is not. What is our Common Good and is the Common Good for all? Asking God’s guidance is essential as we step away from emotionally driven often divisive issues and consider who can best provide for the Common Good.

Prayer: God of all, guide us as we consider who can best provide for 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Advocacy

I care for Kids and I voteLiving in the Spirit
Light a Candle for Children
October 19, 2014

 Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. — Matthew 22:17-22

 Today marks the end of our 40 day emphasis on the needs of children in our world today. It is fitting that the scripture reading relates to an issue of church and state. It seems to me over the past several years actually since the very beginning of the United States of America, we have been trying to figure out how to make church and state work together toward a common goal of justice without infringing on the rights of either. Rather than being the prime concern of both, our children sometimes get caught in the crossfire.

The recent barrage of “my way or the highway” politics has not been helpful. Where have all the public servants gone? Where are the ones who could negotiate a viable compromise between differing ideas? Where are the leaders who consider first the common good of all? These types of leaders must be emboldened by the backing of their electorate. If we truly believe in our representative form of democracy, we must elect people of character and understanding. In that election, we must protect them from the forces of greed and power that constantly strive to overrule them. It seems we the people have given in and given up to those forces of greed and power, because many of us have quit voting. There has been no one elected to a public office in the last several years in Oklahoma that had the majority support of the people. Since the year 2000 there was only one year that a majority of those eligible to vote, actually voted. In 2004, 58.3%* of eligible voters did vote, which means anyone receiving a simple majority of eligible voters would have had to have received nearly all the votes of those who did vote.

Jesus’ way was not to legislate love but to live it. We live our love through our government when we take the time to understand the issues and work diligently to support candidates and issues that reflect our love. A part of living our love is working with others toward the common good, finding the things on which we can agree and implementing them and continuing dialogue on those issues on which we cannot agree. Let it be so.

Oklahoma Fact: In 2012, there were 937,363 children from ages 0-17, all of whom need our continuing prayers.

Prayer: Lord, embolden us to live as you love in the intricate, interdependent world in which we live. Amen

*http://elections.gmu.edu/voter_turnout.htm

**http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/2544-child-population—annual-estimates?loc=38&loct=2#detailed/2/any/false/868,867,133,38,35/214,387,1510,396,138,182,183,646,1511,1509/10934,10935

 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.

 

Give Praise

Putnam Heights ElementaryLiving in the Spirit
Light a Candle for Children
October 8, 2014

 Scripture Reading: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

 Praise the Lord!
   O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
   for his steadfast love endures for ever.
Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,
   or declare all his praise?
Happy are those who observe justice,
   who do righteousness at all times. — Psalm 106:1-3

What makes you happy? I was surprised at the amount of joy I experienced recently when I read the morning paper. Now, the morning paper is most often a source of prayer for me regarding the bad things that happen in our world. But on that day the first thing I read was that the public school my church adopted almost ten years ago now, improved from a grade of “F” in its annual evaluation to a grade of “C” this year. Now I am not heavy into this testing process and it has been highly criticized, but as bad as it is, it apparently does measure change from one year to the next. These elementary students and their families face multiple challenges: 97% qualify for free and reduced lunches. We packed numerous backpacks for children at this school with food from the Regional Food Bank for them to take home on Friday so that they will have food to eat over the weekend. 17% of the children are English as a second language learners. The mobility of students in an out of this school is astounding to me. I went to the same school from first grade through graduation. These children may change schools two or three times in a school year.

I think it is fair to say that my church contributed in some small way to this success as do the other churches that work with them but most of the gain can be attributed to the Principal and the wonderful cadre of teachers and counselors. Also I give credit to the people of Oklahoma City who voted a few years ago to raise taxes so that every school in Oklahoma City could either be replaced or get a major facelift. This school is now getting its “facelift” and it matters. Our sense of justice and righteousness should be reflected in how we vote.

So today, let us give praise for we have observed justice and righteousness in our time.

Oklahoma Fact: From 2010 -2012, 7.1% of Children missed 11 or more days of school per year due to illness or injury

Prayer: Lord, we praise you for your steadfast love and we ask that you embolden us to love like you do as you guide us in doing justice and righteousness. Amen.

* http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/5202-children-who-missed-11-or-more-days-of-school-per-year-due-to-illness-or-injury?loc=38&loct=2#detailed/2/38/false/1021,18,14/691,30,18/11683

 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.