Thursday, November 11, 2004

A Warning

From Cal Thomas:

In the Book of Revelation, there is more than apocalyptic prophecy concerning the end of the age. There is also a critique by Jesus of the churches. Of one he charges, "You have left your first love," meaning Himself.

That is an indictment that can be handed down to many in the contemporary evangelical church. Focusing too much on politics, they are neglecting their "first love." Or as a writer once put it about the early church fathers: "Aiming for Heaven, they got earth 'thrown in.' Aiming for earth, they got neither."

I get the same feeling. Those on the "Christian Right" should not focus on fixing America more than furthering God's Kingdom. I don't really think God cares one whit whether you voted against gay marriage. He cares more about the souls you've won by showing His love. (Don't get confused here, I'm not saying to vote for gay marriage. Just that it's not as important as winning the lost.) As a Christian, it's nice to see political involvement and rah-rah our "team", but the way to win hearts and minds is through God's love. And, as my father reminded me, they're gonna hate us (Christians) anyway. By showing God's love, you are "heaping burning coals upon their head", hopefully convicting them to the point of trying to find that love you are showing.

Anyway, thought I'd give a little bit of thought to religion and politics.

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