Freedom-Fighter OR Freedom-Debtor???

For whatever reason, and I run across this a lot, so many of my fellow evangelical Christians are vastly more concerned with American politics than they are of Jesus Christ. Why have Christians relegated the preeminence of Jesus to the back-seat behind America? Have we forgotten what redemption is: being slaves and prisoners to sin, Christ paid our price of freedom on the cross in order to live as slaves of Christ and righteousness! We were bought with a price! We are so vastly indebted to Christ for that. So I pose the question – which are you more of, a freedom-fighter or a freedom-debtor? Which battle are you most concerned about?

Example 1: the tea party is holding a rally in D.C. tomorrow (Sunday, September 12, 2010). Knowing the constituents of the many tea-party-goers, I’m sure that there are Christians attending. Some people in the church to which I attend think it fitting to skip out on corporate worship and be present at this protest rally. Whether such a thing is right or wrong is not the question. I simply ask, are we freedom-fighters first or freedom-debtors? Which takes priority in your life?

I can already hear the comments now – “You are being so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” While there is some truth to that, this is still a matter of priorities. I’m not saying that liberal politics is the way to go. I am as conservative as they come. But I am not about to put that in front of corporate worship. Why? Because Jesus is worth it! His Gospel is precious! My redemption was costly! He paid it all; all to Him I owe!

Example 2: Islam is at the forefront of discussion again. This time, there are two issues – the mosque at ground zero and the wacky church in FL that wants to burn Korans. First, do I think it is a bit insensitive to build a mosque at ground zero? Perhaps, but does it change my task at hand – namely to glorify God, magnify the name of Christ, and submit to the Spirit? Absolutely not! Again this is a matter of priorities. And not being a New Yorker, I really could care less.

Of course this whole Koran burning business is extremely unChristlike. Talk about slamming the door on yourself for a chance to share the Gospel of grace. But if a church is out fighting for their earthly freedom versus appreciating the debt that Christ paid for their freedom from sin, then I can see how such a form of protest might be deemed important. Yet again, this is a matter of priorities. Should we care about the multiple issues about Islam and politics? Maybe, but Jesus is more important!

Paul couldn’t be more clear when He wrote, “In all things [Jesus Christ] might be first place” (Col. 1:18). You see, it is a matter of priorities. Some of the reasons why Jesus deserves the preeminent position in our lives is because He secured redemption (1:14a), He enabled forgiveness (1:14b), He is God (1:15a & 19), and He is the Creator (1:16) to name 4 of the 9 reasons listed in this paragraph of Scripture.

I propose that Christians reprioritize their patriotism. Stop being freedom-fighters for their earthly country first and live as freedom-debtors to their heavenly country (to which we are now citizens, Phil. 3:20). How radically different things would be.

Tim

Hurricane Earl - Good Bye!

My first hurricane turned out to be a let down.  All the preparation and anxiety was for nothing.  Although, I do understand that we never know how these things will turn out so it's better to be well planned than not at all. 

I went to bed around 11:30 to the sound of rain.  The wind had picked up a bit but not enough to cause alarm.  Tim came to bed much later and it seemed to be the same.  I never woke up to the sound of huge gusts of wind or pounding rain.  I'm so thankful that the Lord, once again, calmed the storm! (Mark 8:35-41)

I wanted to share cool hurricane videos and pictures but there wasn't anything interesting going on. 

Hurricane Earl - Update

Relief...that's how I feel right now.  Hurricane Earl has dropped down to a category two!  It's amazing how one number can make a difference on my level of anxiety. :-)  We're still cautious and may still lose power but I'm thankful it isn't going to be as bad as was expected in the beginning. 

Our neighbors came by (we have never met them before) this evening.  They wanted to give us a heads up on the flooding that usually takes place in our front yard.  Not only that but they informed us that our garage will more than likely flood and we should move any items that shouldn't get wet some where else.  Tim and I worked hard to organize all our Christmas boxes and other 'junk' in the garage.  Now we've moved it to different areas of the house for the night.  I think I may stay up and start decorating for Christmas! :-D 

Thank you, Lord for giving us neighbors that are nice enough to share advice for the storm. 

Hurricane Earl

Since I have never truly been through a hurricane, I wanted to share my experience from the coast.  At this moment, Hurricane Earl is a category three.  Locals say it is safe for us to stay put but still be prepared for a bit of flooding, power outage, and maybe some debris clean up when it's all over.  So, Tim and I have gathered the essentials, pulled outside items into the garage (flower pots, patio chairs, lawn mowers, trashcans) and now wait patiently to see what the night will unfold.

Watching the clouds move faster than normal and hearing the wind pick up causes mixed emotions.  At this moment I'm wondering why we didn't pack our gear and head to Virginia where we could spend a long, safe weekend.  But I'm also a little excited to be in the midst of this massive storm that God created.  It is such an amazing reminder of His great power.  This hurricane was headed right toward us at one time.  It reminds me of the story in the Bible (Mark 8:35-41) where a great storm comes and just the words Jesus speaks, "Peace, be still!" causes it all to stop.  Our great storm, that was headed right for us, has moved toward the north!  Thank You, Lord for Your provision in the storm!

Here is a picture taken around 3:30 this afternoon.