As Christian Americans we live a life that is pulled in two
directions, demand for rights, and a calling to lay down our rights.
I imagine those Jewish boys, aka the disciples, had a
similar struggle. In fact, a survey of Church history proves that millions of
believers have struggled for national rights, and yet strived to practice
yielding of their rights as Scripture calls them to.
Recently in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, a church and
pastor have been pressed to walk this line. (the local Advocate News Paper Article) On one hand they were told to lower
the volume of their service while in a temporary tent, conflicting with what
they believe are their American rights. On the other hand they are commanded by
Scripture to obey those in leadership over them (Romans 13:1-7) and to demonstrate
Christ to their neighbors, even those that hate them (Romans 12).
It seems that not only is the church divided, but also
pastors responding to the news of this situation. Most of my friends have
hailed this court case as some sort of religious persecution. I believe my immigrant
friends, who fled their respective countries due to true persecution, would
severely disagree with the pastors’ claim. The local population’s response has
too been divided, but not in the same camps. Some have responded that there are
rights being encroached upon, but the others have a sadder response. The
majority of what I hear in the community is, “I would never attend that church
because of how the Pastor has responded to the situation.”
In my pastoral internship, which culminated with my
ordination, my supervising pastor Dr Landon Dowden encouraged me to memorize
Romans 12. He often said something along the lines, this chapter should be the
description of your pastorate and your life. It is here that we are confronted
with a biblical command that highlights how we should respond when we (or a
particular church) are confronted by an individual.
Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and
do not curse them. 15 Rejoice
with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own
sight. 17 Repay
no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of
all. 18 If
possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves,
but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will
repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the
contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something
to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
BUT MARIO… I’m
American… I HAVE RIGHTS!?
I’d like to remind you Jesus, God in flesh, had eternal heavenly rights.
Yet Jesus, our example, humbled himself, became a man, suffered and died for
crimes he did not commit. Whatever level of rights we give up for
the sake of the Gospel, they will always pale in comparison to the rights Jesus gave
up.
If all pastors were to proclaim and then live out Romans 12 before their
congregations they might combat those who are rearticulating Ghandi’s quote. “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your
Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
