Reform

​Here in South Africa, a noted Christian leader recently hosted an incredible prayer meeting (over 1 million in attendance!). What a testimony of unity and care for the nation.

​A lot of debate was sparked, however, when the leader called for prayers for South Africa to become a "Christian nation" with a "Christian government." There is indeed a need for healthy, conscientious engagement on the subject of how God intends for the Church to relate with the state.

​But I want to suggest that there are some much more fundamental questions that we should maybe engage first.

​The prophet Micah once exhorted God's people by saying, "And what does God expect of you, but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

​Before we move to reform governments or systems, we must reform ourselves.

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​Do justly. Am I honest with my taxes? Do I give when it's right to give or when the Spirit leads, or do I withhold assistance, despite the warnings of James (James 1:27, James 2:14-17, James 4:17)? Am I hoarding possessions which I never intend to use, while people in my community go without? Am I cutting corners at work rather than always giving my very best?

Love mercy. If you want to see someone get this wrong, ride in the car with me. No one knows how to drive properly, except me. I've prayed prayers of repentance and am trusting the Holy Spirit to work His fruit of patience and gentleness in me! But do we always love mercy, or do want people to get what's coming to them? One of the many Texas colloquialisms I grew up with was, "You made your bed; now you can lie in it." Is that how we view those who have fallen on hard times due to poor choices? Or those whose lifestyle choices don't align with our worldview? I'm asking myself this question: Do I love mercy, or do I only want mercy?

Walk humbly with your God. Humility lends credibility. When we engage in conversation with others, or when we respond to the behaviours or views of others, the noise of arrogance and pride drown out the beautiful sounds of the gospel of peace. It's possible to be "right" and be wrong at the same time. Paul encourages us to season our conversations with grace (Colossians 4:6) so that we know how to answer everyone. Without a gracious attitude--without humility--we don't know how to answer others: we only know how to blow the horn of our own opinions.

If we are not doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God--if we are not living with honesty and integrity while loving and serving the community around us--we cannot call for a reform of government.

​We still need to reform ourselves.