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.
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?
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.
|
Categories
All
Archives
September 2021
|
Mike & Chandra Noviskie,
missionaries to South Africa CCF Missions is a ministry of Christian City Fellowship. |