A Heart to Heart Talk
Last Friday, at The Believers' Summit in West Palm Beach, former president Trump made an alarming promise. "Christians get out and vote. Just this time. You won't have to do it anymore, you know what? Four more years, It'll be fixed, it'll be fine, you won't have to vote any more, my beautiful Christians."
Wow! That's a lot to swallow. But, for now, I won't dive into the hidden horror of what's behind, "never having to vote again." However, as a follower of Jesus, the words, "MY beautiful Christians" troubles me. I know some will rightfully say, "It's a way to connect, like, 'My fellow Americans.' " Yes and yet, it feels different. And so I squirm. Why? To me, it feels possessive, like MY Christians, loyal above all else. And to some wary fish, those three words hide the hook and may make the bait easier to swallow.
So who cares? God does. And I believe we do, too, on both sides. But back to the MY. To me, that's part of the problem for many in the Church in the USA today. We are lured by a tangible god. One who delivers what we want to hear. One who is "one of us." Or so we hope. And sometimes, we let our fears, tribal loyalties and passions take us where faith and trust in God would never lead.
It's so tempting to be an insider, close to power. But that was never the way of Jesus. And if Jesus is who I'm following, I need to swim against the current and away from idolatry. False gods aren't new to either side or within Christendom. Nor is the temptation to go with the flow, to choose a god who says what we want to hear and meets our demands. But we learn, often too late, we got what we asked for but not what we needed.
As to being called a "beautiful Christian," what's the harm in that? Well, it reminds me of something I heard growing up, "pretty is as pretty does." Actions speak. And looks can deceive. The Bible says that God isn't into the externals. "...the Lord looks at the heart."(I Samuel 16:7) And so to all my Christian brothers and sisters, as well as seekers, family and friends who read this blog, it's wise to ask, "Who am I following? And why? What's in it for others, not just for me? And to ask Jesus to help us pay attention to our hearts. "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Proverbs 4:23,NLT)
As to heart to heart talks about who and what we follow? They matter. Maybe that's why my friend, Laura, sent this for my collection of witty and wise sayings: "Lead me not into temptation...Oh who am I kidding, follow me, I know a shortcut." So now you know why this topic. I needed to listen up. And you got to listen in. Thanks for listening.
25 Comments
So the dilemma is not being able to vote as will God be pleased with a candidate who supports abortion at any age in utero and has us Americans paying for them in the military? I’m in a quandary!!!!
There are many issues facing us in this election, dear Barbara. For many Christians, abortion is the big issue. And life matters. All life, including the life of this planet and the lives of those already born. So we ask for wisdom and vote our conscience. In the end we answer to God for our choices. But thanks, dear Barbara, for taking time to read this blog and to express your concerns. These are challenging times. And God who knows and sees all, sees your heart and mine. Just remember everything that looks and sounds "Christian" may not be as it seems. For sure God reminds us that His Kingdom is coming,but not yet on this earth. Meanwhile, we're to be about Kingdom work. And how are we to show our love for God and our neighbor(the sum of all the commandments).We are "to act justly, lovermercy and walk humbly with our God."Micah 6:8
Thank You, Jan. And Amen to your message.
You are welcome, dear Pat. Thank you for using some of the time of your life to read this blog and respond. I'n grateful for each one who risks doing either or both. May God bless you with wisdom and grace . Me, too.
Preach it, sistah!
"... and let us fix our eyes on Jesus..."
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace!
Amen, David. I love that song and the truth of its challenge. We need reminders of where to keep our focus amidst all the noise, personality cults and divisiveness. I love hearing from my Gordon kids and friends. Thanks for your encouragement, Smitty.
Thank you, Jan, for reminding us not to be fooled by one who claims to be Christian but whose life is anything but.
Thanks,, dear Marnie,. Wolves still show up looking like sheep. However, the older I get, the more I realize "It's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer." There are so many triggers (not talking about guns although there are way too many of those out there), buzz words, hot button issues that can lure us to form harmful alliances. It is wise to pay closer attention to the issues Jesus clearly spoke to and to err on the side of acting out of love instead of hate. Good to hear from you, Marnie. I appreciate your encouragement.
Thank you for the heart to heart, saying always what I’d like to say but don’t have the time. Praying for open heart listeners.
Well, dear Radina, I'm always grateful to connect with you in far off Oregon. Like you, I pray for all of us to do a better job of listening. So much noise out there, it's often hard to hear. In the end ,for those of us who are Christ followers, we are to " be still and know that God is God."Psalm 46:10. We don't have to manipulate, be fear-FULL...but to remember Who is over all. And to vote, not sit back and expect God to do what we can do to be part of the solution. Sending hugs to you and the Petrocellis.
Thank you, Jan. Your thoughts need to be embedded in the minds of millions who have gone off the rails thinking Jesus endorses all the nonsense.
Wow! How good to hear from you, dear Roger. Was it the fishing analogy that lured you to respond?! Seeing your name show up takes me back to our years in Michigan. Jud loved times he got to fish with you and Dale. Two pros at catching "Brookies." (Not bookies, to some who may read this response, besides you. Brook Trout, for non-fishing types like me.) But I, like you, pray and hope we start comparing the words and actions of Jesus with the words and promises of others, whether in pulpits or politics. Alas, in more recent times, some pulpits have become bully pulpits to the harm of the truly Good News. Sending Grace and peace to you and Sharon.
Thank you Jan!! You expressed exactly how I felt when hearing this. The "Chameleon" - our ex-President changes his colors and rhetoric with the population he is speaking to. Makes it very hard to believe anything he says.
Oh, dear Niffy, whenever I see your name show up, it takes me back to Martel Road and how you, as neighbors) became part of our family. I love knowing your Mama is now living closer to you. Thanks for reading and stopping to respond to the blog. It is hard to discern truth from lies but it helps to ask God for wisdom. Jud often quoted from the book of James when we discussed and prayed over various decisions. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."(James 1:5 NIV) But it still takes that leap of faith to act. Next time I'm in NC, I hope to see you and your Mama.
Jan, once again you speak for so many of us (the silent majority?) I was distressed as well by our former president's remarks, especially since some who served in the WH during his term reported afterwards what DJT really thinks about evangelicals. He will say whatever he thinks will get him the vote. Lord, open the eyes and ears of Americans to know truth when we hear it, and to spot a con when we don't.
Amen, dear Maggie! We are all vulnerable to being drawn to the wrong light, the one that puts the spotlight on us and grants POWER. But not the kind of power Jesus has promised us by the work of the Holy Spirit within us. And so we pray. And vote.
Thank you for putting this topic graciously putting into words.
And I thank you, dear Alyssa, for your encouragement. You "Gordon kids" are ones I love hearing from, when I raise a controversial topic. My husband, and Gordon's administration,faculty and staff took seriously the words, "Freedom within a Framework of Faith." We encouraged you to ask good questions, to seek wise counsel, listen well and to stay teachable throughout your lives. Why? So you would live the life God called you to live. To be salt and light, and press hope, trust in God and fear-less-ness into a culture too anxious for its own good. And so, I [pray for you and Andrew to keep doing God's challenging and good work in Utah. When in doubt LOVE GOD, each other and above all, the ones that are so hard to love.
Just catching up... such sobering times. I think there are so many "hidden horrors"! Not just in the first paragraph you quoted. I agree life is precious - to God and to me. ALL life - handicapped, different nationalities, women!!! I better stop. But before I do, I'll add and if I read the Scriptures correctly - Love is most important. <3
Yes, dear Wendy. Love over all. Watching the Olympics teaches much about the role of sport to bring people from different nations together. And there is more than one way to win. Some of the best lessons came from those who lost. Or lost gold but ended up shining like gold. You're an athlete, so you get it.
❤️
Laughter is good amidst all the sobering messages and insights and wise words.
“I know a shortcut!!!”
Honored to have rec’d a shout out on your amazing blog!!! Xoxo
Well, I could do a lot more shouting about you, dear Laura. You'll always be one of my favorite "Gordon girls." But don't tell anybody.
I also quoted you on "glue stick v. chapstick." Keep 'em coming!! I get extra laughs when it comes from you.
Jan,
Thank you for your thoughtful and biblically based commentary from West Palm. I am glad you are naming what concerns you and giving us all meat to chew on. As Jesus followers we really need to discern what is being said and pray for our beloved country that frankly is in peril as a culture!
Stay well and keep writing no matter the responses or lack. God bless you. Tina
Thank you, dear Tina. for your encouragement. It is a challenging time but also an opportunity for us to become informed, courageous and gracious as we speak to and about each other. It's easy to catch a mean and critical spirit but kindness is also catchy with no harmful after effects.