In today’s political landscape, the lines are blurring. Is abortion really the central issue upon which all decisions hang? What about homosexual marriage… is that the hill we’re supposed to die on? Speaking of dying… what about the war in Iraq… were we really in danger there and, more importantly, have we really made this nation safer? I know… I see you picking up stones now.
But, I have to ask… what about the poor? What about the hungry? What about the sick and the dying? We are the richest nation on Earth and we still have a poverty problem. We have some of the best hospitals on the planet and yet there are millions that cannot afford good health care. In a nation where 2.7% of all homes for sale are vacant… we have an estimated 3 million homeless persons.
As a Christian and an American, should I not be concerned about these things? Why is it unpatriotic to ask such questions? I’ve been asking all the wrong questions for the wrong reasons and I’ve been focused on all the wrong issues for far too long. Jesus gave us two commands: Love God, love your neighbor. Who’s your neighbor? Well, Jesus made that clear, as well… your neighbor includes the person who hates you.
Howdy neighbor.
Hopefully, you see in these writings a man who is staying The Course and pursuing The Path amidst the pitfalls and selfish ways of being a son of Adam. I pray earnestly that my writing would encourage some of you by showing you that this journey - though arduous and sometimes tragic - is a journey of great satisfaction. A satisfaction greater than our greatest imaginings. The trials and refining fire of tribulation are to be recognized as a small shadow of the suffering of our Savior so that we can rejoice, as Peter and the disciples did, to be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of the Name.