Memorial Day Matters

This weekend should be a weekend of reminder. While we sit in front of our grills and enjoy a weekend of fun with friends, we must remember that the freedom to do such things (and so many more important things) has come at a high price to many.

Speaking of those who are chosen by God to enforce justice in this world, Paul tells us in Romans 13:4, “…for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

As much as we wish it weren’t the case, we live in a world that is full of wickedness. As Christians, we know that the only real hope for humanity is Jesus. Only Jesus can transform a heart and bring to life that which sin has destroyed. But peace on this earth will never fully come until the Prince of Peace returns. Until that day, the Bible teaches us that there will always be wickedness in this world because there will always be those who reject Christ.

So what and who does God use in a godless world to protect the righteous and punish those who practice evil? The book of Romans teaches us that God uses those who “Bear the sword.” Every Sunday or Wednesday when I go to church, every prayer meeting I attend, and every outreach I do, reminds me that my God-given freedoms as a human being still exist and that I get to enjoy them. I must also remind myself that in most of the world, others do not enjoy the freedoms that I possess. Why is this? Why have I been so blessed to have these freedoms while others around the world suffer under heavy oppression?

There are many reasons, but one of them is that for almost 243 years in America, there have been people who “bear the sword” with conviction and integrity— they care about freedom, justice, morality, and righteousness. These are men and women who have been guided by the principles that our forefathers founded this nation on; that there are things greater than yourself worth fighting for, and there are evils in this world worth fighting against. It is because of these men and women, who refused complacency and willingly offered their lives, that you and I can wake up in the morning and publicly worship Jesus without fear or retribution or persecution. Yes, I would worship Jesus regardless, but I am grateful that God has blessed me in a country that protects these freedoms, and so many more.

To the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives, and to those who are willingly offering their lives daily for my protection and freedom, I say thank you. Thank you for courageously caring. Though I may not know the letters that make up your names, I do know the principles that have guided your hearts. To every family that has shared in sacrifice through the loss of a son or daughter in our nation’s service, may God comfort your hearts and remind you of this truth, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” And may we all remember the words of Abraham Lincoln who said,

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”

California’s Wounds and the Christian’s Willingness

Our state is hurting. From north to south, its deep wounds are gushing blood of fire and bullets. It desperately needs the healing touch of God; it needs a new heart. From where can such a healing touch come? Through whom will Jesus bring His restoring gospel? There is only one entity on earth that can be the delivery vehicle for such a thing–The Church of Jesus Christ.

I believe the more we as Christians become committed to fulfilling our mandate and mission to preach the gospel and make disciples, the less we will have to turn to the government to curb the evil actions brought forth from the human heart. Change people’s hearts, and you will need less gun control. Change people’s hearts, and abortion clinics will shut down due to lack of business. Change people’s hearts, and their identity in Christ will speak louder than their raging sexual confusion. Change people’s hearts, and our schools will become safer places for our children’s hearts and minds. Change people’s hearts, and the ”least of these” will be compassionately served. Sometimes I wonder if we as Christians in America hide behind political curtains because if we were exposed and naked, having to stand on our own, we would have to face how weak, apathetic, selfish, and powerless we’ve become. It’s easier to blame a political party than it is to pick up the torch of Christ and offer oneself as a living sacrifice to carry that torch courageously into the darkness.

Church, please don’t misunderstand me; as long as there is wickedness in the world, we will need government; and until Christ returns, there will always be wickedness in the world. Government is an institution that has been established by God to punish evil and praise good (Romans 13, 1 Peter 2). As citizens of heaven and temporary citizens of this nation, we should do all we can to ensure that the government we elect is an ethical, moral, and upright one. As best we can in this broken system, we should vote our biblical worldview, run for political offices, and be active, godly citizens. In the process of doing these things, we must be careful not to redirect our trust from God to government or forfeit our true spiritual identity and call! It is the church, not the government that is called to be, ”The pillar and ground of the truth.” Let’s arise, take up our crosses, and live radical faith-filled lives. We, as Christ’s ambassadors, have a divinely granted opportunity here and now to change our communities one life at a time.

Thoughts on Leaving California #CalExit

I offer this post very thoughtfully, graciously, and without any judgment. I’ve heard a lot of talk about #CalExit and leaving the state of California due to our progressive political atmosphere, liberal state leadership, and flailing moral climate. I understand the inner turmoil. These things break my heart as well, but I don’t believe they are good, biblical reasons to leave. The only reason you or I should ever move to one place and leave another is if God calls us to do so for His Kingdom purposes. Let us not forget the words of Paul to the Philippians. He writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Those examples of faith in Hebrews 11, “Acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” We are told that Abraham, “Lived in the land of promise as in a foreign land… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This sinful world, in its fallen state, cannot and should not ever feel like our permanent home. The best city, our eternal home, is yet to come. Until then, we as followers of Christ have to resolve to be a beacon of His hope and truth wherever He calls us.

If, after diligently seeking His face, God calls you to leave California, by all means, go by faith. If not, don’t allow your desire for worldly comfort and security to dictate your actions. Rather, become a missionary and stay. There is much need for the “salt and light” to continue its work in this state.

Like the pilgrims of old, there might come a day when we have to legitimately flee in order to protect our lives so that we can continue to carry the gospel to the world. Paul the apostle had to do this on several occasions as well. I think it’s safe to say we aren’t at that point yet. So, before you pack up and move to the state of Utopia or the garden of Eden, remember that the world is merely your temporary address, not your permanent home. Go or stay based not on your personal or political preferences, but on the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. #CalShine

Vote in Jesus Name

The Bible conveys an interesting principle for believers. Our lives are to be full of decisions and actions that are carried out, “In Jesus name.” What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to Jesus, just about everything. When I do something in Jesus name, I’m declaring that I’m reflecting His character, communicating His heart, and expressing His will. To the Colossians, Paul the Apostle writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Notice it’s not just big things we do, but all things. Jesus even told us that sharing a cup of water in His name with someone who’s thirsty goes down in heaven’s record books.

What does this have to do with voting? I believe that if Jesus cares about water, he cares about your vote. As a Christian, when you vote with the name of Jesus attached to it, the policies you’re voting for or against do matter. I could wax philosophical right here, but instead, I’ll get right down to the practical. I’m going to give you a few reasons why I believe the Bible calls the American Christian to actively and prayerfully participate in the process of choosing their leaders and laws.