Hosea 14:1-9; Acts 22:30-23:11; Luke 6:39-49 The last time these readings came up (two years ago) we suggested that our highly critical culture might need to read Acts 23:5 a bit more. Specifically, we suggested that leaders deserve some respect by virtue of their office, and that its possible to disagree with--or even personally dislike--someone in elected office without stooping to personal insults. Since that time, the tenor of the national dialog has disintegrated even further. No longer is it enough to lambast President, Senators and Congressmen. Have you heard the way people talk about the City Council and Mayor? Now, were not without opinions on matters political--city policies over signage drove us to near meltdown a year ago, and we think US Mideast policy can best be described as woefully inconsistent. Dont even get us started on immigration policy, or the complexities of the tax code, or trade policy with China. But disagreeing with policies doesnt give us leave to speak evil of a leader of your people. We can disagree without denigrating. How do we register our disagreement with someone? By getting involved in the process. In politics, by voting, and doing so in informed, prayerful fashion. Or by running for office--after all, if matters are so simple that a bunch of guys sitting around the coffee shop know better than the people who are commonly regarded as experts, why arent those same guys running for office so they can share their expertise with the rest of us? And the same goes for faith. We hear a lot about whats wrong with the Church in all its variety, with leaders and programs and music and doctrine. But how many of the people complaining are signed up to teach, to sing in the choir, to serve on those tedious boards of denominations which set policy and interpret doctrine, or going to seminary so that at long last, people can listen to a sermon by someone who knows how it ought to be done? Leaders carry a heavy burden. They have to choose for those of us who, left to our own devices, would probably sit around the coffee shop and...wait, theres no probably at all there. Thats what we already do, isnt it? Whether those leaders are civic or sacred, they deserve our prayers. And a modicum of respect. Enough respect at least that no one can accuse us of being disrespect, even if we are habitually dissenting. Its possible to be loyal opposition. But it starts by being loyal to the overarching idea that everyone, even leaders, are worthy of basic respect...
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:51:11 +0000
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