A House (of Representatives?) Divided

It came as no surprise.  Donald Trump has been impeached.  It took neither prophet nor political science major to know that this was going to happen.  Days into his presidency, politicians were calling for Trump to be removed.  When the latest round of congressional elections saw Democrats win the majority the House of Representative seats, the chorus grew louder.  “Impeach Trump” was the mandate of the day.

People on both sides thought that not only was the law of the land on their side, but that their opinion represented God’s thoughts on the matter.

This week, the House voted to impeach the president.  Social media erupted.  My feed was filled with posts regarding the impeachment.  Some were celebratory.  Some were chagrined.  Yet, one thing stood out.  People were set in their ways, dug in to their positions, and the vast majority knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they held the high moral ground.

Somewhere between the third heaven and the 4G-LTE network to which I was connected, God’s messages had begun to contradict themselves.

As many of my friends and acquaintances are Christians, my feed held another level of rightous indignation.  People on both sides thought that not only was the law of the land on their side, but that their opinion represented God’s thoughts on the matter.  A war was underway for the highest of moral grounds.  Men and women who spend most of their days consumed with sport, leisure, career, entertainment, sex, technology, and whatever other carnal endeavors the average life includes were now trumpeting out the very thoughts of God with all the conviction of an Old Testament prophet.

However, something was amiss.  Somewhere between the third heaven and the 4G-LTE network to which I was connected, God’s messages had begun to contradict themselves.  People who were speaking for the same God were saying contradictory statements.  Some were saying God was going to curse this nation for mistreating his chosen leader, while others claimed that God’s justice was being worked in the rebuke of that very same leader.

Neither side was giving ground.  Why should they?  Is not God is on their side?

That really is the rub.  I have opinions.  They are not God’s opinions

I must admit I have struggled to remain silent during most of this impeachment process.  I have opinions regarding the rightness of the proceedings.  I have opinions regarding the legality of the process.  I have opinions about the rules of order in government.  I have opinions.

That really is the rub.  I have opinions.  They are not God’s opinions.  They may or may not line up with God’s view of righteousness (I hope they do.)  However, they are simply my opinions about a political matter.  Therefor, as a pastor, and simply as a believer, I hold my peace.

Before you call me a coward, or try to lecture me about the necessity of pastors and Christians speaking up about the issues of our day, let me assure you that I do.  A cursory glance at my social media, my sermons, or the articles I have written will show that I have no fear in speaking about the moral issues of our day.  I speak about abortion, sexual morality, racism, and a plethora of other topics.  I have preached about these issues and watched as families and finances walked away from the church I led, because I refused to compromise.  Fear is not the issue.

We must not be the mouthpiece of earthly systems, at the expense of our Heavenly mandate.

So, what is different now.  Why do I not speak?  Simply put, when I do speak, I want it to matter.  When I do speak, I want it to be about biblical principles, not political stunts.  I want to speak not for the elephant, the donkey, or the president, but for the Lamb, the Lion, the King!

As believers, we cannot be taken in by these carnal adventures.  We must not be the mouthpiece of earthly systems, at the expense of our Heavenly mandate.  We must not allow ourselves to be turned against our brothers and sisters based upon political loyalties, however righteous or misguided they (and we) may be.

A house divided cannot stand.  A Kingdom divided cannot advance.  We only have so much time, energy, and influence.  Let us not waste anymore than we already have.