Choosing Grace Over Hate: A Christian Path to Healing Division
In the heart of our nation, a battle rages – a battle not fought with swords and shields, but with ideas and ideologies. This conflict centers on the very foundation of our legal and moral framework: do we derive our laws from the eternal truths of God's Word, or from the shifting sands of human opinion?
The Reformation's Legacy: A Foundation for Freedom
As Francis Schaeffer so eloquently articulated in his series "How Should We Then Live," (which our Men’s Group is working through this year) the Reformation was a watershed moment in Western history. By re-establishing the Bible as the ultimate authority, it liberated individuals from the arbitrary whims of tyrannical rulers. This principle became the bedrock of law in Northern Europe, fostering a society where justice was not merely the will of the powerful, but a reflection of God's unchanging character.
The French Revolution: A Triumph of the Individual
In stark contrast, the French Revolution, fueled by Enlightenment ideals, sought to uproot all vestiges of tradition and establish a new order based solely on human reason. The result was a reign of terror, a bloodbath that claimed the lives of thousands, including countless ordinary citizens. The "Declaration of the Rights of Man," devoid of any transcendent foundation, proved a flimsy shield against the unchecked power of the state.
America's Drift: The Rise of Angry Rhetoric and Hatred
Today, America stands at a crossroads. We have increasingly abandoned our Judeo-Christian heritage, embracing a secular humanism that elevates the individual above all else. Like France, we have witnessed the rise of angry rhetoric and hatred, culminating in the attempted assassination of a former president and countless other acts of violence. This is not merely a political phenomenon, but a spiritual crisis, a symptom of a society that has lost its moral compass.
This erosion of a shared moral foundation isn't confined to the political realm. The church world is in turmoil as well, with people questioning where to ground their morality. Do we define love, justice, and hope based on popular opinion or God's Word?
When we reject God's Law as the basis for our morality, we inevitably create a vacuum filled by the arbitrary dictates of the culture around us. This leads to a society with vague ideals of protecting human dignity, but no real definition of what humanity or dignity truly are. The result is an increasing sense of hatred toward those who see the world differently. Unable to find a shared foundation, we push each other to extremes.
Rediscovering Our Roots: A Call to Repentance and Reconciliation
As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in a world that is growing increasingly dark. 1 Peter 4:17 reminds us that "it is time for judgment to begin with God's household." Instead of pointing fingers at the world, demanding it change, let's begin to embody God’s Truth as a community.
This means boldly proclaiming the truth of God's Word while selflessly portraying the love of God. Instead of mirroring the world's anger and division, let's be known for our grace, humility, and willingness to listen. Let's build bridges instead of walls, seeking common ground with those who disagree with us.
Instead of fueling the fires of hatred, let's be peacemakers. Let's model a different way, a way that honors God and values human dignity.
Let us not be deceived by the siren song of secularism, which promises liberation but delivers only bondage. Instead, let’s take the harder road that deescalates hatred and establishes grace.
With You,
Pastor Tim
