Air National Guard Unit Brings Joy (cont'd, 1/2)

By Chaunci Calloway

Point one: we are not a theocracy — we’re a democracy. Simply put, the people and not God make the ultimate decision regarding the moral and ethical standards of the land. That was the decision made by the “founders” of our country. The moment that distinction was made, as a country we ultimately subordinated the Law of God to the will of the people. There was a motive behind that decision — but that is for a different time. Fundamental to this decision is the understanding of the notion behind how our country was formed. In one word: self-interest. That’s why we were able to have slaves present during the signing of the declaration of independence and why millions of Native Americans were killed and displaced. It is why millions of people are exploited in 3rd-world countries today.

When man does what is right in his or her eyes, then self-interests will rule the day. All of these things constitute the will of the people — even those who penned the words “All men are created equal”. In truth, we, that is the republic, have never lived up to the promise. That’s why it cracks me up when people say we have to “return” to our values. We were never there. Self-interest is inextricably woven into the basic fabric of our country. It is the primary thrust of our business, the essential ingredient in our politics, and the very foundation on which our country rests. It is simply not enough to acknowledge that which is right and true, it must be given life by the consistent practice of these things. Otherwise, “We hold these truths to be self-evident”, has no more bearing than you acknowledging the law of gravity and jumping off the roof of a ten story building.

Point 2: Understand then that our institutions and communities are thoroughly infused with the politics of the day vis-à-vis our economy/culture is dependent on the success of our own self-interest. Wal-Mart recognizes that, and from a strictly business standpoint they are doing what is needed to maintain their competitive edge — they are defining and staying ahead of the trend. It follows then that other companies have and will follow suite. Therefore to battle Wal-Mart (head on) by basically telling them to go against the will of the people may not be the most effective use of our time, and may in the end prove self-defeating to our own ultimate end — which is to advance the kingdom and cause of Christ. So then what?

Point 3: It is the love of Christ that draws men to repentance (Romans 2:4). We cannot and should not think we can coerce institutions into behaving the way we do when the Love of God is not in them. As Christians in the U.S. we hold to the Word of God and secondary to that — the promise of a United States of America. It is this promise of something greater than ourselves that we should work towards. We mustn’t settle for the status quo, or strive to return to our “glory days”. No, the promise must be greater than the men who penned the constitution or the men who live today; otherwise, our country will always be subject to the whims and desires of tyrants and corrupt men. Who are the bearers of such promise? We are. We must reflect this Love as light, like the moon reflects the light of the sun. As such, we cannot expect those in darkness to comprehend that which has been revealed to us by light.

Remember, we do not share the same premise or foundation. The way has to be shown to them. Moreover, since darkness is simply the absence of light (scientifically speaking), we must bring The Light into the darkness, our model being Christ (see Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Remember, the Wal-Mart’s of this world are made up of people. Consider the people you are working with today, many of whom are lost in the darkness. You were among them at one time. How were you drawn to Him? Our love and life — should reflect the love of Christ. That’s why God says we are a peculiar people — we are different. We are a royal priesthood. Absolutely we need to set the standard - starting with ourselves and our family. They should see the difference. Then when asked we should be unabashed and unswerving in our stance - stating it with boldness and love. God changes from the inside-out. When the people change, the institutions will change.

top ]