Can't We All Just Get Along?

There are two kinds of people; those who follow politics and those who don't. It might be fair to suggest that those who don't follow politics are averse to the partisanship and constant bickering and name-calling. Those who disdain the political in-fighting may sub-conscientiously subscribe to the Rodney King politics of "can't we all just get along?"

Well, quite frankly, we can't all get along and though that might sound a bit harsh, it really couldn't be any other way.

In political parlance, partisanship is usually used as a pejorative and those who use it that way are said to be non-partisan--as if to suggest they are above, or morally superior to anyone who is partisan.

By definition, a partisan is one who abides by or is emotionally attached to a set of beliefs by which he lives and is not likely to change.

The non-partisan, on the other hand, prides himself on his willingness to compromise.

The "can't we all get along" idea is much like the "co-exist" bumper sticker spelled out with the symbols of the world's religions. Co-existing isn't a problem; that is until someone or some other religion or government says our beliefs aren't acceptable unless we change and adapt to the beliefs of others. That's when things get problematic and that's why we all can't get along.

We're dawning on an era where Christianity is becoming unacceptable to many as our culture spirals downward and becomes more antithetical to God. What was once considered good is now considered bad. Morality has been replaced with depravity. Isaiah warned of a time such as ours in Isa 5:20:

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

There's good and evil in this world and our problems arise (personally and nationally) when we compromise with evil. When it comes to evil, we can't afford to compromise.

The more decadent our society becomes, the more difficult it may become for dedicated Christians which is very odd when you think about it. Most Christians are quite tolerant and unobtrusive in how they treat others. Wouldn't most people want to be around those who kept the Golden Rule? Maybe not. The mere presence of a moral person can inflict guilt on someone who's not moral and when that happens, it's the moral person who causes offense, even when they're silent on the matter.

It hasn't been that long since the idea of Christian persecution, especially in English speaking countries, was unthought of. These days it's becoming clear that a persecution is on the way and may have even begun. We shouldn't be surprised really. Jesus plainly told us in Mark 13:12-13 that His followers would be hated and some would even be killed because of what we believe.

It goes back to calling good evil and vice-versa.

Regardless of what some may think about Christians, we always have the opportunity and responsibility to live the life God and Jesus intended so we'll be a shining light and sterling example to everyone with whom we come in contact...whether they like us or not.



Posted by Rich Glasgow

Attention: Low Information Christians

　
Are you a "low-information Christian?"

Since the 2012 election we've been hearing a lot about "low-information voters" or "lo-fo's." The term was coined by political scientist Samuel Popkin in 1991 and it referred to people who voted for politicians based on popularity as opposed to having substantial knowledge of the candidate's political philosophy or background. The uninformed voter is more likely to vote for someone they perceive as "cool" or "good looking" or on the basis of gender, race or sexual preference.

I'm guessing that most people wouldn't want to be characterized as being "low-information" anything, but the odds are the "lo-fo's" don't even realize they are uninformed, misinformed or ill informed.

What is a "low-information Christian?" Do you know one? Are you one?

Think of all the Christians who seldom, if ever question their own beliefs.

For those who have questioned their belief system, is that a one time proposition or a lifelong process of growth and overcoming?

In Matthew 5, Jesus likened Christians to salt. In verse 13, He said this: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

A "low-information Christian" might never have even heard that warning from Jesus if he wasn't familiar with God's Word.

The Bible is replete with guidance about the need to self-examine and re-evaluate, and it shows us how to do it. It's our "owners manual." It contains everything we need to know about the Christian way of life.

The "low-information Christian" is missing out on the profusely abundant blessings God pours out on those who enthusiastically seek to learn more about Him and His plan.

Sadly--and scarily--too many Christians neglect the rich opportunity to learn more about God and Jesus and the adventure They are offering us. We can be involved in that adventure if we make it a daily part of our lives spending time reading that Book of books.


Posted by Rich Glasgow