~ Mick's Memo ~

Mick’s Memo—Confusing Times

This weekend will conclude our series of messages on “Keeping a Foot in Two Kingdoms.”  We will look at our role as Christians in a country with representative government.  In a recent magazine published by Cedarville University, Professor Mark Smith said, “A refusal to participate in our messy, fallen, sometimes godless world of politics is a tacit approval of government’s actions.”[1]  In other words, when given an opportunity, whether it is easy or not, we are called upon to do the right thing and exert the influence afforded to us.

There are scores of issues in any election.  Since Roe v. Wade in the mid 1970’s the issue of legalized abortion has been a dominant one for many who hold a view of life beginning at conception and that therefore taking of the life of a fetus is taking the life of a human being.  The issue of a “right” to health care as its costs escalate has been a dominant issue in the last 3-4 elections, as more people live longer and the baby boom generation stretches the capacity of the health care providers and health care funds.  The role of the US as a global “police force” or nation-builder versus the security of our nation from the threat of terrorism is a major issue in this election with the ongoing effects of the Afghan and Iraqi wars (or antiterrorism efforts).  The role of government in economic prosperity, poverty relief, disaster relief, and educational opportunities are major issues in the domestic arena.  In the realm of morality the extension of marital status to homosexual relationships and the active promotion of “alternate lifestyles” as morally neutral in public schools are issues that confront any who hold to the moral principles found in the Scripture.  These issues are not simple to analyze, not easy to influence.  We can be tempted to take the Ostrich approach and bury our heads in the sand.  I don’t think that option is responsive to God’s teaching.  We are called to act.

We will hold our annual congregational meeting this Sunday night, celebrating God’s faithfulness over the past year and looking ahead to His leading for the coming year.  We will vote on our budget for next year and elect the elder to replace Karl Anderson as he fulfills his term.  Please express your thanks to Karl for his leadership in serving 2 years as our Elder Board Chairman with skill and spiritual wisdom.  We are blessed!

Hoping to see you this weekend!

Mick