Consider this: September 1, 2004

Eugene Petersen's translation of the Scriptures, "THE MESSAGE" offers us this challenge today:

13 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.
14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

16 Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God!

17 Let every detail in your lives--words, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

(From Colossians 3)
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In a culture where "dog eats dog" and "bigger dogs get the first pickins" we, as folk who belong to God's family, are called to be different--radically different. It's not optional. We are called to stay in tune with each other and in step with each other.

Even when we disagree. Even when we have been offended. Even when we are in pain due to another's actions/inactions.

And that's why we are citizens of heaven...we are being fitted for that place this very day.


1 comment:

Phil Hoover said...

Of course a person can be both a Christian and a Republican...just like they can be a Christian and a Democrat...or better yet, A CHRISTIAN, first and foremost....that's what matters...

Voting is a high, honorable, and civic right and responsibility of every citizen of this country. Part of the responsibility is the freedom to vote as one chooses.