CHRISTIANS
We seem to be hearing a lot lately about this
being a Christian nation. I like to
think that is true. Everyone may not
profess a belief in Christ but much of our law and custom reflect His
message. Our acceptance and
understanding of the old saying, “Your
right to swing your arm ends at my nose”, for example. We are offended if
someone doesn’t hold a door or say thank you or give way at four way stops
because not doing so is against custom. For
most people that stems from the Christian principle to care for one another. Lately though the concept of a Christian
nation is being coupled with some very unchristian ideas. For example, someone recently said that we
don’t want Muslims here because this is a Christian Nation. Someone else said that if the diners in the
Parisian restaurant had weapons the outcome would have been entirely different.
Perhaps. Not better though. The idea that if everyone carried a gun we would
have peace has sent the lawmen of the old west turning over in their graves.
What is happening to
us? If, as we like to think, we are
a Christian nation, why are the Christians silent when these things are said?
It would be a good idea
for everyone who calls him/herself a Christian to go back to the foundation of
the faith through The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles and read what those
early pioneers believed was required of the followers of Jesus. For example St.
Paul’s letter to the Romans (10:9-18):
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that
you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your
faith and are saved.”
Christianity is two-fold, both
heart and mouth are involved. Living life as a Christian but keeping it secret
is just as bad as claiming to be a Christian but not living the life. Christmas
is coming and we begin the remembrance of Christ’s life all over again. The love of God becomes flesh and brings with
Him all we need to build a world of peace and justice and his final words to us
were; “Go and teach.” If only we had enough faith.
With love,
Carol Lemelin OPA
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