Should we keep politics out of church? Should we keep all politics out of church? What are we defining as political? What is political? Are national holidays too political for church? Should we acknowledge Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day? Should we pray for political leaders? Should we have the American flag in the church?
Is it acceptable to talk about historical political events and times, such as the Roman Empire? How close can we come to the present without angering people?
If we preach the gospel, and never say a word about political parties or platforms, will people pay attention to what is being said? Is loving our neighbor too abstract a notion to apply to everyday life? What about respecting the dignity of every human being? Can we make these bold claims in church—that we will seek and serve Christ in all people with God’s help, and work to follow through during the week?
Do we come to church to be challenged in our faith—to strengthen our resolve—or do we come to be reassured that no matter how much we ignore God’s word we are still loved? How do we strengthen our faith? Can faith be strengthened?
Why do you come to church? What is church to you? Who is Christ to you? What would Jesus say about the state of the modern church? What would he say about our church? How are we supporting one another in our faith? Are we holding each other accountable? Are we genuinely working to way only what is useful for building people up? Are we living as the people we were made to be?
“Do not fret yourself over evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong. For they shall soon wither like the grass, and like the green grass fade away.
Put your trust in the Lord and do good.
Dwell in the land and feed on its riches. Take delight in the Lord, and he shall give you your heart’s desire. Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, and he will bring it to pass. He will make your righteousness as clear as the light and your just dealing as the noon day.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes. Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil,” (Psalm 37:1-9, BCP 1979).
The Rev. Jason Shelby
Rector