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http://townhall.com/columnists/rebeccahagelin/2014/09/11/the-challenge-living-under-imperfect-law--leadership-n1890051/page/full
The US Constitution begins with the words, “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” Our founding fathers acknowledged the imperfection inherent in all societies. Their goal was not the unrealistic one of forming a perfect, or utopian union. Instead, they aspired to establish a more perfect one. In fact, they set up the Constitution with provisions for revision. They knew—perhaps even hoped—that future generations would amend the Constitution to continue making it more perfect.
The nature of our imperfect union evokes two responses. One is challenging; the other is a source of great pride and hope. The former is the thought that our nation is undeniably imperfect. Meaning our armed forces, political leaders, and adults and children alike standing with their hands over their hearts pledge their service and loyalty to something that is not only flawed (our imperfect union), but also vulnerable to further corruption, even tyranny. The founders knew that democracy and self-government were experiments, and the nature of an experiment is that it can fail. (You cannot call yourself a genuine patriot until you wrestle with this difficult truth.)
Our country was intentionally designed to leave room for improvement. Author John Ortberg wrote in his book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, that “the possibility of transformation is the essence of hope.” And therein lies the glory of the American way: whether it is for better or worse, we live with the constant hope that comes with the freedom to transform, improve and liberate.
Though the thought of improving is pleasant to dwell on, it is much more practical to return to the question of how we are, with clear conscience, to commit ourselves to something as imperfect as a nation comprised of sinful human beings, often led by officials we didn’t even vote for.
We often take for granted that in America it is comparatively easy to be good citizens (even when the policies of those in charge might otherwise curb our enthusiasm). We have the luxury of the freedom to follow conscience, seeking the betterment of society, while still operating under the law. But in many countries throughout the world, following matters of conscience, even when seeking the good of the state, requires a form of citizenship that necessitates operating outside of the law, be it through non-violent protest or violent resistance. (If the latter thought causes you to recoil, think of the freedom-seekers in Syria, for instance. Or recall those who stood up against the Nazis in their homelands.)
Because peaceful protests and freedom of speech are rights afforded to US citizens (and written into our Bill of Rights), and because we have the privilege of participating in the frequent elections that keep alive the hope of positive transformation, the perceived need to participate in violent resistance against the governing authorities has been largely absent in our country since our Civil War.
The Hope: Sanctified Citizens
In a sermon entitled Why are Christians Called to Be Good Citizens?, Pastor Robert Sturdy of St. Andrew’s church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina tackled both the difficult and practical questions about what it means to be a good citizen in any society.
One of the examples he used was that of Samuel Rutherford, a Scottish minister who published the book, Lex, Rex: The Law of the King, which called for "the state" to leave "the church" alone. The angry King Charles II declared Rutherford’s work treasonous and had it burned in the public square. Knowing Rutherford himself was likely the next in line to be burned in the square, his friends begged him to flee the country. But Rutherford refused, believing it was his duty to stay in Scotland to seek the good of his state and king, even though both had turned against him. As an individual courageously challenging the corruption he saw in the government, Rutherford was able to stay confidentially committed to his imperfect homeland for one reason: he believed in the final sovereignty of God.
Another of Sturdy’s examples was that of influential Christian leaders calling upon governments to take up arms against Nazi Germany. One of them, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote (from a Nazi prison) in his book, Ethics, that “Through the armies of the allied nations, God was at work.” The men who fought bravely, fulfilling their civic duties as citizens of the allied nations, were also participating in God’s plan to correct a government that had ceased to serve His purposes.
The most powerful example in history of a good citizen was Jesus Christ. Because he fully understood God’s will, he was able to discern perfectly when he should submit to human government and when he should challenge it. In fact, Jesus was known for challenging the religious authorities of his day. Yet, knowing full well he was on his way to the cross when he was brought before Pontius Pilate, Jesus looked at him and said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above” (John 19:1). And as he willingly submitted to that imperfect government, he fulfilled the prophecy of God and, through his death, offered salvation to all mankind.
The key to not only good, but wise and godly citizenship, lies in the ability to discern what God’s will is. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Our founding fathers understood that liberalization would be a process, so as they composed our Constitution, they made room for transformation. They made room for the hope that freedom would increase. In the same way, the Christian concept of sanctification—the ability to understand, desire and live by God’s will—is a process. And when we make room for God in our lives, He increases our freedom, transforming us over time into better citizens of both our earthly and heavenly homelands.
As Sturdy said, “There is something wrong with your Christianity if in watching Jesus give his life away for the city of God you don’t aspire to do it somehow. In some small way give your life away for the people whom God has placed you with. There’s something wrong with your Christianity, the Gospel has not sunk deeply enough, if you are not aspiring to demonstrate the work of Jesus Christ in your body, in the city God has placed you in, in this state and in this nation.”
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
Rebecca Hagelin is a public speaker on the family and culture and the author of the new best seller, 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family. Editor's note: this piece was coauthored by Hagelin's daughter, Kristin Carey.
PRAY FOR AMERICA: THANK GOD for His many blessings on America throughout it's history. May we then ask that AMERICA once again be a blessing TO GOD, by once again submitting to HIS will in our affairs - both personal and national - that He may truly "heal our land." (2 Chron. 7:14)
WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:
Friday, Sept. 26th - Two Year Anniversary of Pastor Saeed Abedini's Imprisonment in Iran!
We need to continue to pray for Pastor Saeed - that his health will improve and that he will be re-united with his wife and two young children who live in the United States. We also remain hopeful that in addition to getting the medical care he so desperately needs, that Iranian officials display the kind of humanitarian treatment that often accompanies the start of the Iranian New Year which began on March 21st. This is the time of year when the Iranian government frequently offers clemency to prisoners of conscience. [If you have not yet, please sign the petition for his clemency- http://beheardproject.com/saeed#sign]
"Not Everyone Happy with Religious Ambassador Pick," Caitlin Burke,July 29, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Obama-Taps-Rabbi-for-Religious-Freedom-Ambassador/ "..An estimated 76 percent of the world's population live in countries where religious freedom is restricted. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States must take a strong stand against those violations. "Around the world repressive governments and extremists groups have been crystal clear about what they stand against, so we have to be equally clear about what we must stand for," Kerry said. "We stand for greater freedom, for greater tolerance, greater respect, for rights of freedom of expression and freedom of conscience," he said A key development in the 2013 report is the large number of displaced members of religious communities, including entire Christian communities in Syria and Iraq that have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution."
SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november
UPDATE: "Second US Doctor Sick with Ebola; Crisis 'Out of Control'" - CBNNews.com, Sept. 02, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2014/September/A-Losing-Battle-Ebola-Going-to-Get-Worse-CDC-Says/ "Another American doctor in Liberia has tested positive for the Ebola virus, according to the international Christian mission organization, SIM. SIM leaders report the American doctor was treating obstetrics patients at the organization's ELWA Hospital in Monrovia and not treating Ebola patients..."The epidemic is going faster than we are," he warned. 'We need to scale up our response. We can hope for new tools and maybe they'll come, but we can't count on them.' So far, the West African outbreak has killed more than 1,500 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria."
Of course, let's CONTINUE PRAYING FOR AN END TO THE EBOLA CRISIS IN WEST AFRICA AND THE HEALING OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INFECTED.
PRAY FOR THE CRISIS HAPPENING NOW IN IRAQ (see post #907) Pray that allied forces will be able to drive the group ISIS back (see post #964)
LATEST:"Christians in the Middle East Arm Themselves As Genocide Comes to Their Front Door" - Katie Pavlich | Sep 05, 2014;
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2014/09/05/christians-in-the-middle-east-arm-themselves-as-violence-rages-around-them-n1887849" Earlier this week the BBC and Al Jazeera both reported on armed Iraqi citizen volunteers who helped government forces fight off ISIS in Amerli. Today, the AP is out with a story about Christians in the Middle East who are arming themselves, carrying weapons with them during daily tasks and heading to the hills at night to defend their communities as violence continues to rage around them. Genocide is at their front door and they're doing everything they can to stop it from coming in... So far, the terror army ISIS has slaughtered and tortured thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria."
URGENT: Emergency Relief For Iraqi Believers Facing Genocide! - August 30, 2014- Liberty Counsel Action is partnering with RUN Ministries to deliver emergency food, water and shelter to Iraqi Christians and Yazidis who have fled their homes and are facing genocide. More than 146,000 people are now threatened by genocide from radical ISIS forces.RUN Ministries has a solid network of believers throughout the Middle East who are willing to risk life and limb to get relief through the ISIS lines of defense. The cost of getting the needed aid to them is $8 per person per day. This includes tents, blankets, food, and water for the first 3 weeks. TO DONATE (as I have), PLEASE GO TO: http://www.grassrootsaction.com/201181/offer.asp?Ref_ID=27781&CID=201181&RID=42814607
/PRAYER ALERT- UKRAINE: As the Lord leads, please pray:
*For God to suppress President Putin’s ambitions to "restore" the Soviet empire.
*For the people of Ukrainen [esp. for the church 'to be THE church'] as they wait to see if the Russian troops will advance.
*About President Obama and to use wisdom in crafting our foreign policy, and wisdom for his advisers.
Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Challenge: Living Under Imperfect Law & Leadership" - Rebecca Hagelin | Sep 11, 2014;WORLD-WDE PRAYER REQUESTS:
Friday, Sept. 26th - Two Year Anniversary of Pastor Saeed Abedini's Imprisonment in Iran!
We need to continue to pray for Pastor Saeed - that his health will improve and that he will be re-united with his wife and two young children who live in the United States. We also remain hopeful that in addition to getting the medical care he so desperately needs, that Iranian officials display the kind of humanitarian treatment that often accompanies the start of the Iranian New Year which began on March 21st. This is the time of year when the Iranian government frequently offers clemency to prisoners of conscience. [If you have not yet, please sign the petition for his clemency- http://beheardproject.com/saeed#sign]
PRAY ALSO : - For comfort and peace for Saeed’s wife and children here in the U.S.\
- For a strong witness and testimony from Pastor Abedini in the prison where God has placed him
- For Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ
- For leadership from the White House and State Department in defending the freedoms of Abedini and other Americans
- GO TO SaveSaeed.org to sign a petition over 600,000 others asking for his immediate release
"Not Everyone Happy with Religious Ambassador Pick," Caitlin Burke,July 29, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2014/July/Obama-Taps-Rabbi-for-Religious-Freedom-Ambassador/ "..An estimated 76 percent of the world's population live in countries where religious freedom is restricted. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States must take a strong stand against those violations. "Around the world repressive governments and extremists groups have been crystal clear about what they stand against, so we have to be equally clear about what we must stand for," Kerry said. "We stand for greater freedom, for greater tolerance, greater respect, for rights of freedom of expression and freedom of conscience," he said A key development in the 2013 report is the large number of displaced members of religious communities, including entire Christian communities in Syria and Iraq that have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution."
SIGN A PETITION TO THE UN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTIANS :" The church in Syria has shone brightly for 2,000 years. But today violence and persecution threatens its survival. Thanks to an incredible response, Open Doors is helping 8,000 families in Syria survive each month. We believe the signatures and prayers of 500,000 people will encourage the UN to act and protect the rights and lives of all Syrians, especially the vulnerable Christian community." Go to: http://lp.opendoorsusa.org/emails/nov-13-action/save-syria.html?utm_source=action&utm_medium=email&utm_content=button&utm_campaign=november
UPDATE: "Second US Doctor Sick with Ebola; Crisis 'Out of Control'" - CBNNews.com, Sept. 02, 2014;
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2014/September/A-Losing-Battle-Ebola-Going-to-Get-Worse-CDC-Says/ "Another American doctor in Liberia has tested positive for the Ebola virus, according to the international Christian mission organization, SIM. SIM leaders report the American doctor was treating obstetrics patients at the organization's ELWA Hospital in Monrovia and not treating Ebola patients..."The epidemic is going faster than we are," he warned. 'We need to scale up our response. We can hope for new tools and maybe they'll come, but we can't count on them.' So far, the West African outbreak has killed more than 1,500 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria."
Of course, let's CONTINUE PRAYING FOR AN END TO THE EBOLA CRISIS IN WEST AFRICA AND THE HEALING OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INFECTED.
PRAY FOR THE CRISIS HAPPENING NOW IN IRAQ (see post #907) Pray that allied forces will be able to drive the group ISIS back (see post #964)
LATEST:"Christians in the Middle East Arm Themselves As Genocide Comes to Their Front Door" - Katie Pavlich | Sep 05, 2014;
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2014/09/05/christians-in-the-middle-east-arm-themselves-as-violence-rages-around-them-n1887849" Earlier this week the BBC and Al Jazeera both reported on armed Iraqi citizen volunteers who helped government forces fight off ISIS in Amerli. Today, the AP is out with a story about Christians in the Middle East who are arming themselves, carrying weapons with them during daily tasks and heading to the hills at night to defend their communities as violence continues to rage around them. Genocide is at their front door and they're doing everything they can to stop it from coming in... So far, the terror army ISIS has slaughtered and tortured thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria."
URGENT: Emergency Relief For Iraqi Believers Facing Genocide! - August 30, 2014- Liberty Counsel Action is partnering with RUN Ministries to deliver emergency food, water and shelter to Iraqi Christians and Yazidis who have fled their homes and are facing genocide. More than 146,000 people are now threatened by genocide from radical ISIS forces.RUN Ministries has a solid network of believers throughout the Middle East who are willing to risk life and limb to get relief through the ISIS lines of defense. The cost of getting the needed aid to them is $8 per person per day. This includes tents, blankets, food, and water for the first 3 weeks. TO DONATE (as I have), PLEASE GO TO: http://www.grassrootsaction.com/201181/offer.asp?Ref_ID=27781&CID=201181&RID=42814607
/PRAYER ALERT- UKRAINE: As the Lord leads, please pray:
*For God to suppress President Putin’s ambitions to "restore" the Soviet empire.
*For the people of Ukrainen [esp. for the church 'to be THE church'] as they wait to see if the Russian troops will advance.
*About President Obama and to use wisdom in crafting our foreign policy, and wisdom for his advisers.
Continue to Pray for EGYPT - Continue to pray for the tense situation in Egypt and especially for the Christian believers who are being targeted with violence by Muslim Brotherhood members.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://townhall.com/columnists/rebeccahagelin/2014/09/11/the-challenge-living-under-imperfect-law--leadership-n1890051/page/full
The US Constitution begins with the words, “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” Our founding fathers acknowledged the imperfection inherent in all societies. Their goal was not the unrealistic one of forming a perfect, or utopian union. Instead, they aspired to establish a more perfect one. In fact, they set up the Constitution with provisions for revision. They knew—perhaps even hoped—that future generations would amend the Constitution to continue making it more perfect.
The nature of our imperfect union evokes two responses. One is challenging; the other is a source of great pride and hope. The former is the thought that our nation is undeniably imperfect. Meaning our armed forces, political leaders, and adults and children alike standing with their hands over their hearts pledge their service and loyalty to something that is not only flawed (our imperfect union), but also vulnerable to further corruption, even tyranny. The founders knew that democracy and self-government were experiments, and the nature of an experiment is that it can fail. (You cannot call yourself a genuine patriot until you wrestle with this difficult truth.)
Our country was intentionally designed to leave room for improvement. Author John Ortberg wrote in his book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, that “the possibility of transformation is the essence of hope.” And therein lies the glory of the American way: whether it is for better or worse, we live with the constant hope that comes with the freedom to transform, improve and liberate.
Though the thought of improving is pleasant to dwell on, it is much more practical to return to the question of how we are, with clear conscience, to commit ourselves to something as imperfect as a nation comprised of sinful human beings, often led by officials we didn’t even vote for.
We often take for granted that in America it is comparatively easy to be good citizens (even when the policies of those in charge might otherwise curb our enthusiasm). We have the luxury of the freedom to follow conscience, seeking the betterment of society, while still operating under the law. But in many countries throughout the world, following matters of conscience, even when seeking the good of the state, requires a form of citizenship that necessitates operating outside of the law, be it through non-violent protest or violent resistance. (If the latter thought causes you to recoil, think of the freedom-seekers in Syria, for instance. Or recall those who stood up against the Nazis in their homelands.)
Because peaceful protests and freedom of speech are rights afforded to US citizens (and written into our Bill of Rights), and because we have the privilege of participating in the frequent elections that keep alive the hope of positive transformation, the perceived need to participate in violent resistance against the governing authorities has been largely absent in our country since our Civil War.
The Hope: Sanctified Citizens
In a sermon entitled Why are Christians Called to Be Good Citizens?, Pastor Robert Sturdy of St. Andrew’s church in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina tackled both the difficult and practical questions about what it means to be a good citizen in any society.
One of the examples he used was that of Samuel Rutherford, a Scottish minister who published the book, Lex, Rex: The Law of the King, which called for "the state" to leave "the church" alone. The angry King Charles II declared Rutherford’s work treasonous and had it burned in the public square. Knowing Rutherford himself was likely the next in line to be burned in the square, his friends begged him to flee the country. But Rutherford refused, believing it was his duty to stay in Scotland to seek the good of his state and king, even though both had turned against him. As an individual courageously challenging the corruption he saw in the government, Rutherford was able to stay confidentially committed to his imperfect homeland for one reason: he believed in the final sovereignty of God.
Another of Sturdy’s examples was that of influential Christian leaders calling upon governments to take up arms against Nazi Germany. One of them, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote (from a Nazi prison) in his book, Ethics, that “Through the armies of the allied nations, God was at work.” The men who fought bravely, fulfilling their civic duties as citizens of the allied nations, were also participating in God’s plan to correct a government that had ceased to serve His purposes.
The most powerful example in history of a good citizen was Jesus Christ. Because he fully understood God’s will, he was able to discern perfectly when he should submit to human government and when he should challenge it. In fact, Jesus was known for challenging the religious authorities of his day. Yet, knowing full well he was on his way to the cross when he was brought before Pontius Pilate, Jesus looked at him and said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above” (John 19:1). And as he willingly submitted to that imperfect government, he fulfilled the prophecy of God and, through his death, offered salvation to all mankind.
The key to not only good, but wise and godly citizenship, lies in the ability to discern what God’s will is. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Our founding fathers understood that liberalization would be a process, so as they composed our Constitution, they made room for transformation. They made room for the hope that freedom would increase. In the same way, the Christian concept of sanctification—the ability to understand, desire and live by God’s will—is a process. And when we make room for God in our lives, He increases our freedom, transforming us over time into better citizens of both our earthly and heavenly homelands.
As Sturdy said, “There is something wrong with your Christianity if in watching Jesus give his life away for the city of God you don’t aspire to do it somehow. In some small way give your life away for the people whom God has placed you with. There’s something wrong with your Christianity, the Gospel has not sunk deeply enough, if you are not aspiring to demonstrate the work of Jesus Christ in your body, in the city God has placed you in, in this state and in this nation.”
[bold and italics emphasis mine]
Rebecca Hagelin is a public speaker on the family and culture and the author of the new best seller, 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family. Editor's note: this piece was coauthored by Hagelin's daughter, Kristin Carey.
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