Shade Tree Wisdom 9/6/12

          In the months that are just ahead, wise groups will make it a firm rule not to discuss politics in their gatherings. They know from past, and bitter, experience that this often leads to heated debates and even body blows. For it seems, as a wise man said, “there seems to be no stage where people of good will can seriously disagree on significant issues without being disagreeable or resorting to personal attacks and name calling.”

          That is being displayed daily in news casts and reports of all kinds. And it will not change. The reason, for my eyes at least, lies in what God said to Cain ages ago. He said, “Sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you, and you must master it.” Genesis 4,7b. The Bible says further, “None is righteous, no, not one.”

          And the result, finally, is just what Pastor Rick Warren says, “I’ve never seen more irresponsible personal attacks, mean-spirited slander, and flat-out dishonest attack ads, and I don’t expect that tone will change before the election”.

          And we’re living in this kingdom too.

          Fortunately, we also live in the other kingdom, Christ’s Kingdom, where He, the perfect Savior, reigns. He sends His Spirit to live within us, to help us see clearly, and understand where our hope, comfort and strength comes from.

          St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians Church, said to them, “Because of His great love for us, God, Who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.: Ephesians 2, 4.5.

          By His grace and mercy for us, we can survive and live “as unto Him”. Thank God for His mercy.

GPD 9/6/12