It’s starting to be a quite turbulent political season. We’re seeing political futures falling that were once on the rise and dominating the field. I’m wondering what all this means? Is the tide turning from one group toward another? If it is, what is prompting the upheaval?
There seems to be a movement away from the message of self-interest, self-dealing, self-enrichment, self-promotion. A great number of people are asking how we can care for the least and the last? What can be done to lift the masses out of the economic doldrums? How can we more adequately care for those on the margins.?
A number of rising political figures are advocating for those who struggle in our society. This seems to be striking a nerve among the populace, and many are taking notice.
We are, and have been, going through a period in time where it seems as if egotism and blatant self-aggrandizement have been on full display. No grift or corruption seems to be a bridge too far. Those in the upper reaches of the economic spectrum are gaining more and more, while those in the middle and lower reaches are being stretched to the breaking point.
When we turn to the scriptures, there is plenty to be said about just what we are going through today.
The Letter of James 4:6 says…”God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This seems to indicate to me, God is not impressed in the least with those who boast, those who make themselves to be more than they are. But to those who humble themselves before God, who acknowledge God provides all, grace is given.
In Proverbs 11:2 we’re told…”When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” It’s almost as if the writer is speaking from experience. Maybe having seen the prideful be brought low because of the way they have paraded themselves and built themselves up. Those who are humble are able to see more clearly and are able to subsume a measure of wisdom with which to conduct themselves.
In writing a letter to the Philippian church, Paul covered a number of topics. Paul was writing from prison, thought to be in Rome. So in prison, Paul writes to say thank you for the financial gift that had been received. He shared with the community how he was faring in prison. Lastly, he encourages the people to be joyful even in the midst of hard times. Paul knew hard times could begat some terrible opportunistic behavior. Paul wants the church to be on guard for such behavior and advocates for them to see to one another’s needs. In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul writes…”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
It is arguable that we are living through some really harsh times right now. There has been a vast display of the powerful seemingly trampling on the marginalized, the weak, and the vulnerable. This is not what God would want, and we are warned explicitly in Paul’s letter to the Galatian church where he says…”Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
For those who are struggling right now, as Paul would tell us, keep your chin up. Continue to show love toward one another. Do not let the forces currently in power jade you, or make you turn against your neighbor. In 1 Peter 5:5-6 we’re told…”Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
Love always wins in the end. It may seem like doom and gloom, but the days are coming when those who feel the trampling feet of the mighty, will be lifted up and provided for. As a people of God, we know who we are called to be and what we are called to be about. We are called to be a humble people, seeking God’s presence in all our neighbors. All our neighbors includes those of different colors, nationalities, religions, genders, and all other social stratifiers. And what we are to be about is to lift each one up, to provide for each one, and to love each one as we’ve been loved.
May God place within us a humble loving heart, one that reaches beyond the political realities, and grasps for the kingdom realities.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom