Wrangler Dani

I’m a Christian. (Awkward wave to the few people who hadn’t caught on yet. Hey-o!)

As such, I’m all about hope. I believe in a God who is bigger than our problems, loves us infinitely, and has a plan for our lives.  I also believe that this Life isn’t the end of road, and whatever may frustrate us here on Earth is quite small compared to Eternity. My view of the world has to grow broader as I realize how insignificant my life really is in the scope of, well, FOREVER.

I say all of that because there’s been a “Christianese” trend that’s been bothering me lately.  What I said in the previous paragraph is where many Christians stall out.  We love Jesus! Woot! Jesus loves you! Woot! Um… healthcare reform… Iranian protests… bailouts… um… did I mention that Jesus loves everybody? We’re going to Heaven! Let’s stick to that, because God’s not a Republican or a Democrat right? Right?  Christians, (in general) start a nervous giggle at this point. We feel that this civic duty stuff must not be for us – we’re just supposed to care about everybody while focusing on heaven, and we’re not sure how that fits into anything coming from the six o’clock news.

The trouble is, if God just wanted us to focus on heaven, He should have just made us into heavenly beings, who would never have to mess around with this Earth-bound nonsense. I’m not saying He made a mistake – but He put us here on Earth for a reason, and not just so we could be secure in our salvation and wish we were elsewhere.  I firmly believe that the things we do now and the way we live our lives is a pattern that will continue for Eternity. Do we want to be the kind of people who stand up for justice, speak truth into the fray and show true compassion?  I believe that Christians are called to do so, but too often we are paralyzed by fear of being found on the “wrong side” or pushing people away.  While a pushy and unethical approach to politics is distasteful no matter which side we’re on, we  must have courage to stand up for what’s right – in a respectful and approachable way – even if it is unpopular.

After all, God created us with this passion for our country, homes, lives and families – He’s given us gifts and talents, either to use in protection and advancement of truth in love, or to use elsewhere. We have choices. Often, Christians are afraid of “judging” and appearing to hold on to Earthly things.  Those are valid concerns, and we should definitely keep a close eye on our motives. But seeking truth, protecting innocent people and fiscal wisdom are all principles found in the Bible – why are we so hesitant to speak up when such a topic is raised in a political setting?  Christians need to use the brains, influence and talents God gave us  – for the betterment of others, for the sake of Eternity, for such a time as this.

Frodo: “I wish none of this had happened.”

Gandalf: “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”