Government Can’t Fix This

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Steve Foster

"God isn't fixing this!"

This was the headline in the NY Daily News after another mass shooting in America. The angry headline was aimed specifically at the Republican presidential candidates who responded with prayer for the victims rather than with "tough talk" about gun control.

Regardless of one's political views, it is sad that we have reached the point that partisan, political attacks are the first response to a national tragedy. There are times to pause, express sympathy, offer prayers, and seek common ground rather than amp up the rhetoric and stir up anger.

This is one of those times.

14 victims are dead. 21 are injured. Countless others will have the rest of their lives impacted by the loss of a husband, wife, brother, sister, son, daughter, or friend.

If prayers are not appropriate now, then we have truly reached a state of callous coldness.

And great naivete.

The implication behind the NY Daily News is simple.

God can't fix this but government can…with a lot more laws and policies.

Is gun control a worthy debate? Certainly. If there are things that we can do to minimize access to assault weapons to those intent on violence, then by all means let's explore them. Will this solve all our problems and prevent all future tragedies? Certainly not. 

Access to guns did not create the hatred that mercilessly murdered 14 victims with the desire to kill more. These individuals were intent on violence and were planning and collecting as many different weapons as possible to make it happen.

Whether it is 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing, or the recent Paris attacks, we must realize that more laws won't change the human heart.

Should government do what they can to punish evildoers and protect citizens? Yes. Should we do all we can to pass wise laws and policies? Absolutely. Should we acknowledge the growing realities of radical Islam, media violence, family and community breakdown, and moral decline? Definitely.

But we must also recognize our limitations and our need for God's wisdom, justice, and grace.

That is why we pray.

If people think that those who pray in such tragedies are naive, then they should consider their own naivete.

Sure…peace and love sound wonderful. But to think that just giving everyone a free education, a good job, and a bottle of Coke will create world harmony is living in a dream world.

We can't even get along with the people in our own family much less the person who lives across the street…or across the globe.

There is something desperately wrong with the human heart and no politician can change that.

There is also something desperately wrong with our world and no government can fix that.

Pass all the laws you want but you are not going to eliminate natural disasters, cure all diseases, tame all animals, stop all selfishness, heal all wounds, mend all families, end all wars, and abolish all death.

Who do we think we are?

God?

No, according to our world, He doesn't exist.

We have dethroned Him and tried to take His seat.

And then we wonder why our world is such a mess.

We mock God for not magically showing up to do our bidding and we attack those who have the audacity to offer hope in the midst of tragedy.

But what other real hope do we have?

If God can't fix this, then we have no other options. We are not the masters of our own fate. We are not the gods of this world. We are not in control. We are not immortal. We struggle with our own thoughts and emotions. We fight against our own wills. We are subject to the weakness and limitations of our own body.

We are mortal beings.

We desperately need Someone who can change our heart. Give us new life. Provide hope for a new world.

We need a God who is willing to enter our violent world and fix our own messes.

God is fixing this.

And He has already started…in a manger, on a cross, and out of a empty tomb.

In case we have forgotten, that's what Christmas is all about.

Posted in Government/Politics | 1 Comment

A Culture of Anger

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Steve Foster

We have become an angry culture.

Just watch the news, follow social media, or read the comments that follow just about any article online.

It seems everyone is offended about something and eager to tell the world about it.

Certainly there are things to be angry about. We live in a sin-cursed world surrounded by sin-corrupted people. Life will be unfair, ugly, and unbearable at times. Evil exists. Violence abounds. Death is a reality.

In the midst of this world, anger is a natural reaction but it is not a solution.

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19).

Anger simply does not get us where we want to go. It does not bring about the "righteousness of God." Anger at what is wrong does not make things right. Actually it makes things worse.

An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion (Proverbs 29:22).

Anger is like fuel to the fire. It burns us up then destroys all those around us. That's why we are told not only to avoid an angry spirit but also to avoid those who try to stir up anger in us.

Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself (Proverbs 22:24-25).

Imagine if Solomon wrote this proverb in today's world of social media, 24 hour news, and talk shows. Have you noticed that most of our "news" is not meant to inform as much as it is to inflame? Have you noticed that much of social media acts to enrage us into crusades rather than engage us into conversation?

If feeding on these things makes us angry then it is time to change our diet.

Of course, I know the common retort.

"God gets angry. Jesus was angry. And anger in itself is not a sin."

Absolutely true.

Anger in itself is not a sin. It is actually a very needed emotion reflecting the very image of God in us. We often react against injustice and unfairness because deep down we know that life is not supposed to be this way. We know that there is a standard of righteousness that is being broken. We know that people should treat each other with love and respect. We know that evil is not supposed to win the day.

We were designed to live in a garden not a jungle.

But Scripture tells us: Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Yes, be angry at injustice, at unfair suffering, at the temporal triumphs of evil. But don't let that anger simmer for more than 24 hours. Don't let it take root in your heart. Don't let it dominate your thoughts. Don't let it dictate your life.

God knows that we can't handle the fires of anger without it soon consuming us. So He tells us to trust Him, to hand over our anger to Him, to know that He is just and He will avenge. Sin, evil, and death will not triumph in the end. Thus we can overcome evil with good rather than with hatred (Romans 12:17-21).

But let's be honest. Much of our anger is not "righteous indignation." It is often selfish vindication. We are an angry culture because we are a culture with an unhealthy mixture of entitlement, self-gratification, and depression.

We think we deserve more, we want more, and we are depressed that what we have doesn't satisfy.

So someone is to blame, someone has to pay.

The angry person is the discontent person. The irritable one is the miserable one.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel (James 4:1-2).

There are wars in the world because there are wars in our hearts. We don't get along with others because we can't get along with our own self.

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24)

The restlessness of my heart is not to drive me to anger. It is to drive me to Jesus Christ.

He is my Savior. He is my rest.

And He is the only source of hope and peace in an angry culture. 

Posted in Random Thoughts | Leave a comment

Syrian Refugees and Christian Tension

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Steve Foster

The longer I live the Christian life, the more I realize that it is a life often lived in tension. We live in the "in between" with two opposing but complementary biblical principles serving to keep us balanced.

I have felt that tension recently with the debate regarding Syrian refugees.

On one side, concerned Christians call for open-handed compassion along with open hearts and open borders. On the other side, equally concerned Christians call for tighter screening, security for citizens, and an awareness that evil, often disguised in sheep's clothing, does exist in this world.

Whichever side one falls (or leans to), there can often be disdain and mischaracterization of the other.

This particular issue is amplified by our unique position as Christians in this nation. We are both members of the body of Christ (the church) and a vital part of the governance of this nation (the state).

The church-state distinction is a tension in itself for the believer. We are both citizens of heaven and citizens of a nation. We are commanded to honor our leaders and obey the laws of this nation (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17) but also to remember that we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth loyal to the lordship of Jesus Christ first and foremost (Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:16-20).

The purpose of the state is different from the purpose of the church.

The state has one primary job description in Scripture: to punish evildoers and to give incentive for proper behavior (1 Peter 2:14). The state wields the "sword" of temporal punishment, protecting citizens and preserving peace by executing wrath on those who would seek to destroy the nation or harm lives within the nation (Rom. 13:4)

The church, on the other hand, has a different job description: to make disciples of Jesus Christ by living exemplary lives, showing love to one another, and preaching the gospel of salvation in Christ alone (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

As Martin Luther noted: God has ordained the two governments: the spiritual, which by the Holy Spirit under Christ makes Christians and pious people; and the secular, which restrains the unchristian and wicked so that they are obliged to keep the peace outwardly.

For the Christian in America, we must think in both spheres–church and state–at the same time. We have the challenge that a Christian involved in any form of civil government would face: How do I both lead well as a protector of the citizenry and serve well as a follower of Christ?

I have often seen Christians take verses and exhortations aimed at the church and try to apply them to the state. Turning the other cheek is a challenge in a Christian's personal relationships. It is does not make for a tenable civil government.

When the state tries to act like the church, it ignores the reality of sin and the dangers of evil. In seeking to show "compassion," it actually encourages evil behavior.

Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

Yes, mercy has a place in civil government but it must never be at the expense of justice. A just judge must punish evil. A just military commander must be ready to destroy a nation's enemies. And a just leader must protect his people from those bent on harming others. To pretend otherwise is to pretend that one lives in a utopian paradise rather than on a sin-impacted earth.

On the other hand, when the church acts like the state, it is equally destructive. Instead of offering mercy and grace to those who need Christ, the church projects condemnation and self-righteousness. Yes, within the church, there is a necessity for leadership, accountability, and discipline but humility and grace must still take center stage.

When church and state are separate but working in harmony together, a society experiences its greatest measure of peace on this earth.

So back to the issue at hand.

When it comes to the Syrian refugees…and many other political issues confronting this nation…the Christian must think and live in tension.

As a voice in the state, the Christian must seek the peace and protection of the citizens of this nation. Law. Justice. Security. Military strength. These are the words of a vital, sustainable, effective government. They should not be disdained by Christians mistaking the state for the church.

As a voice from the church, the Christian must at the same time seek to do good in society, welcome the stranger, show the compassion of Christ, and share the message of Christ. Grace. Mercy. Charity. Moral strength. These are the words of a vital, growing, beautiful church. They should not be ignored by Christians mistaking the church for the state.

It's not an easy tension but it is a necessary one.

It's a tension that stretches us, humbles us, helps us grow.

If you don't feel the tension, then open your ears to hear the perspective of a brother or sister in Christ who may see things differently. And then join them in prayer for wisdom, strength, and unity as we seek to follow His Word and shine His light in this darkened world.

That's what it means to be the body of Christ.

Posted in Government/Politics | Leave a comment

Responding to Unfair Treatment

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Steve Foster

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously… (1 Peter 2:21-23)

To "this" we were called.

What is the "this"?

We go back to 1 Peter 2:20…But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 

Wow. As a believer in Christ, I was called to a new kind of life and one aspect of it is learning to endure unfair treatment with a gracious response and a tenacious trust in God.

I am not sure I signed up for that!

When are you most upset at traffic, at other people, at life, at God? If you are like me, then it is when you perceive that you are being unfairly treated. 

We hate unfair treatment. We have a deep sense of justice (part of the image of God) coupled with a deep sense of selfishness (part of the fall of mankind) and together they can make a potent combination when someone mistreats us.

Let's boil down most of our conflicts in our relationships, most of our bitterness, most of our unforgiveness. Someone has wronged us (whether in actuality or in perception) and we simply cannot get over it. Our neck stiffens, our heart hardens, and our expectations for vindication, vengeance, or a groveling apology can sometimes become obsessive.

This is not the kind of life that God has called us to. Why?

Because Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

Jesus died for us. He bore our sins. He is our one and only Savior. That fact is coming in 1 Peter 2:24-25.

But Jesus also suffered for us. Why?

Technically, we only needed a Lamb to die for our sins. In other words, technically, Jesus could have come to earth, lived a perfect life (maybe even for a year or two), and then somehow died for us. The OT animal sacrifice did not particularly suffer. Their throat was slit, their body died, and their blood was sprinkled on the altar. They did not beat, revile, and whip the lamb before they killed it.

But Jesus was beaten, Jesus was whipped, Jesus was reviled, Jesus was mocked, Jesus was spat upon, Jesus was declared a criminal, Jesus was nailed to a cross and suffered anguish as a curse upon the tree.

Jesus suffered for us. 

Not to save us from sin…that was accomplished through His death and resurrection.

But to save us from ourselves. To give us an example that we could follow. To be a great and merciful High Priest that we could trust in the midst of suffering. To be a Shepherd that we could follow through the difficult roads of unfair treatment, uncertain outcomes, undesirable circumstances.

We are to follow in His steps. 

Not giving in to our selfish nature when we face difficulty.

Not lying or manipulating to get our way in conflict.

Not yelling back in anger when we are verbally attacked.

Not threatening with hatred those we perceive as enemies.

But fully entrusting ourselves into God's hands, yielding to His will, trusting His justice, waiting on His timing, resting in His sovereignty, basking in His love, showing His grace to others.

This is a radical kind of life.

It is not something we can do on our own. It goes against every fiber of our self-focused nature. It requires the filling of the Spirit. It requires a kind of death in order to experience a new kind of life. 

But the good news is that our Savior and our Shepherd has gone before us…through the darkness, through the valley, through the suffering. We just have to trust Him and hold His hand as He leads us.

He is the only One who knows the way.

Posted in 1 Peter Devotionals | Leave a comment

Josh Duggar and Christian Hypocrisy

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Steve Foster

“I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife.” (Josh Duggar, 8/20/15)

Josh Duggar’s story is sad because it involves real people, especially a wife and four children, who will be impacted by his choices for many years to come.

It is sad because it is being played out in the lives of many other marriages and families across the nation as the Ashley Madison website list is exposed.

And it is sad because Josh Duggar associated himself so closely with the Christian faith and with Christian values that his actions have led many to latch onto his story as another glaring example of Christian hypocrisy.

“Look at all these Christians, who claim to be so moralistic and pure, falling left and right to the very sins that they condemn. What a bunch of hypocrites!”

I hate to say it, but they are right.

To preach “family values” and then practice the very things that destroy the family is the essence of hypocrisy. The Christian church has not earned much credibility in our culture when it comes to sexual purity.

The apostle Paul confronted the moralistic “God-fearers” of his day with the same charge:

You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:21-24)

Here is the bottom line: There is no difference: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:22b-23).

If Josh Duggar’s story teaches us anything, it teaches us that we are no match for the sinful impulses, desires, and lusts of our own heart.

Sexual sin is powerful, pervasive, consuming, dominating, deceptive, destructive. What begins as a “small sin”…maybe even innocently…eventually becomes an addictive bondage. Though we claim to be in control, we soon lose control. Sin is not our slave. It is our master.

The sexual hedonist gives into his desires and pretends it is okay.

The sexual moralist gives into his desires and pretends he is okay.

Unfortunately the world only sees Christians as “sexual moralists.” And perhaps we have fed that image by focusing so much on preserving traditional sexual ethics in our society, by being so involved in political issues and debates. This is a difficult road for most Christians to walk as we live in a nation that calls its citizens to political involvement and freedom of speech.

How do you not say anything when a whole culture slides toward the deceptive lure of sexual freedom and the destruction of the stability of the family?

But as Christians involved in the public square we must always remember that it is a fine line between upholding the God-designed beauty and sanctity of sexuality and becoming a bunch of moralistic Pharisees.

It is a fine line between speaking the truth in love and preaching moralism in self-righteousness.

If our message as Christians is truly “good news,” then it must come from a heart that readily recognizes its own susceptibility and vulnerability to sin.

There but for the grace of God, go I.

It must be so rooted in God’s love that it doesn’t point at people but rather points them to the hope and healing that are only found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus alone has power over sin and over death. 

And it must be tied to a local body of believers that is vulnerable enough to admit sin and vigilant enough to help battle sin in community together.

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11).

I weep for Josh Duggar. I weep for his family. And I weep for those who will use his story to justify their own indulgence in sin.

His story is not a cause for selfish celebration but rather sober reflection.

Sin is an enemy that I cannot fight on my own.

That’s why I need a power greater than my own.

And His name is still Jesus…despite what His followers may do.

Posted in Sex and Marriage | 3 Comments