Bjcorbin's Blog

One of the very few benefits of social media is the ability to stay connected with friends and family from around the globe, sharing moments of both joy and of struggle.  But I have to admit, more often than not, it is simply a cesspool of provocation and contention.  Even those of us who identify as followers of Christ seem to easily get caught up in the rhetoric. 

On one side we have the “woke” folk, who espouse the idea that “silence is violence”, and that we have a duty to speak out on what they view as the critical issues of the day.  On the other side, we have our nationalist friends, who seem to feel like we need to, “make our voice heard”, so that America can be “great again”.  The steady refusal to engage in some fruitless war of words only seems to draw the ire of both sides.

Recently, I’ve been bombarded with messaging that seems to imply that this lack of engagement is somehow a forfeiture of my “Christian” duty to attempt to effect change in a sinful culture and fallen world.  But I would submit that if by observing my life, or being in relationship with me, you are unsure of the values I hold to, my words are not likely to impact you.  Indeed, I would be the proverbial clanging cymbal.  Only Christ has the words of life, and unless He gives me something to say, I think it best to keep my mouth shut.  When Jesus stood before His accusers, He remained silent (Matt.27:12), which is a totally appropriate response for people who are simply trying to set a snare.

I also disagree with the assertion that involvement in political activism is meant to be an integral part of expressing our faith.  The scripture tells us not to focus on the seen realm (2Cor.4:18), which is perishing, but to keep our eyes fixed on Christ (Heb.12:2), who is the perfecter of our faith.  It tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood (Eph.6:12), and warns us that a good soldier does not get involved in civilian affairs (2Tim.2:4).  When the political, religious and cultural forces came together to attack Jesus, Peter rationalized taking up a sword, but instead of being praised, He was rebuked by Christ; who went on to undo the damage Peter had done (Luke 22:51). He later explained to Pilate that His Kingdom was not of this world, which is why His followers weren’t called to fight for Him in that manner (John 18:36).

I have happily served this country (12 years US Navy), I clearly recognize the wonderful benefits of democracy, and I have voted in every election I could, but on its best day, the American political system is still a corrupted, man-made system.  As forms of government go, democracy may be the gold standard, but it still falls under the heading of a “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world”, rather than on Christ (Col.2:9).  While it is completely reasonable to participate as a citizen of the United States, it is not something a child of God ought to invest much hope in.

Christ is our model, and He only did what His Father directed.  Then He gave us His Holy Spirit, so that we might do the same.  He said that people would be able to identify His followers by their love for one another (John 13;35), and by the fruit of their faith (Matt.7:16).  Unfortunately, the people of the world don’t routinely witness either of those.  Sadly, they more commonly know us by our political beliefs instead.

When Christ came, God’s chosen people had been conquered by a hostile foreign government (Rome), were being ignored by their own puppet regime (Herod) and were being exploited by the very religious system that was supposed to keep them connected to their God.  They expected the Messiah to change all that, but Jesus was focused on something more profound, and eternal.  I would submit that He still is.