The Well Palmdale, CA

This week Cameron Strang (editor of Relevant magazine) decided to turn down an invitation to pray at the Democratic National Convention in Denver (find the complete article here).  He felt that in the role that he has, that he shouldn't appear to support any candidate (especially since he hasn't decided who he's voting for). 

This article struck me because Sarah and I are walking through the Proverbs like Travis asked us to.  After Reading Proverbs 6, we talked about how, whether we like it or not, we represent Christ wherever we go...and it's important for us to reflect a genuine and true Jesus.  Whether we like it or not we are under a microscope.  I realize that more and more being a pastor...I especially notice it when people cuss.  They always cover their mouths and look to me and say "Sorry".  I always get a kick out of that.

Regardless, we need to remember with all that we do, with all that we say, we are a "letter of recommendation" for Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 3:1-6).  Now, this is not to say that Strang was not representing Jesus by "looking like a Democrat".  We must remember, Jesus is neither Republican or Democrat...He's God and He has the power to use any idiot (I mean "candidate") we put in office.  For Strang, he knew that being an influential Christian man, he had a responsibility not even appear to condone things that he didn't agree with (i.e. Jesus=Democrat or Jesus loves Obama...well that's true...but He also loves McCain just as much...and even Ralph Nader...He's good at that). 

Personally, I applaud Strang for his decision to back out...and at the same time a little bummed that he is unable to provide a witness to the convention.  My gut says that "Well, Jesus ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, so why couldn't he pray with Democrats?"  Well, we have to remember that Jesus was Jesus, and Strang is Strang (i.e. not Jesus), and Democrats aren't prostitutes (I guess sometimes they are tax collectors, though). I guess my point is this: Strang followed the Holy Spirit in his decision.  I have to trust that his decision came from the indwelling Holy Spirit and not from fear of loss of readers or from pressure from other church leaders.  It seems that he just felt that his witness wouldn't have been strong enough to warrent such misunderstanding.  Maybe the backlash would have been a worse letter of recommendation.  In all of this, it makes me understand the outrage of Jesus' adversaries even more...and that scares me.  I don't want to agree with any of Jesus' adversaries.  

So there it is...the tensions of life where God's wisdom is ever more needed.  Would I have made the same decision that Strang did?  I don't know...I've never been asked by the Democratic National Convention to do anything (the Republicans and Green Party haven't asked either...though I am waiting patiently by the phone for my invitations).  I would have to trust that I would seek God's Spirit like Strang did and if all else fails...Sin Bodly for the sake of sharing Christ with others.

Ask yourself the following questions:
*Did Jesus condone prostituion and tax collecting practices by eating with them?
*How often do I misrepresent Jesus to others?
*What sort of balance do I need to not fall into sin, but yet still show love to people who might bring me into sin?
*How would I feel if Strang would have turned down the Republican National Convention?
*Read Proverbs 6

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