God is a God of justice as this is determined from Genesis to Revelation. God’s will is even identified in the United States form of government in the Declaration of Independence. As a result it is man’s right and duty to throw off a bad or corrupt government in that God requires those who are able to protect and rescue those that cannot so for themselves. So the question is are you perpetuating the fallacy of separation of church and state? Are you doing anything?And if not- why not?
King Solomon recognized that he had certain responsibilities because of who he was as king. It is written in Psalms: ‘Endow the king with your justice, Oh God, the royal son with your righteousness. He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” (Psa 72:1-4)
Today; it should be no different for any believer who is claiming to be a follower of Christ and walking in the authority thereof yet for some reason there is. Those who follow the lie of separation of church and state are obliging the enemy and as a result combat ineffective. We look to 1952 Supreme Court case of Zorach v Clauson for proper ruling and understanding of the law so that you make the choice in how you will advance God’s Kingdom appropriately to the full and with strength and not fear.
“The First Amendment, however, does not say that in every respect there shall be a separation of Church and State. Rather, it studiously defines the manner, the specific ways, in which there shall be no concert or union or dependency one on the other. That is the common sense o the matter. Otherwise the state and religion would be aliens to either other- hostile, suspicious, and even unfriendly…. Municipalities would not be permitted to render police or fire protection to religious groups. Policeman who helped parishioners into their place of worship would violate the Constitution. Prayers in our legislative halls, the appeals to the Almighty in the message of the Chief Executive; the proclamation making Thanksgiving Day a holiday; ‘so help me God’ in our courtroom oaths-these and all other references to the Almighty that run through our laws, our public rituals, our ceremonies, would be flouting the First Amendment. A fastidious athiest or agnostic could even object to the supplication with which the Court opens each session: ‘God save the United States and this Honorable Court’. We are a religious people and our institutions presuppose a Supreme Being… When the state encourages religious instructions or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events for sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions. For it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs. The hold that it may not be would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups. This would be preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe…” (Zorach v Clauson 343 US 306 (1952)
Let it be known that staying silent in order to keep the so called peace, the donations or membership numbers; or simply live in a land of tolerance while everyone else is intolerant of you, your beliefs and very existence there will come a time when the blessings of the Lord will cease to exist in your life.
Luke 12:48 sums it up for clearly ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Jesus)
If these words from Jesus are too much then perhaps these particular words will prove more motivating: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Mat 7:23)
Image belongs to its original owner
As the Rio Olympics are underway; the commentators have already been known for their misogynistic thoughts yet again about the female athletes. It shouldn’t any surprise that women would be seen as less than because it’s the way of the world. Look around. Women are still objectified, put down, paid less and the list goes on so I wondered what it would be like if Jesus were an Olympics Commentator; not that He would be but still I wondered.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator His comments would be more uplifting to the achievements of the women instead of putdowns. There would be no reference to a woman’s achievement as the responsibility of her husband. Sure one may argue that a woman is a reflection of her husband and that of course men are still superior to me as we’ve heard it all before. My best bet about Jesus is that He would surely see the sacrifice made and He would know her heart and see her as a person; and not just that she was able to break her own swimming record because of that man- that she did it because of The Man. Let’s face it: Katinka Hosszú broke the world record; her husband did not. Jesus would know that and respect that; it was Him after all who walked on water.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would kindly remind people that coming against His people really would not be tolerated. Kicking His people off the bus and refusing to ride the same bus just isn’t cool so therefore; people be kind to one another and love your neighbor as yourself. After all; we are together the world in once place right? Now go do your best as your Father is watching!
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would share with the audience that it was a woman named Corey Cogdell-Unrein, and He would know her by her name and not her title of being a wife; who won bronze in women’s trap shooting. He may also ask those coming against her what phariseeacle church they represented and to whom they would be praying should she ever aim in their direction. Or perhaps He would console her as she cried quietly that in all her efforts she still was seen as less than because she is a woman.
If Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would celebrate the young ladies who regardless of what sport they compete in still have body image issues. He would use that time to encourage them to never give up hope, that regardless of put downs to keep moving; and that as He is for them no one can be against them. He would also remind those sitting next to Him that unless they are perfect with the perfect bodies, perfect aim; the tenacity to try; or come before Him with perfect hearts that mirrors are everywhere and that a look in one may be of benefit- and of course all would be said in love as a reminder of who they are and who He is.
And finally if Jesus were an Olympics commentator He would not be so biased to disregard the women. It was Jesus after all who went against the grain by even speaking to the woman at the well; who shared that the woman with the issue of blood was healed because of her faith. And as if we need any reminders women were with Jesus all the time; and it was women who found the empty tomb.
And so as it goes the enemy has done great destruction in creating gender laws, ideas; and perversion between men and women. Most don’t see it as they are too busy resenting men or women in all the name of fairness. That wasn’t and isn’t the way of Jesus at all. If it weren’t for Jesus I surely wouldn’t be here writing this nor would women anywhere be able to stand and testify. So instead of looking down on women why not look up to Jesus and follow Him instead.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Image belongs to its original owner