Christ Is Not Popular, or…

 ... a Democrat, Republican; Left or Right; or even an American. 

This post is going to be a little bit rant-y, and all over the place. Bear with me.

I was watching a video by a Christian movie maker. I'd not heard of this man until a couple of nights ago. Not even 10 minutes into an hour+ long video, I had to stop and leave a comment. The comment was not directed at the presenter. I don't know what his views are - except that he is Christian - but his channel seems to reach a lot of people. So, I guess my comment was for them and other Christians in general:

"One of the biggest problems today (just my opinion) is that so many of us Christians have such polarized views of "good" and "evil". One blatant example is Left = evil and Right = good.  Early in this video, 2 guys are discussing Netflix and buyouts. I notice the view that Trump being friends with Ellison was positive while the Obamas were shown as negative. Trump, Obama - none of them are on the side of good. They are all in it for money & wealth and promoting worldly principles. We Christians have to be careful against subtle manipulation. The Obamas don't even try that hard to pretend to be Christians, not even a little bit. Meanwhile, Trump surrounds himself with people who wear crosses and have "ministries". All the while NONE of them are promoting Christ - not by their actions or regular behaviors. I've had non-Christians upset with me for not accepting worldly ("leftist") agenda & Christians calling me leftist because I don't accept so many of the behaviors of those on the political Right. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world - and certainly not of America. We all need to remember that."

That's something I feel like I need to say so often these days.  I feel that one of the biggest manipulations we Christians need to watch out for is that of our national pride. Our traditional pride in our country is something citizens elsewhere notice. Some are surprised by it; others are envious of it and others are maybe just amused. I saw a remark online once that they can recognize an American tourist by how loud they speak and by their clothing - usually something imprinted with our flag or a slogan about our American pride. That is funny (and probably true).

What is not funny but very true is that we are often a victim to that pride. We take our politics personally - much like citizens in some other countries do - but we don't often take it seriously enough to study. Citizens of other countries often make fun of Americans for not knowing world geography or knowing much of about anything outside of America. We are the butt of a lot of jokes about our lack of education.

None of that has bothered me as much as it does these days. It is more important now because our lack of knowledge is allowing us to be manipulated by politicians (and politics).

If we understood our political system better, we wouldn't rely on media to provide an opinion. Or, at least, we would recognize when we were being ill-informed.

We have become fans of the people on televised news. Most major news media outlets count on our liking (or not) of the presenters. Newspeople have stopped pursuing journalism and began focusing on entertainment.

I almost never count on the mainstream news outlets anymore. Instead, I look to smaller news sources. I keep up with a lot of "citizen journalists". I don't care how much a newsperson agrees or disagrees with my personal views; I just want them to present the news so I can be informed. I don't want antics or "personality"; I want information. Period.

Have you noticed how people who are popular for presenting and analyzing data have become so performative? Harrey Enten immediately comes to mind. 

Okay. It seems the steam has run out in my rant-o-machine. 

Seriously, I just want people to pay more attention to everything around them. Are you being informed, entertained, programmed, or distracted? Do you know the difference?

Peace

--Free

Power Behind the Thrones

The mess we (America and the rest of the world) are in is not because of what so many of us may think. 

It's not because of politics being Red or Blue or people being black or white. Where we are is where we've always been headed - toward the conclusion of a war that's been raging ever since Lucifer fell.

For a long time - since 2008 when Obama was elected to 2024 when Trump won a second election - I believed in the Red/Blue, black/white reasons. First, I was elated at having a first black man in the White House - a building constructed in large part by black slaves. Then I was deflated as I realized that Obama was just another politician and not a "magical Negro" who was going to be America's hero. Then I was resigned to the fact that politics is a game and all the players in power are a gang. They may not all be friends, but they are a gang that protects its members.

When Christian nationalism surged here in the U.S., I began to come to my senses. I remembered that I am a Christian and our Lord's kingdom is not here on this earth. America is nothing but one in a long line of national powers beguiled by its own current standing. 

How many other powerful "empires" came before and are no more? Rome is the most memorable to Americans, but there were others. The Persians and Germans, and - here's the biggie - Babylon. I've forgotten much of the history I was taught in school, so I had to refresh my memory of the largest powerhouses of politics and royalty.  

I am ashamed to admit that it took me too long to really come to my full senses and see what is so clear: America is no better than her people and leaders. And we are currently a hot mess. But, as a Christian, that should never have been a surprise to me.

Understand that when I say I am a "Christian", I'm not speaking of a denomination or political alliance. I am saying that I believe Jesus died for me. I am saying that I believe what the Holy Bible teaches. I am saying the I am a Christian - a follower of Christ, the Son of God. 

SOURCE

What is happening now - in America and the rest of the world - is not new. It is shocking to those of us living through a time when our government is in turmoil. I am only just now becoming jaded to having a sitting president behave as ours does.

I believe what the Bible teaches about "power behind the throne". Every person operates under the influence of something. Christians should operate under the influence of the Holy Spirit and live as Jesus instructs us. Everyone believes something and their beliefs dictate their doings.

Anyone after earthly power, wealth, fame, and glory (and willing to do anything for that) is operating under an influence. That influence is the power behind their "throne". There is a present ruler of this world - and it's not Christ - and there are people who serve him, whether or not they realize it yet.

The other night I heard part of a "Christian" podcast. The speaker was saying which political leader he supports and explained the reason. He said he wanted to support a "man of God" who supports Israel and good, moral causes. Let's break that down...

As Christians, we don't put out faith in men (see how the Apostle Peter shows this), we worship God only. Men are fallible - some are so fallible that they should come with flashing warning lights! 

As Christians, we are to support Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are even told that we will be blessed or cursed based on how we treat Israel. 

However... If you check the linked resources above, you will see that it speaks on separating people from politics and discusses issues of right and wrong. So, we are not to blindly support people, principles or politics. And that is where some modern Christians get things twisted.

I will say that it's a good idea (in my opinion) to do pay more attention to what the Bible has to say and less about what our politicians post and speak on. Instead of being frustrated with those who have different political beliefs, we should focus on praying for people to find Christ. We should pray for Christ's return.

There's that advice "Don't watch what they say, watch what they do". When I say "they", I mean your fellow Christians. Are they doing Christ-like things? Are they praying? Are they trying to spread the gospel? 

As for the people in power, try to guess the power behind their "thrones". How are they using their power? Who are they helping with that power? 

We have to be so careful not to be so impressed (or repulsed, angered, surprised, etc.) by anything that we take our eyes off of God.

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I am planning to check out the source for the Cultural/Bible image. It looks very interesting. 

 

All This "Maxxing"

As a Boomer, I am late to hearing about this trend called "looksmaxxing" (the process of maximizing one’s own physical attractiveness). After seeing a few videos (like this one about this guy) of some of the faces of this trend, I have not been able to get over the idea. I keep thinking how empty people must feel in their hearts to look for such ways to find joy and meaning.

 That people are trying to find ways to max out their physical looks is not new; it just feels so extreme to me. I want to think that people like this are ridiculous, but I feel so bad for them though I'm not sure why.

There is nothing new under the sun but, these days, it seems that everything is being taken to new levels. For some people, it's not enough to be healthy, they have to be uber healthy. There are folks like the one rich guy who has gone to new extremes with anti-aging measures. And the guy (recently in the news for other things) who built a career on the idea of achieving longevity.

Look the best, live the longest, make more money, have more, bigger and better things. The secular world is out here life-maxxing like mad. Meanwhile, I have to remind myself to spend more time with the Bible every day. I struggle sometimes to be more kind and caring to others. Sometimes, my first instinct is to laugh at the people I've mentioned - until I realize I should be praying for them. 

I have been thinking that if Christians put an nth of the effort into Bible study, prayer, witnessing, being caring and charitable, etc. as the "life-maxxing" folks do... Wow. Imagine the effect. 

So, I am going to be thinking about this whole maxxing thing. I'm going to be applying that to some of the areas of my life. And I'm going be to hoping that the people out there so desperate to feel whole, find Jesus.

Peace

--Free