Recently, we have seen some interesting political occurrences. From the sixth district race to congressional hearings about Russia, it has caused me to wonder what if anything really matters?
We have heard before and I have even written about Christ saying whatever you do to the least of these… but that seems to be one thing that doesn't matter. When we look at the prophetic stories of God taking care of the poor, widows and elderly, that too does not matter. It seems as though we as Americans have taken on the philosophy of a 1994 Rap/Hip-Hop song: “Cash Rules Everything Around Me,” performed by the Wu Tang Clan.
For those that don't appreciate hip-hop I can see where this could be offensive, but it is true. We have become so individualistic and capitalistic that as a society, we are more driven by dollar signs, figures and budgets than we are the principles of righteousness, justice and love.
Take for instance the struggle with health care. Everyone deserves to be able to have it. This is a righteous and just notion, however when we allow for money to drive our morals and decisions, other people’s health is not as big of a deal.
Many of us had the opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day, however there was a little girl in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that had to deal with horror of watching the officer that shot her father in seven seconds walk free.
When money for increasing funds for weapons, militarizing police departments, and privatizing prisons is more important that cultural sensitivity training and social justice reform, we are no better than the Roman government going after Jesus.
The Apostle Paul admonishes his protégée Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:10-11 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.”
King Solomon also gives the wisdom that “Feasts are made for laughter; wine gladdens life, and money meets every need” in Ecclesiastes 10:19.
As true followers of scripture we find ourselves caught in the balance of these two scriptures. As I've mentioned in an earlier column, America is not a Christian nation and it never has been. It's been the acceptable norm for a fair amount of time, but it's not the official religion. If it were, based on what our societal priorities are, it still would not reflect true Christianity.
Scripture now places us in an interesting predicament with monetary importance. If money rules everything around us, it causes us to fall into unrighteousness, godlessness, lack of faith, lack of love, impatience and harshness. It also answers all issues. The answer, though uncomfortable in our society, is very clear and is played out in the life and ministry of Christ.
What really matters is righteousness, godliness, faith and justice. Once we have our priorities in line, everything from lifestyles to systems and legislation must reflect the right properties and everything else fall into place.
Take time to think about it in your life, spirituality and even your politics. When you watch Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, breitbart or your favorite media outlet. Look through the glasses of justice, righteousness and love first, then form your opinion.
Bounce that off of the Christ that healed sick poor people with no health insurance as well as rich people, spoke out against people that treated people unjustly, and was killed by a militarized police force that did not share the same racial background or religious persuasion as he had.
See for yourself what really matters and gauge it based on what really matters to the divine.
Always remember to do good, do no harm and stay in love with the divine.
