(From a previous FB status. Still seems appropriate, as we still seem to be asleep.)
So, I fear, we Christians slept through it again. I was blindsided by the seriousness and timing of the SCOTUS decision. Yet I probably spend as much time as anyone on news, internet, Bible reading, attending church, etc. because of having time that many others do not have. I feel like Peter must have felt when Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” As I reel in the aftermath of their decision, I take in mind the place and responsibility of the church – Jesus’ arm regarding political/social decisions. Why do I say that? Jesus said to Peter, “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 18:18)
I’m not sure I know all the issues involved in that scripture but I have been amazed at how the church is in the vanguard of social issues discerning danger in social mores before secular catches up. The thing which most readily comes to mind is smoking. For years the church said no; then they gave up and science/secular said no. Even things as “unimportant” as make-up. When we do all we can with make-up, we move on to tattoos, and piercings. We have yet to see the result of that chemical/ink or whatever in the body. Church says no to immodest dress, drugs, drinking, sexual perversions, pleasure loving, materialism…They let down, quit preaching a “no-no” doctrine, social mores drop to an embarrassing state. We finally admit that our nation needs healing; some even admit the church needs healing.
And, don’t you know, God told us what to do. (refer II Chron. 7:14) Can we individually or as a whole charge God with failure to keep that promise based on our dedication to following that command?
Now I am thinking of the judgment/wrath that God will likely mete out to our nation. And even in that I remember Peter said that judgment will begin at the house of God (I Peter 4:17). We point fingers at the evil power wielders, media, entertainment, judges, POTUS, etc. But I feel, “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, Oh Lord…; I, a member of the Church, am the one who slept while you asked, “Can’t you pray for an hour?”
Sweet aroma 
“It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” I count myself in that need. Also, we have an important election coming up. I’m wondering what God will allow to transpire in that. It all reminds me of Habakkuk.
Yes, and I. I have just about come to the place where I say as the Bible ends, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Actually I am at that place. I’m not sure whether I would be, however, if I were forty years younger. My eyes would probably still be seeing the “advantages” of living here more than anticipating heaven. And, yes, Habakkuk surely would be crying out in frustration, “Why don’t you do something?” I don’t know just how close that is, but I believe it was his conflict. But hard times do lead us to Job’s conclusion, “I thought I knew him before, but now I really do.” It is beautiful knowing Him. Thanks for commenting.
I think what makes the most impact on me from scripture is that Jesus was out there learning to listen to those who needed the help most, loving them, modeling for them how to live their lives while he condemned the religious leaders of the day for being white washed seplechres keeping those marginalized people out of heaven.
Calen, thanks for the input. I have heard oodles of times from the adm and other opinion people about how ISIS is recruiting our young people because it gives them a feeling of belonging to something successful. Yet the “church” keeps watering down the gospel and tries to win souls by telling sinners how easy the Jesus way is. I think they would feel more successful if they were being told that the Christian way is not for wimps. We just sleep and ask them to take a nap with us. I’m really living on the edge today, aren’t I? 😀
Tomorrow I’ll be more fun – maybe. Last week my six year old ggdaughter was with me. She likes to get on YouTube. I’ve talked to her about just watching good stuff. Of course, she agrees. Then she wants to know how to spell Bieber. She and her sister explain to me they want Justin Bieber. They thought he was very good. I told them he was out for the money every time they clicked on something of his. Do you know of a place that can be trusted with the minds of my babies? I really want to know. I think I might see about Godvine. Anyway I want something as you say that “models Jesus.” Hope I didn’t get too wound up.