just enough light

I have been studying Matthew 7:21-23 this week in preparation for a sermon. This text seems particularly important during this election season.

In this curious teaching, Jesus describes the plight of those who say, “Lord, Lord, look at the wonderful things I have done in your name.” They make claims of incredible deeds done in his honor, they highlight their great success in doing the work of Jesus. However, much to their surprise, Jesus responds by saying, “I do not know you.”

This text has been conveniently used for centuries by one group of Christians to challenge the faithfulness of other Christians. Virtually anyone can use Jesus’ statements here to discredit another Christian whose views, teachings, behaviors, differ. You can lump anyone into the group who cries, “Lord, Lord” if you choose to.

In an election season such as this, candidates clamor to get votes. Evangelical, now seen as a voting block rather than a religious movement, have the attention of every candidate. If a candidate can quote some scripture (perhaps for the first time ever), use the proper religious lingo for that group, and hit on the right social issues, they can sway those who are looking for someone who cries, “Lord, Lord” in just the right way.

Scripture can be used to condemn or condone almost anything. It can be used to include or exclude almost any group. Clever use of scriptures can provide a solid argument for either side of most important issues in life.

Pick any issue that has our culture divided today. You can find people of good faith who, with full conviction, stand firmly and passionately on one side of the issue. You can find people of good faith, with full conviction, stand firmly and passionately on the other side of the issue as well.

So how are we as Christians to know how to decide on such important issues? It serves us well to believe some kinds of authority. For example, I am more inclined to believe my physician than my mechanic when it comes to matters of heart disease. However, when it comes to exhaust gas regulator valves, I’ll go with the auto mechanic.

Things get a bit more confusing when it comes to matters of political, social, or moral authority. Human nature and the needs of a community or nation are never simple, never black and white. Such issues are always more complex than we imagine, and decisions and policies have consequences we cannot anticipate.

Jesus knew human nature and he knew from his own experience how seductive success could be. Jesus knew how easy it was to take too seriously the compliments and positive reviews of others, to get enamored with your own words, to start taking credit for things that go well. He knew how easy it was to drift from serving a purpose bigger than yourself into maintaining and building your own little kingdom surrounded by adoring fans. Few things cause us to lose our focus more than success, because we then begin to put our efforts and place our faith in our success rather than in God.

Jesus’ most consistent message was that the spiritual path is different than the world’s highway. To live our lives consistent with the ways of the spirit will inevitably put us on a collision course with others who measure success by the political or financial definitions of the day. Spiritual integrity will always put you in a small, misunderstood minority. God’s presence in the world, as seen in the life of Christ, is in solidarity with outcasts and marginalized rather than with the power brokers, the successful, or the popular.

“Will it work? What will it cost?” Those are political and economic questions. They are often the first questions asked in a political or economic conversation. But those questions come far down the list if we are asking spiritual questions. Those first questions include, “Is it the right thing? Will it help those in most need? Will it further peace among people?” Questions of money and logistics follow questions of priority.

When I ask myself about choosing which candidates and which sides of issues, I am pulled by political party, but my deeper self, often ignored, asks bigger questions.

Does my spiritual faith soften my heart toward those with whom I disagree?

Does my spiritual faith prompt me to open my arms to those people I do not understand?

Does my spiritual faith cause me to move toward those who frighten me?

Does my spiritual faith compel me to make peace with those I consider to be your enemy?

Does my spiritual faith compel me to forgive the person who has wronged me?

Does my spiritual faith compel me to say, “I was wrong,” and ask for mercy of the person I have wronged?

Does my spiritual faith prompt me to surrender some privilege or entitlement for the person who has none?

Does my spiritual faith allow me to embrace my worst day with the same grace as my best day?

Does my spiritual faith prompt me to give thanks for my failures, my defeats, and my disappointments as much as my successes and joys?

When I can honestly answer those questions, I am in a better position to make decisions of integrity.