YGT: Christianity > USA

U.S. citizens treat Christianity as if it is synonymous with being American.  If we're not careful, we can collapse one into the other.  BEWARE.  Christianity is not:

• Capitalism. It does not support getting rich at the expense of others.  In fact, Jesus promotes giving wealth to the poor. (Luke 18:22) Below is an analogous map of the world's wealth (the larger the country, the more of the world's wealth they possess).  It's clear that we have a lot to give and that there are lots in the world who need what we have.  

• Exclusive.  Most Christians in the world don't look like US citizens.  Not only are they non-white, they are largely non-American!  Below is an analogous map of the Christian population in the world (the size corresponds to the amount of Christians there).  As we can see, we have no right to pretend that we have a monopoly on Christianity.  Our faith is continuing to diversify as it travels south of the equator and we should be doing our best to diversify ourselves.  Scripture shows us that the first church was diverse (Acts 2) and that God included many nations in His plans for salvation (Matthew 28:19).

• A Birthright - The Bible tells us that salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Just being born in this country does not give us a right to Jesus Christ.  Although it's likely we have knowledge of Christ because of where we live, that doesn't guarantee our salvation.  

Make no mistake, it is a blessing to live in the USA.  We are priveleged far beyond most others in this world.  But that doesn't remove our ability and responsibility to critique the systems we live under.  To whom much is given, much is required.  

What does it mean that God has called us to live in this time in this country?  That God has called us to be laborers in a vineyard with bad crops?  We need to interrogate that.  Our country needs wholesale revival.   Not in Congress halls, but in Christian hearts.  As much as we love our country, we must love the kingdom more.




Lord, please give us the wisdom to see our nation as you see it.  Help us look past the trappings of plenty and see the vices that betray Your Spirit.  When we are called to choose sides, as we often are, please give us the courage to stand for You in the face of social pressure to stand for ourselves.  You will never deport us.  You will never depart from us.  You are our Lord and master.  In Christ's name, Amen.




Repenting,
j.a.g.




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Ephesians 2:8-9
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

YGT: The Problem with Romney's Taxes

The major political news last week was that former governor and current presidential hopeful Mitt Romney finally released his taxes.  If you haven't seen them, a summary is below (along with President Barck Obama and Newt Gingrich's). 

               

Click here for larger image of returns.

The problem with Romney's taxes is NOT that he’s rich from investments.  While it’s amazing to see how much wealthier he got last year without working, it’s not illegal or unethical.  The problem with Romney’s taxes is also not that his tax burden is 14% (under the national top income bracket of 35% - that means he pays a lower tax rate than most other working American citizens).  The problem is that ALL of our tax rates aren’t 14% because of tax benefits.

Spiritually, what is at stake here is the way we value people.  The rich and poor should be treated equally.  Yet those who are wealthy pay lower tax rates and have many other benefits afforded to them that others don’t.  This is inconsiderate at best and criminal at worst. 

I’m not attempting to be a political pundit or a financial expert (there are PLENTY of outlets for that).  But as a person who believes in God, it is troubling to see rampant economic inequality sanctioned by government.  It is even worse to witness the church’s silence on economic issues that affect every congregant who attends worship.  THAT’S the real problem with Romney’s taxes – they have indicted the church as a willing participant in economic injustice.  We’ve not sounded the alarm that the best off in our society are given far greater benefits by our government than the worst off.  Sadly, it seems that we too, have been paid off.  I wonder what the tax rate is………………………………..501(c)3…?

Lord, please give us the courage to stand up for the least in our society.  Help us not to be so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good.  To care about your people is to care about their well-being, including economically.  Please help us to challenge our leaders to advocate fairly and inspire our churches to speak out against injustice.  Give our elected leaders strength, wisdom, and grace in their decisions.  In the name of our leader, Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Filing,

j.a.g.

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Proverbs 28:21

To show partiality is not good...



*I know this scripture seems to speak against programs that consider differentiating factors when making decisions, such as affirmative action, but that's not the case. The role of impartiality is to act in fairness. Affirmative action programs have been instituted because in many arenas, decisions have not historically been based on fairness. Instead, there's been a history of unfair decisions. Affirmative action programs exist to correct unjust practices that have existed (and in many cases, still do).