In addition to the general elections choices, Californians will go to the polls tomorrow and decide on 12 propositions.
The most divisive proposition so far is certainly proposition 8.
Proposition 8 seeks to amend the constitution of California defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman.
You can imagine the hysteria and debate surrounding this particular proposition – especially in California.
You might even imagine the battle lines drawn.
Would we imagine the casualties from this battle?
As a preacher I’m expected to rally the troops and get the vote out to support proposition 8.
As a minister of reconciliation I’m expected to bring a message of peace and redemption, the love of God for all people.
As a Christ follower I’m expected to draw people to Christ not expell them from his presence.
The newsfeed last night showed the conflict on city streets between supporters and opponents of this proposition.
How, in the name of God, do we justify being so caustic and divisive?
And why do we think that God wants us to bring Him into this?
We’ve felt the freedom to reject or disobey God in everything else he’s wanted for us so why is this proposition any different?
I think this particular proposition (probably like the rest) and those who fiercely support it or oppose it has more to do with winning than it does with what God truly wants for his people.
The only thing this kind of proposition provides is plenty of fuel for the furnace of self-righteousness and moral superiority.
I wonder if what would happen if we’d take half the effort to support or defend such a proposition and invest that effort into strengthening existing marriages?
Regardless of the elections results, there will be no winners from proposition 8.
I’m not telling you that should you vote yes or no when it comes to proposition 8.
I am telling you that it’s what you are doing and HOW you are doing what you are doing to work within the plan of God, as a participant in God’s redemptive movement, that is of utmost importance.
It’s not just about how you will vote on such propositions.
It’s how you will treat those who disagree with you.
It’s how you will work within the confines of this fallen world to be light, salt, and a blessing to those around you – to the glory of God, the Father.
Randy Wray
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 am
Excellent! Contrary to many of my friends, I just didn’t invest much emotion into this prop mainly because I don’t think its up to the government to legislate morality. Just another indicator of a belief that government is the solution to all that ails us.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
There is an online prayer session tonight to “praying backward” – i.e. praying for those who are marking their ballots on the other side from your own. Sounds like a wise idea (http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=6072).
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Very well put. It has always struck me as sad when people use God in an ungodly manner. Much of what I saw on the news last night was embarrassing to the body of Christ because of how hateful some of the more vocal people are. Though not to this extreme, it reminded me of the idea of those who have bombed abortion clinics in an effort to save lives. Where is the logic there? I also appreciate the comments of Stoogelover regarding it not being the place of government to legislate morality.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Amen, Randy!
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
well said.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Thanks for being normal.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Man, Peggy (little joke here) doesn’t know you, does she? No, I agree with Peggy and as Jim Rome would say, “Great take.”
Of course being from Florida, the land of re-counts, I have to be careful about my election commments.