I am reading “UnChristian: What A New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. David Kinnaman is President of The Barna Group. The Barna Group performs extensive market research primarily from a faith based standpoint. Gabe Lyon is the cofounder of Catalyst. Catalyst is arguably the most influential leadership organization for young Christian leaders in America.
“UnChristian” breaks down six main issues that Americans aged eighteen to twenty nine have with “Christians.” One of those main issues is the belief that Christians are overly political.
With that being said…
Have you been watching the Democratic National Convention? Particularly Hillary Clinton’s speech Tuesday night?
Senator Clinton had thousands and thousands of her supporters there cheering her on. Many of those supporters were wanting to attempt to try and overthrow Barack Obama’s nomination for the Democratic National Party’s Nominee for President of the United States. Mrs. Clinton asked this group of people a question (forgive me if this is not a direct quote):
“Are you here to just support me, or are you here to support what is best for the United States of America?“
When Hillary Clinton made that comment my mind went immediately to Peter, the apostle of Jesus. Peter loved Jesus so much but in his love Peter still made mistakes (Jesus actually called Peter Satan once!?! Mark 8:33). Jesus knew the heart of Peter and knew even though he made mistakes, even though he was over zealous at times, even though he alienated many with his bull in a china shop religion, Jesus knew Peter cared about people.
In John 21:15-17 Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves Him. Peter answers “yes” all three times and all three times Jesus tells Peter to feed His (Jesus’) sheep.
Jesus wasn’t talking about going and tending to literal sheep. Jesus was telling Peter that if he actually loved Jesus he would go out and share Jesus and The Gospel with all of mankind. Jesus knew of Peter’s talents, passions, giftings and future before Peter even knew himself (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was refocusing Peter because Peter’s shortcomings and insecurities led him to focus solely on God.
SCREEEECH!!!! STOP!!!!!! HALT!!!!!!!
Wait one second! Focusing solely on God? That sounds great! That sounds wonderful and holy… but that is not what Jesus commanded us, His Church, to do.
I believe Jesus is refocusing Peter again, today. Peter is the rock on which Jesus built His Church. Jesus is asking His Church if we love Him. When we answer “yes,” Jesus tells us to feed His sheep. Is God refocusing us because our shortcomings and insecurities have made us so self conscious that we have lost sight of what God wants? Have we forgotten the Greatest Commandment?
Love God. Love People. Serve the World?
Hillary Clinton may have been speaking to the Democratic National Committee, but I heard God use her to speak to me.
…btw… if you are wondering… I do not support either candidate, I do not know yet who I will vote for… but please get out there. do your research, pray and vote.
