Worshipping Government?

Martin Luther taught us in his explanation of the First Commandment that the place or person we turn to in distress for help is our god.  Obviously Martin intended us to turn to the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – for help and deliverance in all circumstances.  The source of hope should be God and God alone (Jer. 14:22). 

In all the rhetoric of the current presidential campaign I repeatedly hear candidates talk about hope.  They correctly point out that millions of Americans are in need of help in one way or another.  What troubles me greatly is that they seek to build hope in government.  The government is where we should look for hope, at least government as they desire to create it.

Have we made an idol out of the federal government?  Is this the source of hope?  “From where does my help come from”? is the question of the  Psalmist (121:1).  His answer is, “My help comes from the LORD.”  His answer is not the federal, state, or local government.  Where are our leaders asking us to search for hope and help?  Themselves?  The government they intend to lead?  Is this not idolatry?

Certainly the government exists to preserve peace and serve her citizens.  However, language is very important.  Speeches make or break politicians.  They need to be more careful in encouraging people to seek help and hope only in God.  The Word of God knows of no other answer.  Neither should we! 

Giving Up Lent This Year

A traditional way to observe the Lenten season has been to “give up something”  for Lent.  Chocolate or desserts, TV programs or other forms of entertainment, smoking and various other bad habits were typical options.

The idea behind such practices was to focus one’s spiritual life on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sin.   He “gave up” His life for us.  What will we give up for Him?

Having practiced this custom most of my life I find it has had little lasting significance for me.  I have experienced a sense of satisfaction upon the conclusion of Lent.  I have developed a yearning and longing for Lent to finish so I could resume whatever I had given up.  But did it honestly draw me closer to Christ?   Honestly?  No.

So this year I am not giving up anything.  Instead I am taking on something.  If Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”, then how might I take away sins?  I cannot die for them but I can learn to be more forgiving, merciful, and gracious.  I can learn to “take on” people where they are, flawed and hurtful, and strive to love them more each day. 

If Jesus demonstrated an ability to focus on others (soldiers, a thief, and His mother) and their needs even while dying on a cross, then can I strive to “take on” the needs of others even when I find myself in the midst of trial and tribulation?  Can I reach out to others when my natural instinct is to focus on my self?  Here is a challenge to take on that seems worthy of my walk with Jesus.

This Lent “taking on” seems to be a better focus for me than “giving up.”  Maybe each of us should consider a different focus to bring Lent alive this year.  What are your thoughts?