I was reading an article from the H.E.B. Foundation Magazine Echoes, and I came across a description of a summer retreat led by Adam Neder. The retreat was titled “Faith in the Ruins.” A description of the retreat in the promotional material for it sums it up: “…as challenges multiply, as the church perfects the art of discrediting itself, as friends leave the faith, many Christians are feeling exhausted, disoriented, and discouraged. Some wonder how much longer they can stick with Christianity–or even if they want to.”

That’s where the 10 observations by Neder came in. I looked at them and thought I would do a series of prayer journals on the 10 observations the article mentioned Neder covered during the retreat.

#4. Politically moderate Christianity is disappearing.

Dear God, I guess I have to ask the question: What kind of political activity and perspective do you want me to have as a Christian? I would have been curious to hear more about what Mr. Neder had to say about this topic.

For me, it feels like everyone on both sides is fighting for more political power. It’s interesting to me that Jesus never did. He never seemed to care what Caesar was doing. He helped the centurion and complimented his faith (Matthew 8:5-13). He said to pay your taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17). I never heard him say, “Make Israel great again!” or, “Israel first!” When he was offended by the Samaritans and John and James wanted to cast fire down on them, Jesus rebuked John and James and went the other way (Luke 9:51-56). So what does he, what do you, Father and Holy Spirit, want me to do? I’m sure you don’t want me to be a political zealot. It’s interesting that Jesus spent more time fussing at the church than he did at the government.

I guess I always come back to the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)–the fruit that is born through you living through me. Discernment is not a fruit that Paul listed. In fact, it might be more of a discipline, but it could probably make the list. But the fruits Paul described are more outward expressions of love as opposed to actions of decision making. I just don’t think there is a way to be a politically fringe zealot and exhibit any of the fruits. There are times when I see people who are resolute to speak in absolutes–I must be right about this, that, or the other thing and there is not room for compromise–and wonder if they don’t feel that way because they are terrified they are wrong and therefore cannot allow themselves to consider they are wrong.

Father, Holy Spirit, I need to wrap this up and go to work, but I want to know how you would have me use my own political influence today. In terms of national politics, there isn’t much I can do but vote and, if I see an injustice that I feel you would have me address, partner with others to see if there is a constructive way to a follow-up. On a local level, you have given me relationships and standing in the community to the point where I can work with others to move the needle for the good of others. Help me to know how to do that and how to do it in love. Help me to do it in a way that you are using me to have your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give me the courage to do it even if it might cost me something.

I pray all of this through Jesus, my savior and Lord,

Amen