After this week’s Supreme Court decision to uphold Obama’s healthcare law and the ensuing reaction on social media, I thought it might helpful to repost this article I wrote on March 22, 2010 just after the health care bill originally passed.
Like many Americans, I anxiously watched last night as Congress officially passed a bill that will overhaul the American health care system and cost an estimated $1 trillion dollars over the next ten years. As someone who is neither Republican nor Democrat, I found myself wrestling with a number of mixed feelings about this monumental event and naturally wondered what it might mean for my wife and I and our two girls in the future. I even wondered what it would mean for their kids someday.
I was unprepared, however, for the cyber onslaught that has since been unleashed by so many well intentioned, but justifiably angry republican Christians. I understand why many are upset. I share many of their concerns. But what struck me most was not their feelings of frustration or their disagreement with this huge decision that will directly affect most of our lives, but their use of spiritual and even Christian language to support and defend their political position.
That bothers me.
Perhaps we’d do well to keep in mind that God used Joseph to institute a highly controlled, big government program in Egypt to save the lives of thousands upon thousands. I’m not suggesting a direct parallel or that Obama is God’s instrument in a similar way today. But I am suggesting that we get honest about the fact that our cherished red-white-and-blue democracy is not a biblical mandate for governing a nation (or a church, for that matter). Be careful not to blur the lines between religion and politics, it is a lethal combination.
I think we would do well to hold in tension two realities:
1, it is not outside the realm of possibility that in the future God could choose to use something as bureaucratic and self-serving as big government to bring about good, just as he did in Joseph’s time. I am NOT suggesting that this is what is happening right now. But I can promise you that God is far more concerned with the health and survival of the poor and suffering than the taxation of America’s middle class (which by the way, represents one of the wealthiest segments of people on earth). Even if God has had nothing to do with the happenings in DC, that will always remain true. And although I personally probably wouldn’t have voted for this bill and am more than a little anxious about what all this might mean in the future, I rejoice over what this could mean for those who could not otherwise afford healthcare, particularly the urban poor and terminally ill.
2, more importantly, we need to turn to the wisdom of the scriptures that urges us over and over to not put our trust in those who hold power. Consider the words of Psalm 118:8-9: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” If you find yourself either suddenly inspired with great hope for the future or outraged that this could happen in our nation, you may be placing too much hope in the wrong thing. Jesus is the one and only true hope for humanity, the only one that will never fail us.
I’ll admit that this whole thing scares me too. I worry about what it might mean over the next twenty years for our country and for my family. I worry about what it might mean for my kids and theirs. But God is bigger than governments and he has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what the future holds, He will always take care of us. And you know, perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing for us to be reminded every now and then that we really aren’t as in control of our lives as we’d like to think we are.
My last word is for the leaders out there.
Last night I hopped online to find a frenzy of angry tweets and facebook statuses from pastors and spiritual leaders all over the country. Friends, please remember that your influence is no small thing. As leaders, your words are like a virus. For better or worse, they affect everyone around you. In times of anxiety and crisis, that influence multiplies as others look to you for clarity and direction. My question to you is this: what are you spreading? Are you acting as a voice of love and hope in this time of monumental change in which many are anxious and afraid? Or in your venting are you unintentionally spreading anger and cynicism to those around you, adding to their fear and unsettledness?
I urge you, my friends, to choose hope. Not hope in government or politicians or your own fiscal outlook for 2011 and beyond, but hope in Jesus. Look for your peace there. And help those around you to do the same.
Thanks Aaron! You put into words so many of the things I’ve been trying to say/tweet/ or post an haven’t been able to.
Heck yes brother. This post made me pump my fist!
Great stuff. I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you, Aaron! Your words of wisdom need to be spread throughtout the cyber and media world. There is already too much anger and frustration out there. Trust God. HE IS IN CONTROL! Lest we forget.
I can assure you that God is more concerned with not violating mans free will, his second most important gift to mankind, than healthcare reform.
Jesus fed the 5000 with a small offering and miracle. He did not take from those who had to those that had not.
To take without consent is stealing. God looks for people to give freely even as the savior gave all.
It is only on the first point I disagree with. The 2nd point of reality is where I choose to live.
Well said. I also think that if Christians don’t advocate for the poor, orphaned, and widowed, who will–we are told to.
My response has often been this: 1 Tim. 2: 1-7. Pray for those in authority. Obama (or McCain, if he would have won) are making tough decisions and not only do they carry a heavy load, they will always have people who hate and oppose them.
Sarah M
Right on man…thanks. I was starting to feel alone as so many Pastors started to make such reactive and hate filled responces. I am very glad a friend passed this post on.
Amen!
As followers in Christ showing hate towards a bill makes us no better than the politicians. We’re supposed to be a light in the world and this light isn’t supposed to be caused by sparks and explosions…. It’s a guiding light to the love of Christ!
Why did you not address the tax payer funded abortion we now have?
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SPOKE FOR US—-GOD TRULY IS IN CONTROL—- AND IT MIGHT SEEM AT TIMES HE IS NOT WATCHING OVER US— AND IT WILL HURT ALSO— BUT WE MUST REMEMBER WE KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMMORROW AND HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE — SO HANG ON TO YOUR BELIEFS AND REMEMBER TO GIVE THANKS SINCERELY
Hey everyone, thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing your input. I am still a little taken back by how viral this article has gone but I am so glad to know that it has struck a chord and is resonating with so many. Like most, I continue to have mixed feelings about all of this, but I take great hope in God’s promises to us and in his affinity for taking things that are so often broken and fragmented and making them into something beautiful. I have no idea what the outcome of all of this will be for us and the future of our country, but I believe with everything in me that the best days of the movement of Jesus lie ahead of us. May God continue to make us into people characterized by great faith, love and hope!
Hey Jordan, that worries me too. I am encouraged, however, and thought you may be too by this: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/24/obama.abortion/index.html
Jordan,
So this is a bit late, but anyway, one of the reasons I was disappointed to see the bill pass was that it may prevent me from having the opportunity to fund abortions through my private health insurance dues. As a fetus I remember thinking, “man, if I get aborted and the government pays for it, that will really blow. I hope it’s only a large multi-national corporation who foots the bill because that will make all the difference.”
I typically feel compelled to stay out of any of this kind of conversation. As you stated very well Aaron, as leaders we have significant influence, but also limited… I want my “challenging moments,” to not be wasted on issues of politics. Do I have my opinions on the matter? Yes, of course I do. I fail to see how me expressing angrily on a platform such as Facebook, my opinions one way or the other helps people know and understand the grace of Jesus.
There are all kinds of political questions connected to all of this, questions that we need to engage with, ask, answer and even be proactive in expressing… that is what the constitution of America calls us to… Civic duty, but speaking politically on behalf of Jesus is not only dangerous, but it is flat out wrong. Jesus was far too focused on giving, sacrificing, dying, and loving to ever engage in things with little or no eternal value.
Friends, politics will not change the world, only love founded in truth has the power to heal a nation, a world in such desperate need.
Aaron, I am struck every time I read your words at how God has shaped humility into your posture in such a profound and powerful way. You have learned so well how to address potentially controversial issues and not come across angry, which would ultimately render your influence ineffective. Thanks for your heart, for your wisdom and for your perspective. Great to have you as a brother, friend and co-laborer for His kingdom…
Well said
Excellent Aaron! Sums-up very well what I feel about the issue.
It’s truly sad to read some of the comments from those who wear the Christian mantel who believe in less taxes or more freedom to the point they don’t want the sick to be healed. My humble guess is that Jesus would chose paying more taxes and less freedom if it meant free or low cost health care for the poor — if it meant less suffering for the world — if it meant stopping preventable death. Just a guess though.
“But I can promise you that God is far more concerned with the health and survival of the poor and suffering than the taxation of America’s middle class (which by the way, represents one of the wealthiest segments of people on earth)”
To let you know up front, I’m often one to be contrarian so hope you don’t mind. From what I gather, your article is more about the content of the political arguments made by Christians rather than the “tone” in which they deliver those arguments. That’s what I’m interested as well.
It seems to be obviously true that blurring the lines between religion and politics is not a good thing. But that line is necessarily blurry — if a Christian makes any kind of comment about moral philosophy beyond their usual theological assertions, that comment will almost always have political implications. For example “we” should care for the poor and needy, or it’s morally wrong for someone to steal the property of another.
But it strikes me that if Christians are unable to make such statements, they are no longer rational moral agents, but just dogma-reciting automatons.
Intended to mention the quote above from your article seems to blur those lines in the same way the examples I gave do.
Also didn’t notice how old this article is. But obviously it’s relevant again for now.
Aaron, you have brought the perspective of history to current day events like few do. Pharoah and God using big government programs? Ha! What’s fascinating is the pain through which much of the true work of God is accomplished! Joseph sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, injustice, starvation, thirst, on and on. God used it, while people suffered, and we look backward and wonder. It is grace. All is grace (Manning). So why would we waste our power, time, and gifts…our love…to deliver false hope in the ways of man?
Thanks for this Aaron. Well said, and TRUE.