As the events of our town's recent controversy over school prayer have wound down, and the graduation came and went just like it has for 101 years, I've been pondering what really happened. Two thoughts come to mind that seem unrelated, but somehow connect to me. Maybe me only.
The valedictorian had it right, the times are changing. What I'm thinking probably has no relevance to her intention in quoting Dylan. As a Christian, we should be seeking change. Isn't that why Jesus was sent to earth? Wasn't God displeased with what was going on and the leaders that were leading? Christ is the light of the world and sent as a beacon to direct us down the correct path. Which means we were going down the wrong path. So maybe what was happening in our burg was and is going in the wrong direction.
Maybe the Christian church, and the Christians within that church, need to think about the path we are on. Aren't we to show the "light" of God and Christ? Are we doing that? Maybe we need change the path we are on. I'm not talking new programs, new music, new buildings, or new doctrine. Do we really believe that God sent Christ to show us a new way to live? Then let's act upon that new direction.
Secondly, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." I'm not thinking of the question of a tribute or tax to Caesar, or the thought that those that follow man-made directions and do no follow God, including Caesar, eventually will be judged. I'm a simpler man.
Let the things of the world, that are worldly, be controlled by the world. If we truly believe that God allows men to govern, then let them decide things of the world. Remember the Latin quote attributed to Jung? Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit(Called or not called, God is present). God is there, even if humans don't acknowledge His presence. Does anyone really think that a rule or law preventing prayer will really stop prayer?
The bigger picture that seems to have been missed is the image and substance of God, Christ and Christians as it was presented. Are we not all heading down the wrong path, sinning, in our own way? What makes us different than the world? We have claimed we sin and have accepted the sacrifice of Christ and His blood has cleansed us, that is the change that Jesus brought and we have accepted it. Don't we want others to see and claim the same? Would you follow the example that was presented in board meetings and at graduation? Do you want to follow the person that threatened the school board with "more trouble" if the board decided to cancel the prayer? Or the person that yelled out and interrupted the graduation? Or the people praying to their God to bless and keep safe these young people that are moving onto new places, new tasks, and confrontions with new dangers.
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