Subtlety

From My Perspective - - - -

In Jeremiah 17:9, the Prophet wrote: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know (understand) it?” This reality can be seen in many facets of life as people and organizations try to be “politically correct” to serve their own best interests and to achieve a desired goal. In some instances, this appears to be more subtle than others.

In the area of politics (a new strategy begun during 2004), an interesting phenomenon has taken place that epitomizes SUBTLETY. On the web-page of www.christianpost.org, in an article entitled: “Speaking the Language of Zion While Supporting the Agenda of Babylon”, Dr. Tony Beam has written the following: “They (Democrats) replaced the haranguing of religion with the hiring of consultants who could teach them the language of Zion while many continue to support the agenda of Babylon. The Democrat National Convention…in Denver looked and sounded more like a tent revival than a political stump meeting. Rev. Leah Daughtry led what was billed as the first ever Convention interfaith gathering. Rev. Daughtry demonstrated the “big tent” atmosphere of the meeting by greeting those in attendance in the language of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian faith. Four years ago the Democrats could boast only one meeting during the convention that dealt with the topic of religion. This year’s convention includes ecumenical prayers offered at the beginning and ending of each session along with a plethora of discussion groups led by Left leaning religious organizations that didn’t even exist prior to 2004…”

Another way of referring to this activity could be the evolving desire to be more inclusive and enlarge the base. It would be wrong to conclude there are no evangelicals in the Democratic Party. It would also be wrong to conclude that everyone who prefers a Democrat to a Republican is “Left” oriented. We need to be alert to the nuances (a very slight difference or distinction in expression, meaning, and response)that are employed and the definitions that are intended. Thus – the Subtlety. The labels that some utilize may achieve a political purpose and reference point but in and of itself it can be equally deceitful. It is a reasonable axiom that those who get the most attention and who speak the loudest usually do not accurately represent any constituency except for their personal agenda and limited perspective. For an example, consider the issue of drilling for oil. Even though almost 80% of people polled believe we should be doing offshore drilling along the coasts of our own nation, the “leaders” refuse to let that be a singular issue upon which the Congress can vote.

There are valid principles that should guide on in all areas of life. When Jesus Christ was preparing to send out His Disciples, he instructed them (Matthew 10:16): “I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” The principle is to be aware of the thinking, subtleties and nuances of the world in which one lives and functions. Don’t be gullible! Always be focused and alert! Know the facts! Increase wisdom! Be shrewd! There is a truism that states: “If we don’t stand for anything, we will fall for everything.”

Consider these things with me - - - If there is any credible evangelical and conservative Christian base, then it ought to a have a clear and precise expression. Too much of it has been shrill – and thus – ignored or viewed as radical, extreme, out of the mainstream. There must be a focused and concise expression of what one believes and desires. Don’t be among those who speak on and on until they can think of something to say!