I’m watching the presidential debates. There was a lot of talk about rebuilding America. Getting things back to the way they should be. It’s clear that they all think our country needs changing. It’s also clear that individually they think they’re the only ones that can get it done.
Politics, and its associated opinions, can generate a lot of arguing and finger pointing, but real change is elusive. As a result, two extremes emerge: those who think the nation is going down the tubes, and those who don’t seem to care.
The “goin’-down-da-tubes” gang are upset because no one is working hard enough for the things that matter. The “don’t-seem-to-care” bunch have become numb and indifferent from all the rhetoric, name-calling and hypocrisy. These polarized positions each have some essence of correctness, but are totally ineffective at created change, much less rebuilding America.
There are similar extreme positions spiritually…
Since the beginning days of the church, there have been two extremes: legalism and licentiousness. The legalists don’t think anybody is working hard enough to make it to heaven. The licentious ones don’t care what anybody does or doesn’t do because none of it really matters. These positions not only cannot produce change in a person’s life, they actually bring about spiritual death.
It’s to these dangerous extremes that Jesus stands in stark contrast. To the legalist, Jesus declares His work on the cross cannot be added to, it was enough. To the licentious person, Jesus asks, “If you love me, keep my commands.” And to all people Jesus invites,
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
That’s a plan that will bring about real change. No debate.
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