The evening network news aired a clip of a reporter interviewing a Syrian rebel. The reporter asked him how concerned he was because the rebels were incredibly out-gunned. “God is on our side,” responded the fighter. A minute or so later a member of the government was interviewed. When asked about the rebels he responded, “God is on our side.” And on and on it goes. Each group, religious and political, no matter what the cause believes God is on their side. I realize God is omnipresent and multifaceted but I’m sure God is not schizophrenic.
It is natural for us to feel like we are special. But we are not special if that means others have to be demeaned. When we read something like this we think, “Those poor deluded people. Only we are really special.” Our specialness is usually the fruit of our Biblical interpretation. The Bible texts we have selected to support our belief structure can only mean what we say they mean and others misinterpret them. If they would only let us tell them “The Truth” then all the world could believe as we. The problem is if that would happen then how could we be special anymore. I’m sure we would find a way.
Perhaps the accuracy of our beliefs is not nearly as important as our love for God and the sincerity with which we approach Him? Perhaps it is the heart and not the head that ultimately matters. Please do not misunderstand me. I do believe understanding is important. I am speaking of priorities. When Sir Thomas Moore was about to be beheaded he said to his executioner, “He (God) will not refuse one who is so blithe to go to him.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 2, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org