Fanatic? Extremist? Or Wise?

As all of you readers know, I am not a fan of the present political drama in our nation.  That has been enhanced in these most recent weeks.

This morning I read a portion of  Psalm 119 --  the longest and most complete psalm in the Bible.  It covers just about all of human needs, feelings and attitudes. 

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. 39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. 40 See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. (Ps. 119:33-40) 

The particular section I am focusing on this morning are verses 33-40 (see Below); because this section asked for guidance as to God’s hope for the human heart. 

First of all the Psalmist asked for understanding.  Something that all of us could use a giant helping of.  

Then he requests God’s guidance in staying true to the commandment to love our neighbor, by having the courage to act with integrity and unselfish ways.  To keep him from puffed up pride that gets in the way of doing what is right in God’s eyes.

In past posts I have mentioned the human qualities of greedy power, and attitudes of arrogance, that seem to permeate our national and world leaders egos. They seem to give themselves permission to just do what they want, when they want, to whom ever they want. Just because they want to.  

The most frustrating thing to me is , they seem to do it without any true resistance.  No one is willing to actually ‘do’ anything about it.  

Oh, there is a lot of talk, but truly, talk is cheap without action.  It is extremely easy to point a finger and accuse. It is quite another thing to actually take action.  

And our republican and democratic sisters and brothers are totally guilty here.

When Jesus saw injustice, or arrogance, or rudeness, or meanness,  or any form of unkindness  he moved in and corrected the behavior.  Not only calling the wrong into question, but correcting the situation. 

Yes of course, he was crucified for such boldness.   Today they would just continue to discredit him.   Or, fire him.

And when a group of people march for some cause they feel strongly about; they are called "Fanatics!"   "Excessive!"  "Extremists!"  That is, people not in the know —  without the intelligence to be in the ranks of authority. Or, to call said authority into question.

And yet, we are told that: “one person can make a difference.”  

Actually I do believe that is possible.  

However when it come to politics, and other arenas of dominance and power, the statistics  are not all that impressive. And when Jesus is brought up as the model for how to work together — Jesus doesn’t pull much wait either.  

The  subject of Jesus — and his teachings — are put in the same box with fanatic, and extremist or some other popular discrediting terms that under minds the persons involved.  

Now, with all that being said, I am very much aware that God is the only true power in the universe.  And I totally have faith that God is quite active in our world today.  

However, God does ask his people to help him. That was clear from the first chapter of the Bible.  See Gen. 1:27-31 and Matt. 28:16f.