Why Do They Listen?

​Beloved:

    All over social media clergy colleagues are pressing the need to speak out against the anti-Muslim rhetoric spewing from the most clownish political wanna-be of our time.  I continue to believe his babble is worth neither the air nor ink such speech requires.  The pastor in me sees him as someone who wasn’t loved enough as a child, now so desperate for attention he’ll say or do anything.

    The attention he’s getting, it seems to me, is what should concern us most.  If he isn’t paying people to listen to and cheer for him on camera - why do they?  Why do they listen?  Why do they cheer?  Do they enjoy his show or do they share his beliefs?  The difference is critical.  The difference is the life or death of our society.

    The difference is also spiritual and thus I write - not about him, but about those who listen to and cheer for him.  On the chance they haven’t been hired to do so.  On the chance they believe that life by his rules would be happier or better or freer or safer for anyone.  Only fear would drive us to believe such things.  Friends, please, do not be tempted to go down this road.  Do not be tempted to trust that a leader who threatens a whole group of people for their religion will not threaten another for theirs.  And then another for their race and another for their politics and still another for their lifestyle.  ​

    Instead, as always, we have to deal with the fear in our own hearts and minds.  We have to tend our losses honestly and gently.  We have to forgive ourselves and each other.  We have to see the face of Jesus in every brother and sister on the planet.  We have to hear His voice and know His strength in us carrying us forward in this world, trusting that in Him we have nothing to fear.

 ~peace & prayers,
pastor annette