I have seen a number of my brothers and sister reacting to the ever-growing tension in our nation. People who genuinely love God, people who will spend eternity together, people who instead of seeking discussion and unity seemingly rather fight.
The latest issue to develop is 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick who decided to sit during the singing of the National Anthem.
WELL you can imagine what has followed.
People on every side of this are screaming out.
You had those who called him out.
“How dare you not stand!” “Show some respect” with one video declaring “If this country disgust you so much, leave”
Even ESPN’s social media was buzzing with this story.
While Colin explained his value people didn’t care. It was a sign of disrespect to them because he basically said he hates America and all it stands for. (no he didn’t that actually)
By the way, did you know Jackie Robinson refused to stand for the same Anthem? In fact he made comments like he was a black man living in a white man’s world… don’t be confused we may love him now BUT 40 years ago they couldn’t stand the sight of him.
On the other side you had people who were discussing the history of the song claiming it had racist roots. (I say claiming only because I have not researched this myself). Several, were saying they sit with Colin.
What is interesting to me is that in a time in which many claim non-dominant culture people are too sensitive and make everything about race, it seems as if the same could be said about how defensive people get if you critique our country.
You can’t say anything bad about America (unless you are fully aligned with a political party who hates the sitting President, then you can talk as terrible as you want about him because he is the reason along with all those who think like him that the country isn’t what it should be – but I digress)
It has almost gotten to the point that if you say there is an issue with this country it is equated to spitting on the grave of those who gave their lives. WAIT??????
Can’t I say I thank GOD for the blessings I have while realizing this place, this temporary home isn’t perfect.
Rachel Held Evans tweeted
“The early church would be utterly baffled by the idea that future Christians would shame someone for not swearing allegiance to the empire.”
Even this proved to be against America. Some people got angry with her. They were upset that she seem to compare America with Rome. WHAT???!!!!
THIS IS NOT OUR HOME… I am thankful for the blessings BUT this is not the perfect promised land…
You can love your country, sure, but as believers should we really shame people or tell them to leave if they speak out about their issues/struggles with their home? This isn’t one person’s land in which they can cast out anyone who speaks against it.
It may be just me but I am baffled how quick some of my brothers and sisters are to speak up/out at anyone who dares take the name of America in vain BUT have not spoken to people in their neighborhood about their faith. (This is not an attack on Christians but a realization that many, including myself at times, are known for not have courageous faith)
What would this country look like if instead of shaming people the Church would seek unity and understanding with those who differ in opinion from us. We are called to be good stewards of this land but that should never be at the cost of treating people in God honoring ways.
Divine Perspective 