A Higher Allegiance

Humanity has always desired a “king” to swoop into the mess of the world and fix everything for us, rarely considering the oppressive realities which often occur as a result of placing our trust in earthly rulers. In the midst of a starkly divided, and deeply disorienting election season, we are reminded that our allegiance is not to any state or nation or party or hollow political promise. We pledge a higher allegiance.

Scripture & Quotations

• 1 Samuel 8:1-22

• 1 Samuel 15:35

• Mark 10:35-41

• Ephesians 2:12-22

  “What did come was the extermination of millions, the destruction of countries, and evil that has affected generations. The words were said to manipulate the audience whose longings the Third Reich understood well. Hitler deliberately deceived the people and drew them in, calling forth loyalty and service. And he got it, not just from the general population but also from the German church. Words full of promises that cloaked great evil were tailored for a vulnerable culture.”

  - Dr. Diane Langberg, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church

Reflection

• Ephesians 4 calls us to “put away falsehood,” committing to speak the truth with neighbors as we are members of one another. During a time in which the truth can seem relative, and is often outright abandoned (or alternate “truths” manufactured) by those seeking office and their supporters, let us together be above the fray of campaigns shaped around distortion and dishonesty. Consider the source(s), especially before sharing and/or amplifying misleading material, no matter your personal political leanings.

• Ephesians 4 also calls us not to allow anger drag us into sin. The next month will likely only grow uglier as the bitterness of this season intensifies. Protect your mind, heart, and soul by disengaging from news/media and social platforms that in any way compound whatever anxieties you may feel in the midst of it. We can remain informed without becoming consumed.

• Read the following, slowly, and return to it in coming days and weeks if and when tension builds:

  29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:29-32