Mind Your Own Business Part 2/3
This post was originally published February 23, 2013.
Good evening,
Today, I found myself chanting “BOB-BY!” for at least three minutes straight to crowd of 2000-odd delegates. A month ago, I found a sudden urge to become involved in politics, and so I found myself volunteering at the Michigan Republican Convention this weekend. My task: shout “BOBBY!” for about 24 hours in order to encourage delegates to reelect Bobby Schostak for Chair. Pretty hilarious job to get free food and a night’s stay at the Radisson in Lansing!
After Friday’s activities, I found myself having a conversation in my hotel room with an “observer” from Alabama, while his buddies looked for another room to drink the booze they had tossed on the next bed over. He asked with which group of conservatives I aligned myself (e.g. Tea Party, etc.). I am not familiar with the specific ideologies of the various sects of the Republican Party, so I explained what I believe to be the complete purpose of government: to act as the mediator and distributor of justice and order. And he brought up an excellent point — it is entirely ambiguous as to what justice means! Who dares define it?
Now, I believe and, certainly, know, that good government is given by God as a means of keeping order throughout his creation. Thereby, justice is defined by the very character of God, interpreted through the Bible.
But, just as certainly, this guy is not going to go along with it. Not everyone subscribes to the Judeo-Christian ethic, nor is everyone a Christian. I may believe what I believe, and I may believe it is the only way in which to maintain proper, functioning government, but, as the popular mantra goes, I should just mind my own business and not force my “religion” on everybody else.
Friends, religion is more than something one does on Sunday, or prayer, or posting a verse on Facebook, or taking a knee everytime Tebow makes a successful pass. No, religion is far greater than that — it is a complete and functioning worldview. Christianity pervades every part of my life, not just my theological discussions. It pervades my moral, moral philosophical, governmental, extracurricular, etc. behaviors and thoughts. (Or, if Christianity is not your “thing,” then whatever is your worldview has the same purpose. It is an all encompassing worldview.)
If I hold the only true key to an effective government, I cannot just mind my own business! If I ascribe to the ultimately true morality, I cannot let evil persist in the world! (Okay, so you believe the same about your worldview. We have the 1st Amendment, so go ahead and prosthelytize your ideas. No offense, but I think you will lose in the end. At least you get your fair say, just like I have.)
Next week, I’ll continue to explore the need to not mind your own businesses, and why that matters in government. (I think my friend from Alabama will make another appearance!)
