Life on the Pasture

For those of us in Wisconsin, we know all about the State Supreme Court's decision which basically ended the current "Safer at Home" rules issued by Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Bars and restaurants around the state began to open almost immediately, and anecdotal evidence suggests that crowds of people last night and today are enjoying their regained freedom.

Back in the early 1990s when I had the privilege of serving as Pastor of Zion Lutheran in Ridgeville Corners, OH, I received a phone call from a group which asked if I would distribute voting guides to my congregation. I declined the offer, stating that there were members of my congregation who had differing political views and, even if it were not so stated, the particular guide being offered would be perceived as being associated with one party. I went on to share that we asked for the Lord's guidance in our voting decisions, prayed for all in authority, and respected each other enough for each to come to his or her personal decision as to what was best. The person on the other end of the conversation was not particularly pleased with my response.

I do not believe the phrase "politics and religion do not mix." That is not to say that I as a Pastor should use my position to express my political views from the pulpit. That is reserved for speaking of Christ and teaching His Word. But I do believe that what we learn through that Word should impact our political views regarding laws and policies set forth by those elected. Are they for the common good? Do they in any way hinder our ability to freely worship and share the saving Gospel?

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10: “I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, NIV) That is one of those verses that shapes my political views. And in a case like the current situation where there are so many different factors to consider, there may not be one clearcut answer as to the best way to do things.

In communicating with the Mayor of Waukesha today about any local guidelines for reopening our church for public gatherings, I was told that we as a congregation have the freedom to act in the way we deem best, taking into account all the suggested guidelines. But how will we use our freedom? Prayerfully, in a way which honors God by doing what is for the good of all. In other words, loving our neighbor as ourselves because we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

And as we do get together, it will surely be better than anything happening in a bar, for we'll be celebrating the true freedom we have in Christ. Let that freedom ring!

– Pastor Schmidt