A Calm Hand at the Tiller

The Pastor is often called to be the calm hand on the tiller.

The healthcare debate, despite last night's vote, is still raging on. Senator McCain promises a stunning midterm defeat for the Dems and a quick repeal when the GOP is back in the majority. Immigration reform is on hand now and there is that little row with Netanyahu to figure out. Closer to home people continue to lose their jobs, family members fall ill and the rising costs of tomatoes have gotten us all stymied.

I am not one of those Pastors who goes in for the grand political stage. It's my humble opinion that the pulpit should be as clear of national politics as possible. I further believe that Christian people can hold opposing opinions socially and politically, and hold them passionately, while passing the bread and the cup of our Lord to one another.

The key for Christian people, it seems to me, is to hold the enemy in prayer. That is what Jesus taught isn't it? Rather than revile or judge or stone or damn the one who is on the other side of the opinion fence, doesn't Jesus instead instruct us thus, (I think these are his words), "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." -- Matthew 5:43-45

That, dear friends, is the definition of a calm hand at the tiller, and an example this Pastor hopes to follow.