I am writing this today on an annual event here in Michigan: Opening Day of gun season for Deer Hunting. Where I live this is a typical mid-November day: air temperatures in the 20F to 35F range, a trace of snow coming down, and sun low on the horizon.

Last week, we had our mid-term elections. As in the 2020 elections, many hysterical pronouncements were made; most of them without any basis in truth.

But here in Michigan an odd thing happened: in spite of all the rhetoric by those who were to determined to limit or restrict the rights of others (in the name of "freedom"), much of the voting seems to have affirmed those rights.

Despite "Christians" trying to impose their anti-abortion policies on all women in the state, an amendment to our constitution to guarantee the right to choose passed. The anti-abortion crowd tried hard to make claims that the amendment was "confusing" and "extreme", even though it was clearly written and easy to understand. There were even signs in people's yards featuring post-term babies supposedly saying "Why are you trying to murder me?" - suggesting that we murder infants after birth.

Personally, I would be ashamed to call myself a Christian and resort to tactics such as this. Jesus gave instructions for us to go and make disciples, not to force our ideas down the throats of others by force of law. I fail to understand how brainwashing and oppressing women achieves salvation. Further, I reject the idea (implied by the anti-abortion people) that any sin is unpardonable; for if that is true then no one is saved.

I suggest that those of us who understand the true faith distance ourselves from the wanna-be's involved in this behavior and focus on our mission; being a witness in this world for Christ. Paul states that he determined to know nothing except "Jesus Christ and him crucified", and that is where our focus should be.

If there is one thing I am certain of, it is this: Jesus Christ is Lord, and I am not. I cannot even concieve of what perfection is, much less live it. (For if I could, why would I need Christ?) These "Christians" go around claiming knowledge that they do not have, are self-deceived, and deceivers of others. They are trying to live by law, filled with pride, and do not understand who Jesus is, why he came, and what his mission is.

To sum up, I would like to point you to this post from the last election, which ends with this:

God knows what lies in store, and quite frankly, I am glad that I don't. Come what may, I can rest in him. I've seen a few signs in peoples yards lately that say "God's Got This" and I Love seeing them. God is in charge and he will use these things to accomplish his will. Many things that he does are mystery to me, for his will is perfect and mine is not. He has promised me one thing; that all things work together for my good. I look back on my life and I see that everywhere. My Christian friends, isn't it wonderful that we can rest in his will, regardless of who is in charge of the country?

Till next time,

Duane