Passion – by Pastor Tony

President Donald Trump. Reading that name has probably caused you to have some strong feelings. Even the nomenclature I have afforded “the Don” may solicit a strong opinion. There seems to be a sharp and growing divide in our country. Some reading this are excited (positively) about the recent election, while others reading this are excited (negatively) about the recent election. What do they have in common? Neither are lukewarm. In fact, that “name drop” is helpful for me – because it may tempt someone, who might usually ignore this article, to give it at least a swift perusal. I’m shamelessly using your strong feelings to entice you to read.

Please lower your proverbial rocks and continue reading. Don’t worry; I am not intending on making this a political piece. On the contrary, my goal is to accomplish the very opposite.

The question we should ask ourselves is this, does the name Jesus Christ solicit as strong of an opinion? Is His name sufficient to earnestly capture our attention? Is His name above every name? I am not asking for a spiritual proclamation, but a recognition of the truth – based upon what we personally see to be true in our own lives. Or, are we merely saying that His name is above every name, but in practical life – there are other names that solicit a stronger feeling…

The problem runs deeper than mere feelings on the political landscape.

Let’s look at the culture around us. What sells? Consider the content on television. If time is an indicator of anything (and to conclude otherwise is bliss – since that’s what ignorance is,) do a quick calculation of the number of television shows whose subject matter is – Jesus Christ. If someone who had never heard the name Jesus Christ were to spend a week enjoying the entertainment of this “Christian Nation” would they even know anything about Jesus? Is His name practically above every name?

You might say, ‘Hey! I have no control over what is on television!’ Fine. That’s a debate for another periodical. But let’s consider then your own heart. To what activities do you look forward? After a long week of work, what subject, name, or activity most interests you? Are you drawn to discuss the name that is above every name? Sure, we are a people that start our week thinking about His name (as long as we are not busy on Sunday morning “washing our hair”). But, when we are exhausted and the week has become more than we can bear – to what do you turn as a relief?