July 30th, 2018

July 30, 2018
 
              This week my granddaughter Rachel and I have the privilege of leaving for Europe for over two weeks of travel, beginning with visiting near relatives in Copenhagen. My next blogs will be coming from various places around the Baltic Sea.
              Although I absolutely love travel and special places, reveling in history and visiting ancient buildings, particularly churches, I always value living in the United States and being able to return here.
              Our Republic depends upon the participation of the people in electing representatives to run the government, and being informed enough to do that well is important. For that reason, it dismays me that we despite many news organizations, we get only chosen parts of the truth or slanted views of events.
              The turmoil surrounding our President and Congress, the vile put-downs in campaign ads, and the upsetting news from around the world are all difficult for American citizens to understand, sort out, and consider wisely during an election year.
              At times, of course, we despair at ever seeing balance and statesmanship return to our government operation, and concerns over operations at the state level are added to the worries. It is easy to either turn off the news and hide from what is happening or to believe the first thing we hear and shut out the rest.
              However, we are Christians, and that requires a different world view. Jesus made it clear that we are to “render unto Caesar those things which are Caesar’s,” in other words, honor our governments and leaders within the limits of their place in our lives. Beyond that, we are to give the rest of our lives to God.
              Meanwhile, if we truly believe that all things are in God’s hands, then we have to trust Him, make sure that obedience to His commandments is part of our lives and of our governments, and otherwise pray for our country and believe that He guides us.