Faith Crisis?

Last time I blogged, I wrote about the political uprising in our country, and the need for systemic change. Each day, I become more disillusioned by the commentary, not just in our media, but by my Christian brothers and sisters related to politics. I know people who are more vocal about their political ideologies than about their faith. I have read, seen, and heard more mudslinging in this election by people who call themselves Christians than I care to write about. Frankly, it makes me sick!

I wonder why we are so focused on political crisis, and if we should be focused on a crisis of faith? Perhaps, if we focus on politics, we really don't have to look at it through our lens of Christian faith. BUT - the ancient church always encouraged people to let their faith inform their politics. In fact, their faith was a political movement. We don't have a political crisis these days; we have a crisis of faith.

I have been wondering if I'm in a crisis of faith as we move ever closer toward election day. More slinging of mud, polarization and other painful unChristian behavior is on the horizon - and I wonder if people really practice their faith anymore, or if they only practice their political ideologies. That is, until Friday. I took my children to Steak-n-Shake after school, as a treat. We ordered milkshakes (half-price during happy hour!), fries, and onion rings. We were in the middle of enjoying our snack when the manager came over and said, "This woman just paid for your meal." I didn't have time to see her (she left the restaurant already), but written on our swapped-out ticket was a note from the woman - "Have a fun day! - Nancy". This woman saw that we were out as a family, and getting ready to go to the Homecoming game, and showed us an act of Christian love. And I was grateful - not just because we got a gift of a free meal, but also (and more importantly) because I got to see a glimpse of Christian faith in action. In the midst of Christians not acting and talking like Christians, there are still some that practice their faith in word and deed. I am hopeful that our faith will win over our ideologies someday.