Mass media and social media are overflowing with emotions surrounding the decision of the Supreme Court. Visceral feelings are bleeding from all sides, blood pressures are rising, and voices are screaming for the last word. In a battle of feelings, everyone is armed and dangerous. It appears that few will emerge without wounds.
As I've read the quotes and comments, it seems to me that the underlying question is who or what has ultimate authority over our lives?
For many, individual feelings have ultimate authority. This is not news. It is not even modern history. It is human nature and has always been so. It is not an exceptional experience of any minority. It is everyone's experience. Feeling rise from deep within us, competing for authority in every life. Many choose to follow this personal authority and, understandably, defend the authority of others' feelings.
For some, majority is authority. That majority may be sitting Supreme Court Justices, a plurality of referendum voters, friends, or family. Democracy is the compass used to navigate life's choices.
For others, might makes right. Physical strength, weapon sophistication, financial resources, or sheer intimidation carry authority.
Still others choose to follow an external moral standard. They seek to subjugate personal feelings, ignore peer pressure, and stand against powerful opposition. I say "seek to" because all fall short.
All. Fall. Short.
I am not surprised when people whose ultimate authority stands on different foundations disagree. I am not surprised when people question my trust in the Bible as my ultimate moral standard. I am not surprised when people conclude that portions of the Bible which contradict individual feelings, democracy, or power, are obsolete or not authoritative. I expect these disagreements.
I am not surprised when people judge my character based on my commitment to Biblical authority. If I speak or act in hateful ways, I see that hatred condemned in the Bible before it is condemned by anyone around me. If I see people from an ungodly perspective, I need to move closer to God so that I see them as He does. But if my words or actions are criticized or rejected because they respect Biblical authority, I am prepared to accept it. The Author has also been rejected.
I understand the great attraction of feelings, agreement, and power as authorities. At my stage of life, I am increasingly aware that my life and legacy will be judged by the generations that follow. My daughters and sons-in-love are raising my grandsons in a culture that is far distant from the one in which Jan and I were raised. I expect that this blog will be lost in the blizzard of posts that will accumulate before my grandsons can consider my counsel directly. So today I offer a word of encouragement to my daughters and sons-in-love.
After the feelings fade, the arguments are won and lost, the majority shifts in yet another direction, and the powers rise and fall, we will each answer to the ultimate Authority. You already know this. Simply speak and act each day and teach your sons with Him in mind. His Word is trustworthy, and ultimately we all depend upon His grace and forgiveness.
