10 “commandments”

With the Iowa caucuses now past, and this year's election well underway, we can certainly expect much division between the various parties and perspectives around us and in us.  There will be vile and perhaps violent words and actions that will be committed in promoting one's side.

We in the church, though we have our take on these matters, perhaps informed by God's Word, must not allow ourselves to be taken in by the demonic party spirit that seeks to capture us.  As a guide to our prayerful behavior, I commend the ten "commandments" which came out of the Birmingham AL Civil Rights Movement.  In the early 60s, Birmingham was described as the most segregated city in America.  When blacks in the city began to call for their civil rights, 50 of their homes were bombed, such that the city was called "Bombingham".  Out of this situation, the Movement, and this document, were born in 1963.

“I hereby pledge myself—my person and body—to the nonviolent movement, and therefore I will keep the following ten commandments!” 

1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus. 

2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation—not victory. 

3. WALK and TALK in the manner of love, for God is love. 

4. PRAY daily to be used by God in order that all might be free. 

5. SACRIFICE personal wishes in order that all might be free. 

6. OBSERVE with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy. 

7. SEEK to perform regular service for others and for the world. 

8. REFRAIN from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart. 

9. STRIVE to be in good spiritual and bodily health. 

10. FOLLOW the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration

May God give us Grace in these days to follow the Directions of The Holy Spirit and The Captain of our salvation, such that we demonstrate His Truth and Mercy which, in Christ Jesus, have kissed each other.