Of Civil and Spiritual Disobedience

From the birth of the Church to the present, it seems as though we haven't learned our lesson. It is true that when we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat needless mistakes. It is appalling to witness the atrocities and folly done all in the name of God. Once again we are witness to such frivolity and drivel, the mantras of "Gloria resign" that are being thoughlessly chanted in the streets. (This is no indication as to whether I favor President Gloria Arroyo's performance or not.) Once again I aim my disappointments at Christians.

Although I respect the opinions of others vis a vis their position on whether the President should resign or stay in power, I am also not blind to the scandal that is presently hovering over the President and her relatives. Needless to say, this needs to be addressed at the soonest possible time. Trial by media is clearly not the biblical nor democratic procedure for such matters. The President, for her sake and the country's, must face the allegations of fraud and corruption head on with swiftness. The other alternative is resignation.

However, what I find alarming is how Christians publicly cry for the President's resignation. I recall David of Holy Writ, in the presence of then King Saul, wicked to be sure, stayed his hand of execution nonetheless on not one but two ocassions.
Despite repeated encouragements from his servant that this was indeed a God-given opportunity to oust a wicked and corrupt king, David simply replied, "I will not touch the anointed of the Lord." He was so convicted by God when he but snipped a piece of the monarch's clothing while the latter lay asleep. If God dealt with David such how can we, even in our wildest imaginations, condone "Christian" protests (if there can even be such a thing)? How can the church leaders, both Protestant and Catholic, justify deviating from the Word of God and still think their actions righteous? Has the Church lost the ability to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Must the Church utilize worldly means to effect spiritual change? Has the Church forgotten that Christ commands that we not conform to the patterns and customs of this world? Has she lost her ability to win her battles on bended knees?

I am aware that faith without its corresponding action is dead. But we also need to be aware that carnality is not a reasonable course of action to one's faith. One Christian leader once declared that "in the absence of revelation, common sense will do." It is precisely this paradigm that has plunged ancient Israel into trouble and eventual captivity. Must we await the same fate before we rouse ourselves from our spiritual stupor?

I am left with only two possible options to rationalize some of our brethren's actions. The first is outright rebellion. The Bible condemns rebellion of any kind. It calls for a humble submission to the king of the land and to continually lift him (or her) up in prayer that there may be peace in the land, for ALL authority is established of God. The other alternative is deception through ignorance of the Word of God. Frankly, I don't know which is worse. God's people perish for lack of knowledge.

What then are our options? Do we cry for the ouster of our spiritual leaders? Heavens, no! We would be just as guilty as they. The only Scriptural response is to fall on our knees and cry out to God for mercy. Let God be the one to deal with our leaders. It is not for us to take action against them. Let us not make the mistake of touching the anointed of the Lord. If God cannot deal with them, then perhaps we are serving the wrong God. I am calling the Church to an unconditional but sober (not blind) submission to our leaders - spiritual and political.

Do I sound like I'm contradicting myself? I hope not. I only wish to bring to light some actions which I believe are not congruent with the Holy Scriptures. May the Lord have mercy on us all.