And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 13:8
Several times over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself in conversation with others about ICE, immigration, and politics. The conversations have been somewhat intense, with passionate feelings expressed on both sides. When I speak with someone who sees things as I do, we passionately agree. When I speak with someone who sees things differently, we passionately disagree. It’s a difficult issue that inspires passionate feelings on both sides. What has surprised me, is that some of the most heated conversations have occurred with other Christians. As followers of Christ, I’d like to think we’re united. But just as it was with Covid-19, Christians are passionately divided on this issue.
What strikes me as sad, is that I’m probably more passionate about agreeing or disagreeing with other Christians about this issue than I am about our shared faith. That which divides us seems to have become more important to me than that which should unite us. As Christians, we should be passionate about seeking and following God, and that passion should drive us to keep our focus on him.
This kind of passion is illustrated in today’s passage. In the story, David led Israel in worshipping and celebrating God. They passionately sought God with all their might. I’m sure they had disagreements about how to run the country, but those who participated in this celebration were all united in focusing on the object of their faith – God.
I often get distracted from the main purpose of faith. Faith is about seeking a relationship with God, following his will above all. As Christians, we should be united in passionate pursuit of God, like the Israelites. Often though, I find myself far more passionate about divisive political issues. The most important thing about my faith though, isn’t my view on ICE, environmentalism, or Covid-19. When I make those issues the most important thing, they become my religion. That which I am most passionate about becomes my god. So, today, I need to focus on God, investing in my relationship with him, because that relationship is the purpose of my faith.