Free Will, Not Coercion, Works Best For The Citizenry & For Christ

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(42) Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. (43) Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. (45) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”’ (Mark 10:42-45);  ‘(2) Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; (3) not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.’ (1 Peter 5:2-3)

As we find ourselves today, there are many who want us to go in a certain direction, pulling us toward something to go somewhere that we know is not good. It could be a relationship, a job, or our political leaders that is taking us on a wrong path. Oppression, in one sense, is being on that wrong path and not being allowed to get off of it, like being a dog pulled on a leash; we know we don’t want to be walking into a disaster, but the person or people leading us insist on dragging us down with them.

Jesus, during His time performing His Earthly ministry, experienced the heavy hand of oppression, from the Romans and from the Pharisees.  The Romans were perhaps more civil than the previous tyrants of prior history to that point, but they still were draconian in their treatment of their subjugates, and the punishments dished out over dissent of any fashion against the empire.  The Pharisees and to a lesser degree the Sadducees were also very strict when it came to following Levitical Law and Jewish doctrines, and enforced their tyranny either through ‘exile’ or by turning over those who would ‘upset the apple cart’ (as Jesus was doing) to the Romans to dish out their punishment. 

The authorities, both governmental and religious, had great control over the people, and tried to dictate what they thought, in some cases where they could go, what they could do, and how to worship.  Some of those in leadership positions would dictate policies and regulations not based on the good of the people but what was good for themselves, in terms of profit, prestige, and power.  As Jesus mentioned, the Pharisees often wanted to be seen, not as shepherds of their flocks but as ‘rock stars’, who deserved the best because they believed by being Levitical priests, they were the best, better than the ‘common’ Jew, and had their order upside down in that they felt the people were there for them, not the other way around. 

But Jesus’ teachings and example showed another type of leader, one that taught and demonstrated that it is best to ‘lead by example’, and lead by helping others.  Jesus’ example of freely allowing His people to worship Him provides that they are doing so of free will, without coercion can only one be a true follower.  Coercing someone to do what you want them to do is form of captivity, forced compliance is not true compliance but a form of slavery.  God does not want to coerce but instead desires to convince people to follow Him freely. 

The best way to convince someone of sincere motives is to show care and love, to demonstrate that people will do things willingly that are otherwise unwelcoming or bitter, and suffer pain or humiliation to do so.  People justifiably will fight against tyranny’s orders, while willing lay their lives down for the cause of Christ; as tyranny attempts to coerce people to do unjust actions, but Jesus convinces people to do righteous actions freely.

Regardless of what occurs in the near future, whether we suffer in the hands of tyranny or be graced with Jesus’ peace, follow Jesus.  Be meek but not weak, and do not fear as the Lord is with you; speak up and stand up to tyranny and support those politicians and leaders who are against it, and do so for Jesus by your fellowship, prayers, and Scriptural studies.  Be eager to serve Him, and set the example as Jesus has done.