Should we ever stand up for anything?

I am not a political person. I don't have the stomach for it. But every now and then I hear something on either side of the political spectrum that causes me to pause as a theologian and clergyman.

So far, both O'Bama and Biden have made it clear that, while they believe life does start at conception, it is "beyond their pay-grade" to protect that life. In other words, they believe it, but not enough to do anything about it.

This is the biggest bunch of bull I have ever heard, and it is statements like this from all politicians (especially in the BS--LCMS--that is, "Beloved Synod" LCMS) that make me want to vomit. How can anyone with two brain cells say that they believe that life begins at conception and then turn around and say that they cannot impose that belief on others by trying to protect what they say is life?? You either believe it is the beginning of life and therefore should be protected as all life should or you don't believe life begins at conception and is therefore open for termination (death) for the betterment of those who are "living." The saddest part is that the retarded Evangelical/Fundamental vote swallows this reasoning hook, line and sinker.

As the Church Lady would say: "Well now, isn't that special?"

His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways

In preparation for this Sunday's sermon (Pentecost 19/St. Matthew), I found these words from Bo Giertz especially powerful and important. I'm sure St. Matthew, tax-collector and sinner, would have been brought to near tears when he first heard his blessed Lord tell the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. What comfort he must have always found in that teaching.

By nature we are all Pharisees. That is, we tend to be legalistic
self-righteous snobs. We know when we shine brightly, and we like to
remember our shining moments. We think people ought to recognize us for
these shining moments and are offended if they don't. We think it's unfair
if others, who have done much less, are given preference over us. And
since God is to be the final judge, we feel that He, if anyone, should judge us
fairly, according to our merits and skillfulness.

But God doesn't do that. For our sakes, it's good that He doesn't do
that. If He did, judgment wouldn't be in our favor at all.

Bo Giertz, To Live with Christ, CPH, 2008.
From Septuagesima, Matthew 20:1-16.