By Carol Harper
The situation with Foundations for Nations and the Northern Arapaho Tribe has escalated to the point of national and world news attention. With it, division has occured widely; people are taking sides, having arguments and debates on social media.
My view? Sarah Lucas and Foundations for Nations should have genuinely apologized. Because that's what Jesus said to do in his Sermon on the Mount:
"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5: 23-24
I recently made a statement on MMIP Wind River about my experiences with Foundations for Nations. My biggest concerns have been for the members of this church, but most especially, the children and youth. They are our future. They are watching us. They should not be used as pawns in this situation, nor abused physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually! But unfortunately it is a strategy with tactics that have been used for centuries.
"Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves." Luke 17: 1-4
Sarah should have apologized instead of digging her heels in. I don't know what "Jesus" she's following and worshipping, but it is obvious that it's not the one in the Gospels. And with false christs and false prophets rampantly sermoning everywhere, it can get to the point where most might be thinking: "Would the real Jesus please stand up?"
Today I was led to the Gospels to the following parable:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
As churches and pastors may exalt themselves and everything they've done in the limelight...and even in this situation, where Foundations for Nations is so focused on their Constitutional rights, rallying stockholders and Christian nationalists to stand with them, Bibles in hand...there is a Greater Law that is revealed in this simple parable.
The real Jesus doesn't care about anything you've done "to be seen by men". Anything. So if your heart is more about "look at everything we've done" with the Jesus you've created with your many words, you are compelling your followers and congregrations to believe in a false christ.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Matthew 6:1-8
Maybe everyone should all take a step back and ask: Who are the real "heathens"?
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