beyond a horizontal perspective

With God we shall do valiantly;

it is he who will tread down our foes.

Psalm 108:13

I’m not a fan of the culture war metaphor. When I hear Christians use it, it is always in the context of losing. And it is often in the language of politics. It just seems to me that two things ought to be remembered: 1) we aren’t to use natural means to engage our culture with the gospel. 2) God never loses. That is impossible for an Almighty God! Politicians lose, Ideas lose. Human pursuits have winners and losers. God is absolutely sovereign. Whatever we see happening in our culture, it is NOT God that is losing!

Psalm 108 is a song for those who don’t like to lose. It may have been sung to commemorate past deliverances in Israel. It may have been sung before entering into battle. David, the warrior king, is its author. The song focuses on a faithful God (Psalm 108:1-5) Who has promised to care for His people (Psalm 108:6-7) and controls the fate of all the nations of the world (Psalm 108:8-9). It concludes with a future hope that reject’s human power to win out (Psalm 108:12) but instead trusts God to always do His will in future victory (Psalm 108:10-13). And in the end God wins and defeats all who dare to oppose Him.

It is easy to have a low, horizontal perspective on our lives. And if we are stuck there, all we will see will let us down. Christian counter-culture? ...an idolatrous painted lady. Political activism? ... a disappointing practice when Christianity is marginalized. Religious nationalism? ...a rejection of the kingdom perspective of the gospel vision of one Body of Christ united around the world from every tribe, language, and nation.

Instead, we need to look Godward with a vertical vision. The vision that should bring hope to God’s people right now is the same one David held in this psalm: Only through a sovereign, powerful, saving God will we bravely carry on. Only God will win out over evil. And we must focus on trusting His power, His plan, and His timing.