Protest and rallies are not new.  They are part of the American fabric.  Even before our nation was formed as an independent country, some protests were done in very dramatic fashion.

In 1775 the western portion of Pennsylvania was controlled by the French and Indians.  The British attempted to conquer the French Fort Duquesne (modern Pittsburg) and were soundly defeated, leaving the western frontier of that state open to attack by both the French and Indians.

Shortly after the British defeat, more than 400 white settlers were slaughtered and scalped in Pennsylvania.  Benjamin Franklin urged the creation of a state militia to protect the settlers, but his plea was ignored until the bodies of those dead settlers were brought by wagon to Philadelphia and dumped on the steps of the statehouse.  Two days later, the militia was approved.

I’d call that a dramatic protest.

Like many of you I am troubled by the tactics of some who protest in modern America.  Yet I’m reminded that America is strong and has survived much in her past.  Democracy is messy – always has been and always will be.

As followers of Christ, let us control our own actions and respond to events as ambassadors of Christ.  Let us practice Paul’s instructions in Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

As long as there is an America, there will be dramatic protests and events that trouble us.  Even so, let us always remember who we are.  We are followers of Christ!

Pastor Steve Hogg