Partial Shutdown

A portion of the U.S. federal government—this time the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—is facing the prospect of a shutdown yet again. The current deadline of February 13 was established when most of the government was funded for the remainder of the fiscal year (through the end of September), but funding for the DHS was only granted a short-term extension. Most of the difficulty in funding the DHS stems from the political dispute over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is housed at DHS and has been at the center of several controversial moments—most notably the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at protests in Minneapolis, MN. 

Analysis and eternal perspective: How many times is this now? None of us should be surprised, as this is now standard operating procedure for funding (or not funding) the government.

In this current situation, if a funding deal is not reached in time, DHS would technically shutdown, but in reality most of its visible operations would continue but those serving would not be paid until the funding dispute is resolved.

We as The Equipped community will restrain ourselves to two observations—one policy focused and the other internally focused.

First, on policy, it should be crystal clear by now to voters of every imaginable political stripe that the current course is not doing anyone any favors. Shutdown politics works in the favor of exactly one segment of society, and that is the political class. It harms both conservative and progressive voters, and it renders programs you both support and oppose less effective. There is a far better way, and it is the way every business that survives operates—according to a budget.

Next, let’s take a personal temperature check. The situation in Minnesota and the broader issue of ICE deployment hangs rather palpably over all of American society and culture. Views and feelings are strong and passionately held. In many ways, that is consistent with how a democratic republic like America’s is supposed to work—free, passionate, and sometimes messy debate and disagreement.

But how are you doing in the midst of it? Regardless of where you land on the merits of the debate, do you feel loved by your neighbor who sees it differently? Do you feel love for your neighbor who sees it differently?

God’s precious Word is so very clear on this point. It is both good for us to sharpen each other on the issues of the day (Pr. 27:17) and required that we love one another even in the midst of disagreements that seem to make use enemies (Matt. 5:44).

So how are you? What does an honest look in the mirror of your heart reveal? This is anything but an exercise of condemnation. In fact, it is permission to throw off the shackles of division that mark our time! Yes, Truth is, always has been, and always will be, at odds with evil. Yes, you are called to stand for Truth. But what a beautiful and liberating reality that your unity with God and Truth does the opposite of make you enemies with your neighbor. In fact, your almighty God instructs that your love for Him be walked out through love for your neighbor (Matt. 22:34-40)!

These are divided times! But you, my friend, can be free of the division!