We like to think it exists (and in reality, it still does), but what we really mean is this:

“I believe in your right to speak freely as long as it agrees one hundred percent with me. If it does not, I will have your job, or your company, or your product… or something to show how shameful it is that you disagree with me.”

Put any label on it you like. We all have this tendency in this environment.

To not be 100 percent in lock step with any “side” costs.

We get this in the world. Unfortunately, we get this in the church. It is poison.

It is expected in the world. It has become shameful in the Church.

Dear God, we enter Holy Week without an ear to hear our King. We are all entrenched in our views of who we think you are, or should be, and demand that narrow view of absolutely everyone else or we are too willing to cast them into outer darkness.

Help us remember, Lord, that YOU are King and it is YOUR Kingdom. We can truly find our unity in you… if we will just lay down our pride and follow you.

You rode into Jerusalem in your way, not in the way others expected. You went after the religious powers that day in the Temple, not the political powers of the empire. You called in the margins while the religious groused about it.

Come, King Jesus. We must submit to your reign. We are not allowed to “elect” you “president.” We are to bow before you as King.

Live, Eternal One. Reign!