Target targets Salvation Army

By now most of you have probably seen the news and recoiled in horror -- the department store chain Target has refused to allow Salvation Army bellringers to take up posts outside their stores this year.  Other stores have followed Target's lead and banned the Salvation Army as well.

 

Oh, the horror!  Oh, the outrage!  You've seen it in the news.  You've heard it from conservative and evangelical talk shows and news sites.  The Christian nation is in an uproar.  This was the final straw in the relentless attack on traditional Christianity in what is our second-most holy holiday (please don't ask what the first-most holy holiday is -- you should know!).  News releases by major Christian organizations.  Messages from pastors.  News reports decrying this attack.

 

Now, here's the real question.  What are YOU doing about it?  Are you joining the throng complaining to God and all?  If so, why?  Didn't Jesus tell us to expect persecution?  Didn't Jesus tell us to expect the world to hate us and to not understand us?  But, what did He tell us to do in response?  Did He say send angry e-mails to Target?  Did he say write letters to our local papers?  Did He tell us to boycott those stores and those people who disagree with our message.  No.  He told us to love those who persecute us and to show love in all our responses.

 

Now, I'm not saying that we should rush out in a Christian love-fest and make all our Christmas purchases from Target and other stores that are discriminating against the Salvation Army.  But, there is something we can do in a more tangible way.  We can channel all of our energy, all of our anger, at helping the Salvation Army in their mission.  We can make a better statement to Target and the other stores by writing checks instead of e-mails and making up the difference in funds that the Salvation Army would have received from bell-ringers at Target.

 

If you are angry about the situation, then make a difference.  Ask your friends and family for donations for the Salvation Army.  And send them a check, along with a note telling them that you are sending this because of the persecution they have endured from Target and the other stores.  Better yet, make a donation in Target's name and send Target a note telling them that you have made a donation to the Salvation Army on their behalf.  Perhaps an outpouring of generosity, rather than angry e-mails and letters, will have a greater impact on the controversy than any other thing we can do.

 

Remember, we are called to be salt in this world.  Salt can be used in two ways.  It can season and add flavor to an otherwise bland dish.  Or, it can be rubbed into a wound to irritate and cause further pain.  Which use of salt do you think Christ was referring to in His Word?  Your actions will determine your saltiness this Christmas season.