The story about the illegal alien living in a United Methodist Church in Chicago in order to stop her from being deported has gotten me to think: what if this happened here at Saint Matthew’s?

It is not out of the question, by any means. Our county has many illegal aliens living within its borders. Think about the scenario — a person comes to the church asking for sanctuary because they are facing deportation for being in the country illegally. And this person has a son, born in America. What is the church to do? Cover the person as some political prisoner, like what is happening in Chicago?

Or do we preach to the person the necessity of being a loving member of the family of God, one who is redeemed by the blood of Christ, and who must follow the law the government has set down for our well-being. Saint Paul exhorts all Christians in Romans to be fearful of the government because they have the sword of God for a reason.

Breaking the secular law is a no-no, to God and to the country. We cannot as a church promote law breaking as a way to an ends. If some church doesn’t like the nation’s immigration laws, I say the church should get back to work. Christ’s church is not a political entity; it is the sanctuary of God where His people receive His gifts for the forgiveness of sins. The church is where the lost come to receive direction by the Word of God. This is a place where God gives His people the strength to go out into the world and live lives as faithful people.

And part of that is to “take your punishment” when you break the law.