On a Majority of One

majority: More than half (50%) of some group. The difference between the winning vote and the rest of the votes.

minority: Any subgroup that does not form a numerical majority

The little ragamuffin--all of eight or nine years old--stood alone facing the opposition of the world…at least the world as she knew it. She and a classmate were involved in a disagreement during recess on the playground of the tiny country grade school she attended. An invisible line was drawn and sides formed as fellow students joined in and stood in support of the one they felt was in the right. While it wasn’t a David and Goliath moment, there was no one on her side as hostility spewed from the mouths of those who became judge and jury. In frustration, she picked up a fir cone from the ground and threw it at her adversary. Widely missing its mark, the action prompted ridicule and even more heated comments. Mercy intervened when the bell rang, signaling the end of recess and time to return to the classroom.

Even the most casual of observers would have noted I was in the minority, not the majority.

A client and I had a conversation recently about those in our country who are part of a racial minority, particularly African-Americans. She expressed some of the inequities faced, the injustices meted out based solely on skin color. We agreed that neither of us have had similar experiences.   

“I am part of a minority,” I stated. It wasn’t something I intended to say. I have made it a policy not to discuss politics or religion with my clients in the eighteen years I’ve had my gardening business, but there it was. The incredulous expression on her face was one of speechlessness as she tried to comprehend the comment.

I weighed my words carefully, wanting to make certain she understood me. “I am a person of faith. We are a minority in this country.” I went on to explain I wasn’t talking about being religious or attending church. Being a person of faith means having a relationship with God, our creator. One need only look at the policies of our country where the effort has been made to remove God or any mention of Him from our culture. She was unable to deny it and didn’t try.

Majorities and minorities are a numbers thing. And they translate into power. The more numbers you have, the more power. It is that simple.

The little ragamuffin girl is still a part of who I am. I have always been one who wants to be on the winning side. I suspect I’m not unique. No one wants to be a loser. Recent events would suggest, however, that I am on the losing side. My principles and beliefs as a person of faith will likely be challenged as a result of the recent 2020 Presidential election. There are two ways to live; there are two paths. My way of life and the narrow path I am on is not the popular one.

All things are spiritual. Spiritual warfare began eons ago when Satan challenged God and His sovereignty. Michael and his angels fought him and his followers; Satan came up the loser. There was no place left for him and his angels in heaven as they were cast down to the earth.

Even though victory has already been declared, the battle continues as Satan fights for the hearts and souls of humankind. All things are spiritual. Pride does come before a fall.

If I look at the numbers it would appear I am in the minority in these times. But I’m not. I stand with God; He stands with me. He is a majority of one.

 

“What then shall we say to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31