We did not have to squint or wear spectacles to sight this top-of-the-front-page Chicago Tribune headline on Christmas, "Tithing in Reverse." If something in the world is going the wrong way, putting or viewing it in reverse can be a good option. This story was an instance.

While our government squabbles over the "sequestration" of some $85 billion and over who is to blame, it may help if we would raise our view just a bit higher. Perhaps the deadlock in Washington has become so severe that nothing short of divine intervention will help at this point.

A recent poll showed that Americans plan to spend more this Christmas season on consumer gifts than they did last year, but give less to charities and ministries that help the poor. But rather than just being judgmental, let's do something about it.

Evangelicals have to move our focus away from right wing politics and begin focusing on mission. When I say mission, I don't mean saving souls so much as pursuing the kingdom of God.

No modern presidential candidate has made a show of his church donations in the way Mitt Romney has made a show of his Mormon tithing. But his donations say nothing about his worthiness to hold public office, let alone his goodness.