It is so easy to assume God is on our side—nations do it, political parties do it, religions and even denominations do it. But it is a mistake to consider God our own possession and champion of our particular cause. Immanuel—“God is with us!”—is indeed true; but often times we are not with Him. Jesus, like Moses before him, warns his disciples against believing they control access to the power of God and need to police who receives the Spirit and who doesn’t. It is a far better ideal to follow James’ advice regarding prayer: simply trust and receive. Jesus implores us, “Be at peace with one another.” True salt of the earth advice.