The term election year is a misnomer. Although we elect a president every 4 years we have the opportunity to vote on something every year. So since every year is an election year, and this one is shaping up to be as contentious as ever, I have not been able to stop thinking about a sermon I heard at church a few weeks ago. Don’t close this without reading because I mentioned politics. I won’t be choosing sides or stomping on anyone’s toes but my own.
This is the passage I want to emphasize today:
“Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs [a]according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7 NASB
The first thing in this sermon to prick my conscience was this question: “When was the last time you prayed a meaningful prayer for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the Supreme Court, military leaders, congressmen, the governor?” Ouch. My honest confession today is that I complain about our political leaders much more than I pray for them. Probably 10 to 1 or more. And this can’t be. Especially in an “election year”.
In light of that, contemplate this next statement with me. “When Christians become political, sinners become the enemy and not the mission field.” Let’s break this down.
- Does this mean that Christians should not be involved in politics? No. We need believers in Jesus Christ who will get out and vote their conscience, no matter what is on the ballot. And we must have genuine people who will put Christ first willing to run for office – from school board to the highest position in the land.
- Does this mean that everyone who disagrees with us is not Christian? That is a big, hard no. Even if they disagree on something we hold a strong moral stance on. It could just mean that they have a different life experience and, therefore, a different point of view. It may also mean they are looking at the candidate or party as a whole – disagreeing with somethings, but agreeing with others. You know what they say about assuming…
- When we constantly view those who hold opposing political views as enemies, we cease to see them as people made in God’s image. We should never care more about someone’s stance then we do their soul. Loving like Jesus does not mean voting for one party of the other. Especially when so many of us feel politically homeless in our current climate.
My prayer is that we would all approach politics with not only compassion, but humility. There is no side that is right on every single issue. And none of us has it all figured out. Taylor Swift was not the first person to point the finger at herself as the problem. In 1905, G.K. Chesterton wrote in a letter to the editor of the Daily News, “What’s wrong with the world today? I am.” And I think I might just need to reread Titus 3:1-7 every day until I can remember that.
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prime – (adj) 1. of first importance; main