Dear Friends,
As we were leaving the house this morning, Bonnie directed my attention to a political sign our next-door neighbor had posted in his front window. I must confess my initial reaction was to be offended — my neighbor had threatened a peace that had been fostered by a willingness on the part of both families to eschew discussions about “all things” political. Of course, the Holy Spirit short-circuited my feelings by bringing to my mind Colossians 3:13 (NLT): Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
As Bonnie and I discussed the sign, we agreed our neighbors had the right to post whatever they wished, consistent with the by-laws of the community. The fact that they have political views that are 180 degrees out of phase with ours is irrelevant. Above all else, they are our brother and sister in Christ.
Later, as I thought about the sign, I realized that my reaction to the sign was symptomatic of a breakdown in the American political process. Bonnie and I have been political wonks who readily talk politics with family members or friends who enjoy honest debate. I have also written letters to the editor and exchanged views on Twitter when I felt I could make salient points.
But things have changed. There seems to be no limit to the verbal violence that will be deployed if you dare to be outspoken. A political bumper sticker can be an open invitation to get one’s car keyed, and if you dare to attend a political event, you can’t be certain you will not be attacked by members of some extremist group.
As Christians, we struggle to know how we can stay engaged in the political process and still follow Romans 12:18 (NIV): If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Based on what we see on television and hear on the radio, we also wonder how any Christian representatives can survive the corrosive environment inside the D.C. beltway.
As the rhetoric becomes more heated and politician push “hot buttons” to stoke our fears, we find it increasingly more difficult to know who and what to believe. Our need is not to be right or wrong; our need is to discern the truth.
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5
I’m not a fan of the Message Bible, but this interpretation of 1 Peter 2:17 offers guidance on how we can meet our obligations as citizens while remaining true to our core beliefs.
1 Peter 2:17 The Message (MSG)
13-17 Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
By the way, on my way out I noticed my neighbor had taken down the sign. Maybe the Holy Spirit spoke to him too.
Scripture for the Week: Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 