Pandemic, Politics, and Perspective

​Infection.
Injustice.
Impeachment.
Insurrections.

Friends, what are we to do? Please read, it’s lengthy but worthwhile. Remember the One who is really in charge!

(adapted from letter of fellow pastoral colleague)
I pen this letter in a time of cultural turmoil.  The people of our nation are angry and divided.  More than 150 years ago, as the dark clouds of civil war began to gather on the horizon, Abraham Lincoln warned a nation of angry people that a house divided against itself cannot stand.  This Biblical principle stands today.  

The genius of our nation’s founding is proclaimed in its motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—“Out of Many, One.”  Gathered on our shores are peoples of different origins, different trades, different creeds, different colors, different dreams.  The social experiment called “The United States of America” was designed to offer all people the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.  We don’t seem very happy these days.  We have lost the sense of “oneness,” as we prefer to identify ourselves with the people who look like us, sound like us, think like us and agree with us. When we come across those that differ from our worldview, we shut them out, slam the door, and ostracize them. Our divide grows wider, deeper and more dangerous.

The intent of this letter is not to share with you my personal opinions and political views, but to express what Christians, are called to do as members of this society.  Those of us who are Christians, who are in the world but not of the world, must first and foremost identify ourselves as followers of  Jesus—disciples of the Savior. Recall these words from the Apostle Paul, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” (3:20-21)  We are alien residents here on earth; but we dare not shy away from having an impact or bearing fruit. We are dedicated to the principles of His Word and are

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called to make a difference in this dark world.  To this end we must:

1. Be Penitent:  How easy it is for us to point fingers and blame others for a broken culture?  Jesus reminds us to take the log out of our own eye before we begin to remove the specks from the eyes of others. Last time I checked, I am not nearly as perfect as I would like to be. We must stand before the Lord and confess our own brokenness—our selfishness, arrogance and lack of concern for others.
2. Be Prayerful:  Rather than taking our opinions to social media, we should take our hearts to the Lord in prayer.  We must pray for those who have the responsibility of governing us, even (or especially) if we don’t agree with them.  We must ask the Lord to give those who govern wisdom to follow His way and a love that seeks to reach across the aisle and seek the good of the nation.  Malicious attitudes must give way to mutual care for one another, which produces peace and unity.
3. Be Proactive:  Too often we are reactive people.  Proactive people listen before they speak, seeking to better understand those who have differing opinions.  They think before they speak, asking themselves if what they have to say will be constructive or destructive.  “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)
4. Be Productive:  Remember that those who don’t agree with you are fellow citizens of the community and members of God’s creation. Don't be a jerk. Each person should be offered the freedom of speech with the responsibility of using that freedom to build up and not tear down.  Rather than slogans that separate, we must live under the banner of Jesus’ love.  Rather than raising our voice in vengeance, we are called to whisper the peace of God. 

I have become frustrated over petty politics and vindictive responses. Assumptions abound and damning claims are made. The vitriol and discord is hard to stomach. Our members and friends fill up their social media timelines with nasty accusations and horrible insults. No side of the proverbial political aisle is faultless. By actions and in words, Christians everywhere no longer look or sound any different from an immoral, pagan culture. We claim allegiance to Jesus, but then bow down at the man-made altars of political gods and goddesses. God cannot and should not be hitched to any worldly, political movement or agenda. Ever. The Savior of this nation does not and will not reside in the White House; instead He alone sits enthroned in Heaven. “Jesus Christ, who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” (1 Timothy 6:15)  Stop looking to the creation and return your gaze to the Creator.

We’ve become combative instead of compassionate. We’ve become judgmental instead of gentle. We’ve become hateful instead of helpful and shallow instead of sensitive. We confess the Christian faith, but then hurl slander and accusations with great ease and with no remorse. It is scary what gets us riled up and moves us to action; if only the Mission of God had this same impact to mobilize us. Do we still hear the words of Jesus? “Love God… Love your neighbor… Do unto others…”

I am exasperated by violence and disregard for person and property.  I am saddened that we have chosen sides and drawn lines in the sand.  I have made a pledge to limit the invasion of the 24 hour news cycle in my life and use my time and energy to help others. To tune into God’s voice, I must intentionally tune out the world’s noise. I am praying for my government officials—all of them.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to give them the wisdom that comes by faith in Jesus.  I’m praying for the ability to engage my brain before I engage my mouth.  I’m praying for peace in my mind and for love in my heart.  Will you join me? Time for us to be the salt and light difference makers Jesus calls us to be, to embrace the desire and the drive to live a life that reflects the love and light of Jesus.  Let’s be the difference this world needs.

Perspective.
Church, let us all do better, be better, and pray harder.