When this 2012 election season began, I made a vow to myself and (silently) to all of my Facebook friends and Twitter followers that I would not post anything political on my social media accounts. I am not ashamed of what I believe, nor am I hesitant to talk about it - but I just don't find that it's productive to talk about it on Facebook or Twitter.
I'm actually quite interested in politics, and I find this election season riveting. My dad was a public servant when I was growing up, and politics was always something that we bonded over. In college, I received a minor in political science because I find it so fascinating.
But - and this is a big "but" - I believe that it is MOST important to serve the King of the universe. That's why I'm approaching this subject very sensitively and from a non-(politically)-biased view. I believe that as God's church, it is our responsibility to follow Romans 13:
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." - Romans 13:1-2
I have found a blog post from a church that I respect very much. I truly believe that the message of this post should reach each believer. While the future of our country is very important, so is our eternity with God - therefore we should continue to strive to be Christ-like, even during election season. Everyone has their own beliefs, and everyone wants to defend their beliefs because they believe their beliefs are right - otherwise they'd believe a different belief (did you follow that?). So anyway, without further adieu, here it goes:
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(I have added the bold inflections myself)
It’s an election year, and unless you live in a shoe, you have been on the receiving end of both parties’ tireless efforts at courting your vote. With all the mudslinging, name calling and hot-button issues, it can be difficult, as believers, to know how we’re supposed to think about the dogfight that has become this year’s presidential race.
As we consider the issues and candidates and talk about them with friends, co-workers and neighbors, let’s try to think Christianly about presidential politics.
- Pledge your allegiance to Jesus. Our ultimate
allegiance is pledged, not to a nation, government or political leader,
but to the one true King and His kingdom – Jesus Christ. As believers
ransomed from sin and death, our loyalties belong to Him. He is not
interested in sharing our allegiance or affection.
- Trust God’s ultimate authority. Because we trust
God as the sovereign and good Ruler of all things, we can be set free
from the fear that our fate rests in the hands of lawmakers, lobbyists,
justices or politicians. Our ultimate hope is not in men or the
decisions they make – it’s in the reality that Christ defeated sin and
death on the cross and purchased newness of life for all who believe.
And He is coming again – soon, by God’s grace – to establish peace and
justice on the earth forever.
- Be aware. Even if you hate politics or feel
intimidated to talk about it, do your best to be informed. Watch the
news, listen to NPR, read a news website, follow BBC World News on
Twitter (@BBCWorld)
– something. It does not speak well of the gospel for believers to be
completely ignorant of and apathetic to what is happening in the world.
Keep in mind that most news outlets are pushing an agenda, so you will
have to do some work to get a fair and balanced take on things.
- Be involved. As the salt and light of the world, we
ought to steward the liberties we’ve been given for the glory of God
and the good of all people. We live in a democracy where our voice
matters and our vote has the ability to influence important decisions.
That is an incredible grace. Allegiance to King and kingdom does not
mean we disengage from the world around us but rather lean into it and
push back the darkness.
- Remember that blood is thicker than politics.
Tether yourself tightly to the law of love as you talk with others about
potentially divisive issues. Especially in your conversations with
other believers, remember that we are bound by blood, and that bond is
stronger and more important than our views on healthcare, education,
whether the United States should play nice or get tough with China,
whose fiscal policy we favor or which candidate has the best hair.
- Point people to the hope of the gospel. Our nation faces numerous challenges in the days to come, regardless of whether the White House is red or blue. Times are tough, and people facing hardship and despair need to hear the hope of the gospel and the love of a heavenly Father who provides and protects. Look for opportunities in this political season to talk about the hope and peace through Christ that cannot be crushed or stolen by circumstance.
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This post is from The Village Church in the Dallas, TX area. It was written by Anne Lincoln Holibaugh. If you would like to see this original post from October 4, 2012, please click here. The original post also links to the different political ideologies that are being represented in this election. If you would like to read about those, please visit the link of the original post and go to the bottom of the page.
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That about does it.
I've blogged to you...
Now you can blogbacktome
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