A Ballot Not Cast

“Politics brings out the worst in people – Christians too.” Think about that for a minute. On the eve of the Primary elections, people engaged in discussions, made predictions, and flooded social media with opinion, speculation, and conjecture. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as voters headed out to cast their ballots. “I voted” stickers were donned by those who had proudly exercised their right. Selfies with the coveted sticker proudly displayed abounded on social media, along with profile banners. The spirit of patriotism was alive and well in all fifty states. Christians were not immune to the election or the revelry that accompanied it. I have friends on both sides of the aisle who are passionate about politics, their party, and the future of our nation. In addition to their fervent pursuit of politics, they proudly proclaim their Christianity. As election night played out, I was surprised by the rhetoric they spewed in celebration of their chosen candidate or party’s victory. It was contemptuous, disrespectful, and bordered on hatred. Descending to the depths of childish taunting, many stereotyped and demonized members of the opposing party, likening them to terrorists and dictators. The November elections, in what Americans claim is the greatest nation in the world, were filled with division and disparity. The “us versus them” mentality was pervasive as lines of political demarcation were drawn. While this attitude is certainly not new, what I found surprising and disappointing was the number of self-proclaimed Christians involved in the melee.

            In a sermon delivered many years ago, Dr. James Boice noted that as Christians we are to be concerned about our nation because God placed us here. I agree. However, what many Christians have forgotten, it seems, is they are Christians first, not republicans or democrats. We are called to serve God, not a political party. John 15:19 states, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” When we accept Christ as our savior, he adopts us into his kingdom. We are then set apart from the world. Our behavior should not conform to that of the world. Today, though, the distinction between believers and non-believers has narrowed. The proliferation of technology in the past several decades has wrought a tsunami of worldly influence. Unfortunately many Christians have gotten caught up in the deluge. No longer standing alone, they blend in seamlessly with non-believers. Political attacks, diatribes, and proclamations of superiority litter their social media accounts. Amid the occasional ‘Christian post’ that graces their pages are a plethora of calls for impeachment, allegations of impropriety, cries for justice, and enough judgment to fill a courtroom for a year.

            In 2 Timothy 3, Paul wrote about the last days and what would characterize them. Specifically he stated, “… having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (v. 5). In a sermon titled Is God’s Word’s Sufficient for this Age? Dr. Boice noted that Paul would never state the world had a form of godliness. He noted the world had a form of ungodliness. What Paul was saying in this passage is that in the last days the vices of the world would be present in the church, and there would be virtually no difference between those who profess to be evangelical Christians from those who profess to be secularist. As my daughter is fond of asking on car rides, are we there yet? Based on the behavior I witnessed this past week, I’d have to say we’ve arrived. Or at least we’re pretty close. Our faith does not exist for us to hide behind when it’s convenient. Sadly, today many Christians claim their faith when it’s convenient and serves their needs. Using it as a shield, they stand behind it, hurl insults, make jibes, and point fingers. When challenged, they quickly cling to God’s word, using it as fulcrum for their political perspective. Christians on both sides equally claim superiority. Ask a Republican what political party Jesus would choose, and there’s little doubt in their mind he would be on their side. After all, they are pro-life, and they support the biblical perspective condemning homosexuality. Democrats would be quick to disagree. Jesus loves everyone. Therefore, he’d belong to the party of inclusion, one that celebrates individualism and difference, the party that embraces a woman’s God-given freedom to choose what to do with her body. Oh, and don’t forget he’d most certainly be in favor of universal healthcare. No doubt Jesus would be blue all the way. Or would he?

            It seems to me Jesus had more or his mind than politics. As John 3 indicates, Jesus came into the world to save it, not condemn it. He was more concerned about souls and where someone would spend eternity than political affiliation. Followers of Christ are charged to carry on his work, to spread the Gospel, to baptize, and make disciples of all nations. How can Christians be active disciples when they are caught up in the world? The preoccupation with politics and associated rhetoric is a distractor that results in discord and division. A people divided will never unite. That’s true for Christians, as well. We are to be united in our service to God. In Matthew 6, Jesus provides guidance on how Christians are to live – how to pray, fasting, caring for the needy, storing up treasures in heaven, and not worrying. His closing charge was, “Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven” (v. 33). The world is replete with distractions. Temptation lurks in the shadows, waiting to prey upon the unsuspecting. The slope of the world is indeed enticing and slippery. Many a believer has fallen by the wayside, entrenched in the quagmire of secularism all the while convinced he is on the side of good.

            Should Christians care about the fate of their nation and who runs it? Absolutely. Are they entitled to have opinions? Yes. Should Christians run for office? Sure, why not. Where then should they draw the line? In considering that question, two ideas came to mind. First, when I was in the Navy, I was entitled to have a political opinion. I had to exercise discretion when sharing it, though. Per the Uniform Code of Military Justice, I was not permitted to criticize the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Military, nor was I allowed to wear my uniform at political rallies or events. Second, I recalled the WWJD (what would Jesus do) movement from the 90s. Although we cannot say what Jesus would do in a particular situation, based on his life and teachings Christians have a pretty good idea what he wouldn’t do. The crux of the movement’s philosophy was to encourage believers to behave in a Christ-like manner. I think this is applicable when it comes to politics. Before posting that comment or meme on social media, ask yourself, “Would Jesus do this?” As you prepare to launch a volley of political umbrage, consider, “Is this in keeping with biblical teaching?” When salivating at the opportunity to engage in a difference of opinion, ponder, “Am I behaving like a Christian?”

            The allure of the world is strong, but God’s Word is stronger. We must meditate on it, pray over, and seek his will. Our lives should be disparate and set apart from the world. When I was boy, my family, friends, and I would go camping. Long before cellphones and the Internet, we’d sit around a crackling campfire at night and sing. In regard to this post’s topic, a refrain from one of the songs comes to mind. “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Perhaps it’s just that simple. Jesus commanded us to love – to love each other, our neighbors, and even our enemies. Politicians, regardless of party and ideology, are not our enemies. But even if they were, we are to love them. Additionally, we are admonished to pray for those who persecute us. While some may argue the existence of political persecution in this nation, Jesus’ command is to pray for those who persecute us, not condemn them. Christians, do not get caught up in the way of the world. Do not fall prey to the Devil’s folly. I challenge you to spend your time sharing the Gospel, not spewing condemnation, hate, and criticism. Use social media to solidify your faith, not proclaim your political affiliation. Show love amid a world drowning in hate. Be the hand of unity, not the voice of division. Pray for those elected to lead instead of disagreeing, criticizing, and condemning. Comport yourself in a manner pleasing to God and seek his kingdom!