We used the verses of Ephesians 6: 10-18 to get a little focus on the subject. One of the main points I was hoping to make is that we all have influence, and within this realm of influence we have opportunity to use wisdom. Wisdom can be used to build people up or to tear them down make them feel worthless.
The Bible tells us to use wisdom to build each other up. As Christians, this translates into doing more than demeaning lifestyle. It means using wisdom to explain lifestyle and benefits.
I think Christians are so stuck in causation and facts that they forget to share the benefits of restoration with God.
For example, I receive a daily (and sometimes annoyingly multi-daily) newsletter from a political action group. I have seen an alarming trend lately. I have seen it turn out a overwhelming number of articles about homosexuality. The articles are informative and truthful, but they miss one thing. They miss compassion. There are not reasons for alternatives - our alternative - for a life in Christ.
Evangelicals need to have an understanding that only 9% of voters have the same thought processes they have because only 9% of voters are considered evangelical. They also have to understand that not all evangelicals think alike. Yes, about 75% of the voters in American consider themselves Christians but not all practice a Christian lifestyle.
We must measure how we get involved in politics with our life in Christ. The benefits of living a Christian lifestyle have to be on the forefront of our desire to be involved in our political system. Jesus was compassionate, and at times, He was also very straightforward and forceful. Take notice, however, as to where Jesus was forceful.
Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" John 2:13-16 (NKJV)
The moneychangers had made His Father's house a "den of robbers." Jesus cleaned up His house and then taught the people why this was necessary. Wisdom and understanding of issues will help us form stronger convictions which will allow us to use the forcefulness of God's compassion in a manner that restores people.
Being political is not a bad thing. But being political without truly understanding our convictions will continue to undermine a message of change and hope. Dealing with policies that will harm families is a good thing but not if we are seen as unloving and out of touch.
Too often Republicans and Democrats are so busy trying to be right that they miss how to do the right things. Do not get so lost in being right that you also forget to do the right things.
- Study the Word of God
- Ask how Jesus would deal with situations
- Spend time in prayer and fasting
- Seek the kingdom of God
Enjoy the political process. Do not use it as a cause for morality. Use it to grow understanding. Remember the Word of God says we "wrestle not with flesh and blood." We do not battle with people but with an evil influencer who wishes to eradicate Christianity from the earth which he considers his kingdom.
Let's begin to pick our issues wisely and treat people with respect, and I believe we will get much further in our conversations.
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