As Election Day approaches, I hear many friends and family members name-calling their rival candidates. Although it’s not surprising, the saddening part is that some Christian’s echo the world.
There’s nothing wrong with desiring a good leader, especially in times like this. But this desire does not permit us to disrespect others who are “fearfully and wonderfully made” in the image of God (Psalm 139:14). Indeed, the desire for a better leader should lead us to the realization that no leader is perfect, except Jesus. We often turn our eyes to politicians for hope while neglecting the fact that Jesus is already our hope. I am not saying that, as Christians, we should step out of politics for this reason. Indeed, we should utilize our civil rights to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord before His return (Micah 6:8). We should be involved in politics and steward our vote well. But we cannot sin in our attitudes, words, and actions about politics.
We often turn our eyes to politicians for hope while neglecting the fact that Jesus is already our hope. Click To TweetIt’s sobering to see Christians endorsing presidential candidates more than they exalt Jesus and God’s Word. It’s even more saddening to see Christians imitating the world by name-calling, quarreling, and engaging in online-shaming.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be “conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind.” Dear fellow Christ-followers, are we transformed by the renewal of our mind, knowing that God is the King we abide by, rather than political parties? Or, are we conforming to the practice of this world, like bashing our rival political candidate? Are our actions different than the world?
Dear fellow Christ-followers, are we transformed by the renewal of our mind, knowing that God is the King we abide by, rather than political parties? Click To TweetIf we are born again, not only are we a new human being, but also a citizen of a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). We have dual citizenship. Our ultimate country is the Kingdom of God. Therefore, while we temporarily live in a political world, we cannot let our political party decide how we think, act, and vote. Let’s allow our minds be transformed by the Spirit, so that our thoughts align with God’s, and so do our actions.
It’s very tempting to engage in bashing or name-calling when the world around you does. It is also very tempting to “correct” people who share different thoughts with you when we are wrong sometimes. The most tempting thing to do in this election season is perhaps confirming our bias against people who disagree with us. And thus, we reject any differing opinions and continue to think our beliefs are perfect.
I use the word “tempt” because all the actions or attitudes aforementioned will lead us to sin, the sin of devaluing God’s image, the sin of pride, and the sin of selfishness.
Dear Christ-followers, I urge you not to belittle these sins. These seemingly petty sins are equally disgusting to God as those we consider to be worse. Don’t forget that we are first God’s people, then Americans. Don’t follow the world. Follow Jesus. This election season, let’s remember our call to live in holiness.
Don't forget that we are first God's people, then Americans. Don't follow the world. Follow Jesus. This election season, let's remember our call to live in holiness. Click To TweetWhen others engage in fury debates, let us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry while we engage in political conversations (James 1:19). When the world distorts the truth, let us speak the truth in love in every circumstance (Ephesians 4:15). When people create conditions for loving and respecting human beings, let us love one another like ourselves, even those we disagree with (Mark 12:31).
Remember, our hope is in Jesus, not any political candidate. During our time on earth, let us not forget that we ultimately belong to the Kingdom. So let us live like a Kingdom citizen.
