The tension of politics and Jesus
Here's a thought, scripture, and prayer to guide us.
Thought:
During election season we are pulled into different tensions— the side we tolerate and resonate with more and the side we scratch our heads wondering how people think that way. We’re seeing and hearing people’s opinions on the news, social media, and dinner conversations where they typically never bode well to make us all feel good or bridge relationships. What matters most is not the fence side we’re on, but how we are perceived by others in the sense they don’t think about where we stand politically over the evidence of how we live our life. Quakers have a saying, “Let your life speak.” When someone throws the label on themselves saying they are a “Christian” doesn’t make them one. Jesus and the New Testament writers are clear on how one becomes and how their life will demonstrate being a Christian. Meaning, does our life reflect a political party’s stance or a church’s ideological and dogmatic culture of what they believe a Christian is or does our life truly reflect the real teachings of Jesus in how to think and live so our life speaks clearly we prominently follow him. It’s important to go to the source.
Eugene Peterson, main scholar of “The Message” Bible version, paraphrased Apostle Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi in a way that underscores a great focus to have in our heart during this election season— and each day around it.
Scripture:
"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me (Paul), what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:4-9 MSG
Prayer:
Father God help our lives reflect we worship and serve you over everything and everyone else. Our allegiance hails to you first. Help us stay in check with you to truly have our lives speak Jesus. In his most glorious name amen!!
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God bless you and go get after it!
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