Monday, August 20, 2012

Pastor on Politics: August thoughts


Pastor on Politics:  August thoughts

It is no secret: Politics get dirty!    This campaign season is shaping up to be sickening.  I am afraid it is going to be as bad as it’s ever been, {at least in my lifetime}.   The editor of Time magazine predicts that the 2012 presidential campaign ”is likely to be the most expensive political campaign in U.S. history — and perhaps the most negative.”  Ed Gillespie {and many others}  note that the president is running a “fear and smear” campaign.  But what does this say about us as a nation?  Is this a good thing?  I think not.

As things get more expensive, and dirtier how will Christians respond?   Better yet, how should we?  Amidst the frenzy of furious pundits, talk show rants, and negative campaign ads, it’s easy to get caught up in all the commotion and mud slinging.   Should Christians get nasty about politics?

Questions about Politics
To determine if, when, or why to get nasty about politics, ponder these questions:
·       Do political issues make you angry? Is this a righteous anger? Does the anger you feel promote kingdom principles or a party policy?
·       Do you think of fellow believers as opponents or even enemies due to their different stance(s) on political issues?
·       Do you find yourself thinking negative or even hurtful thoughts about political candidates with whom you disagree?
·       Do you give more attention to political candidates than to God? More trust, or hope?
·       Do you give more time and attention to political issues than you do to God’s Word, to fellowshipping with believers, or to worship?

Many of us could answer “yes” to at least one of the questions above. Politics can sometimes bring out some undesirable behavior in any of us. Somehow, when we get passionate about politics, we tend to neglect proper Christian behavior and Christ like conduct. Does politics truly give us a pass on right living? I think not.   Consider the writings of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:1-5.
The Proper Posture toward Politics
There are extremes of behavior when responding to politics. Some totally reject having anything to do with civil government. Some Christians even refuse to pay income tax! On the other hand, some Christians act as if the right civil government will save the world from sin and perdition. Along the way, we all run the risk of becoming aggressive, feisty, and downright nasty about our particular viewpoint.
What is the proper posture toward politics or anything else in life for that matter?  Here are just a few directions we read in the Bible concerning the way we are to interact as Christ followers:
·       Put away bitterness (Eph 4.31)
·       Put away wrath (Eph 4.31)
·       Put away anger (Eph 4.31)
·       Put away clamor (Eph 4.31)
·       Put away slander (Eph 4.31)
·       Put away all malice (Eph 4.31)
·       Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32)
·       Be…tenderhearted (Eph. 4:32)
·       Be…forgiving one another (Eph. 4:32)
·       Put on…compassionate hearts (Col 3:12)
·       Put on…kindness (Col 3:12)
·       Put on…humility (Col 3:12)
·       Put on…meekness (Col 3:12)
·       Put on…patience (Col 3:12)

I think it is okay to get excited about political issues or even candidates we embrace or identify with.  However, Scripture never says it’s okay to become mean-spirited, vengeful, malicious or even say things in a way to deceive…. Never. Ever!
What really got me thinking on this issue was something I saw of Facebook a few days ago.
I think this is utterly sad and ridiculous. Sometimes I think we do things without even stopping to think about it.   While I do not know the individual who created it to begin with.  I only saw a repost but searched and found this link.  What I did see were Christians promoting it.  Stop and think for a moment!  Does anyone out there really think Governor Romney feels this way, even for a moment?  Come on!  Give me a break, please!   At best, this misrepresents Romney; I think it is a form of slander and defamation.  At the very least it certainly would be an insult to him. Why do we as Christians feel the need to stoop to such a low level? In doing so we compromise our biblical convictions in the name of dirty politics.  If you disagree with a candidate who ever that candidate is beefier with the issues.  Don't say things you wish a candidate would say as if the candidate said them himself {or herself}.   If we in the Christian community continue these kinds of things how can we stand out and make a difference?   And for the record, I'm not for, Obama, Romney or Ron Paul for that matter.  I think all 3 of them have some serious concerns in their policies and stances that would impact our nation in a negative direction.  {Honestly, on the ballot I wish they would give us an option to mark “none of the above let's start over” column} but that's not the happen.   What concerns me is our lack of respect for other men and women whom we disagree with, as evidenced both by Democrats and Republicans. 
Getting Nasty about the Right Things
Maybe we need to get nasty about the nastiness. In other words, maybe it’s time to react against such regrettable personal behavior about politics. Maybe it’s time to possess national fervor without ungodly fury. Maybe it’s time to become more prayerful than passionate about our favorite candidate. Maybe it’s time to repent of our national sins rather than getting more irritated about “issues.” Maybe it’s time to call out the hypocrisy of Christians who declare their passion for God, while acting out in ways that contradict the Bible that should guide our lives.
As Christians we should live out their faith in the public square, boldly, and with the attitude of Jesus Christ.  Our goal should be to know Christ and to be like him in everything we do. In this goal should absorb our energy, direct our conversations, and correct our attitudes.   God does not permit slander, wrath, or bitterness. As we prepare for one of the nastiest political seasons in American history, let it be our goal to show Christ in the most pure way possible.  We should decide today to put all the ugliness aside.
May we should be campaigning for Christ and his Kingdom.   This is one campaign that is sure to come out victorious.

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