I felt a strong conviction to write a blog about an issue I’m seeing in the Church. This is not intended to be a final word on anything, just a growing observation, along with some questions for personal reflection. It appears some people care more about advancing the causes of a politician or an idea than the Kingdom of God. What surprises me most, is that I’m seeing this among very mature Christians, who have been a part of the Church for a long time. I know I have been guilty of this too, and I should be looking in the mirror as I write this, believe me.
I want to make it clear that there are many of you that are involved in local politics, and are doing great work. Thank you so much, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. But here I am referring to those of us that are consumed by politics, and have potentially become “less consumed” toward works of the Lord. Therefore, I have some questions that may help us rethink, and possibly, realign:
1. Do we watch an hour of Fox News or CNN every day? Do we spend a lot of time getting spun up on social media, surrounded by pundits that agree with us? If so, do you think this is a good use of our time, and is it possibly reaffirming what we already believe about political issues? Do we ever listen sincerely to the views of our “opponents” in order to better understand where they are coming from, and perhaps gain a more balanced understanding of a particular issue?
2. Are political issues more important to us than loving people? Is it possible that an unbeliever on the other side of the aisle would be turned away from the church based on the things we say, or the issues we make front and center?
3. Do we have more political conversations in our workplace than spiritual ones? Do we care more about winning arguments than sharing what Jesus has done in our lives?
4. Do we attempt to build bridges, show empathy and relate to people, or do we always start with what we’re against?
5. Can we see the huge problems that could potentially result if the Church openly got behind an imperfect political candidate?
6. Do we find it interesting that among the 12 disciples Jesus chose a tax collector (who betrayed his fellow Jews to serve the Romans), and a Zealot (who was a part of a terrorist group that would assassinate Roman soldiers). Yet they worked together to build the Church!
7. Are we MORE consumed with a desire to make disciples of all nations (in accordance with Jesus’s last words in 2 of the 4 gospels), or to “Fix the mess we are in as a culture/nation?”
8. Do we realize that something is true (or untrue), regardless of the person who says it? In our day of extreme tribalism, are we more concerned about the blind loyalty of promoting our “tribe”, or are we most concerned about truth no matter where it comes from or who says it?
9. Isn’t it interesting that the Church thrives under persecution? Is it comforting to us knowing that one day Jesus will return as King?
In conclusion, I want to share about a friend of mine who happened to be pro-choice before he became a Christian. He ended up changing his position to pro-life, not because he lost an argument with an opponent, but because he met a God who began to change him from the inside out. God’s Holy Spirit inside of him and gentle conversations with his new friends (who he knew cared about him) slowly began to change his world view. Let us ask ourselves, which way is better?
-Cody Goens