The hatred and vitriol I hear from people who confess Christ as Lord is appalling.
Do you want to know why so many people in America today claim no faith? One big explanation is “Christians.”
Fellow Christians: Jesus has given us a great commission, proclaiming the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus to save sinners like us for life with God, today in this imperfect world and eternally in the resurrection. “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people,” He says, {because] whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 17:15-16)
Jesus hasn’t told us to insult, dehumanize, or be cruel to others.
He hasn’t told us to vie for power. In fact, we follow a Savior Who said HIS kingdom is not of this world. The apostle Peter picks up on this when he tells Christians: “I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:12, GNT) Venting your spleen about this or that political topic may make you feel good momentarily, but it’s really just worldly self-indulgence.
Be good neighbors. That includes being good citizens.
Be informed.
Serve others.
Pay your taxes.
Participate in the political arena in whatever ways you are called to.
Pray for those in power.
(These are all things the Bible calls us to do as His people.)
But remember that the philosophies of the world, including political philosophies, will never help people face life or death with peace, confidence, or hope.
Only Christ can do that. Your neighbor needs to hear that from you and see that in you way more than they need your angry denouncements or enthusiastic endorsements.
Just like you, your neighbor needs Christ. Our call is to get out of Christ’s way, letting others see Him.
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