Political Disgrace

Youth learn more from our example than our teachings. Why? Because our actions reveal what we actually believe. Consciously or unconsciously we all know this. What does this have to do with politics? With a new political season beginning (there seems to be little rest between each race), our behavior will demonstrate to the next generation what we really believe.

Political discussion has become divisive, polarizing, and downright mean. We are told that there is so much at stake that we can't afford to be civil. The ends justify the means, and that's the problem. Jesus taught a very different message. The means are the end according to Jesus. He declared himself to be the way. He came to do more than point us toward a destination. He told us the way we journey is important.

Love is more important than who is in the White House. The fact that we might even question this demonstrates how far we have fallen from God's will. We are not to grumble or complain as we join in Jesus work of reaching the world (Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life... - Phil 2:14-16). We are called to avoid the lifestyle of the mocker (Psalm 1:1). That should challenge us if we are adherents to radio shock jocks of either the right or the left. And we are called to explain our hope with gentleness and respect (But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. - I Peter 3:15-17).

Peter's words take us right to the heart of the issue. What is our hope based on? Is our hope built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness? To listen to many Christians speak today, you would have to question this. There seems to be more talk of politics than evangelism. Political power is exalted over the Holy Spirit's power. And love and civility seems to be a casualty. If we are called to love our enemies, those trying to do active harm to us, then how are we to treat those who merely disagree about this year's candidate?

Jesus really is the answer before all other things. My political involvement is secondary at best. My party right or wrong is a dangerous form of idolatry. I belong to God's kingdom before I belong to this country.

Jesus calls us to a way of life that seems like foolishness to those around us. Self-protection and fear rule our culture at the moment. Is there room for God's love, service, and sacrifice? The way we answer that question reveals what we really believe about life. Truth is important, but when it is conveyed in anger and self-righteousness, it becomes false. Our culture is currently suffering from a lack of grace. We will solve nothing by following our culture. There is a better way offered by Jesus, a life seasoned with love, truth, and grace, and it is a disgrace to Jesus if we abandon God's eternal way for the concerns of the moment.

The next generation is watching, and many of them are already turned off. With Jesus the means are as important as the ends. We could gain the White House and lose our youth.