One of the great benefits of getting old is the ability to see things from a broader perspective. Maybe it’s not true for every Boomer but it is for me. I’m not so judgmental. I find it easier to give people the benefit of the doubt. This is especially true in the arena of politics.
My parents were Republican so I followed in their footsteps. The Democrats were evil and all who voted for them were headed to hell. Life in those younger days had a certain reassuring simplicity. We were all right and they were all wrong.
But as the years have gone by I’ve realized there is nothing simple about politics. The issues are not as clear cut as we want them to be. The complexities of politics mirrors the complexities of life. Did Candidate A really say “blah blah?” Maybe. But the opponents of Candidate A forget to mention the context in which those words were said. And the context can change the entire meaning of a phrase.
I’ve watched the impact of the Republican verses Democrat battle on the Church and it has forced me to make a decision.
- I’m no longer a Republican.
- I’m not a Democrat.
- I’m not an Independent.
- I’m not a Libertarian.
- I’m not part of the Tea Party or Coffee Party.
What am I? I’m a Christ follower who cares about God’s creation. And when I vote I will vote according to my previous statement.
Choosing allegiance to a political party often fractures the Church. We take sides. We draw imaginary lines in imaginary sand. We huff and we puff. And it isn’t a pretty sight.
A church leader once told me he noticed churches had more fights and splits during presidential election years than non-election years. Why? Church people, those who have pledged loyalty to Christ the King, turn on each depending on their political party. Sometimes even the pastor will get up front and make snide remarks about the “bad” political party.
During this year of presidential politics I’m inviting every Christian to reaffirm his or her commitment to Christ by refusing to throw political mud at your fellow Christian.
Am I the only one tired of Christians who use Facebook and Twitter as a tool to portray political innuendo as truth? Those cartoons or unflattering pictures of your political enemies often say more about the one who posts them than those in the pictures. Speaking the truth in love is not a concept to throw out the window during a political year.
Let’s not sully the beauty of Truth by turning it into a mud pie to throw at someone else.
Why don’t Christians realize by taking political sides and throwing mud pies at each other we are dividing the Church? I’m saddened that a cartoon of Hillary Clinton can divide the body of Christ more easily than the blood of Christ can unite us. Few things discredit the message of Christianity more than when we turn on each other over politics.
Refuse to allow politics to hamper or harm your relationship with other Christians. Respect the political views of other believers. Remind yourself Christ is your King and not any elected leader. Above all else He is your hope and guide. Maybe it’s time to leave the political party stuff behind and fully embrace Christ.
To what extent have you found politics to be divisive?
Have you noticed more problems in the church during election years?
Feel free to debate this on my Facebook page. Go HERE and make a comment.
Is it possible to vote without declaring yourself to be one thing or another? Seems like they have different ballots for different parties. am i remembering that right?
I vote all over the place all the time. Some candidates who are pro-something I hate, are not running for positions that directly effect that issue. But they are anti-something else I hate and do have “pull” in that arena. I have yet to ever vote a straight ticket.
The only time I declare an affiliation with a political party is when we vote in the general elections. I never vote a straight ticket!!!! I have been concerned by people who say they were raise “party” and I will probably die voting for the “party”. I was taught it is best to view all sides and pray and let God guide in you voting. My dear father was my go to guy when I had political questions. He was my go to guy when I saw a shining planet in the sky.