Christianity, Politics, & loving people
I tend to stay off the topic of politics, but today I’m breaking my pattern to speak on a matter I feel called to.
As Christians, we should view politics with the respect and significance it deserves. But as Christians, our identity should never be found in our political allegiance.
I would rather be known as a Christian than anything else.
If I am being louder about anything other than Christ with my life, I’m missing something.
Hard pill to swallow: both sides of politics have some things right, and both sides are corrupt and broken. If you are defending either side as if it is holy you need to check your idolization. People with disputing political views do not need to be your enemy, in fact, it is incredibly foolish and ignorant to not allow respectful discourse on politics. Real conversations should not be eradicated. Both sides need to better humanize the people who have voted for the other. It is an abomination and disgrace to so idolize political parties that you are willing to degrade and villainize other image-bearers of God.
I know where I land politically. My political opinions are founded firmly on what I believe God is calling me to. I, at this age, have no current intention to announce loudly which party my views align with. If I am voting because of the conviction of my beliefs, shouldn’t I? For me, I would rather not allow something shared online to prevent me from having real, in-person conversations with people.
I do not want to be known for the political party I support. Human politicians are all sinners. I want to be known for following Christ. I want to be known for loving His people.
Whatever plays out in the political arena is not outside of His control. He used corrupt politicians in the story of His own son. Even when Pilate knowingly put to death an innocent man, that was part of God’s sovereign plan for salvation.
I respect and admire Christians who do feel called to stand strong on their political beliefs. I believe that God calls different people to different spaces. Christians belong in all areas of our world, no matter how broken, to shine the hope of our gospel. We shouldn’t be dismissive of speaking up when we feel truth needs to shared. If there weren’t bold Christians already having those brave conversations, I would feel more responsible to step into that role, but that is not where I feel called by Christ to speak.
What are you speaking loudest about?
What are you living as though it matters most?
