You’ve probably heard the jokes before. The opposite of “pro” is “con,” so the opposite of progress is… Congress? Why do thieves never target politicians’ homes? Professional courtesy. Why isn’t the government in Washington D.C. displaying a live nativity scene this Christmas? They can’t find three wise men. How are politicians like diapers? They both need to be changed regularly- and for the same reason.
With so much negativity connected with government and our elected officials, we might be tempted to think “I don’t anything to do with something that can be so distasteful and nasty” so they have nothing to do with politics. In fact, a recent poll found that 51 percent of people who self-identify as “people of faith” do not plan to vote in this election. That’s around 105 million people, 41 million being Christians, most saying they regularly attend church. That seems shocking to me. When asked why they weren’t voting, 68 percent say they’re just not interested in politics. Certainly politics isn’t the most important thing in the world, “but we ought to correct the notion that politics isn’t part of the larger arena by which God can orchestrate things for His glory” says Reverend Eugene Cho. He goes on to say, “Politics matter because politics inform policies that impact real human people who are created in the image of God.” I agree. And while I would never say a particular political party is God’s party, I do think as people of faith, a good Christian should ideally be a good citizen involved in the institution of government.
What might that mean specifically? Cho writes that we should be in conversation with the people around us. He says “I understand that it is difficult to engage in politics when everything is so divisive. It can feel like we are being yelled at all the time by supporters of one party or the other… It can be satisfying to scream and shout our convictions at the other side. But the opposite, to listen well – not just share our views well – is something we should learn, too.” So we follow James words that “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19) And believers certainly need to heed Paul’s urging “that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority…” (I Timothy 2:1) While we must pray for ourselves to have wise discernment in our views, Cho points out that prayer “empowers us to support those in authority with a spirit of both truth and love… Ask God to grant our leaders the integrity and wisdom to focus on matters that protect the most vulnerable among us.”
But also, Christians can be “speaking truth to power” meaning we stand up for what’s right and at times, with tact, courageously confront authority calling out injustices and demanding change. And that certainly involves voting. It’s tremendous that we have the right and the privilege to vote in this country, something that first century believers in the Roman Empire couldn’t have imagined. Cho points out that “In the last few election seasons, we have seen political strife. Assassination attempts. A march on Capitol Hill…” But we mustn’t give up. We must vote and pray and work for peace in our nation as we strive to help bring about a revival where people truly want to see “God bless America”.
In His Service, Jim
Scripture Spotlight: I Timothy 2:1,2 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”