Positions for Healing Grace in an Election Year #6

#1 – we are Christians before political parties, policies or ideologies.

#2 – we get our direction and values from God and His word.

#3 – we view people and life with the same value that God does

#4 – we submit to and obey our governing authorities.

#5 – we honor and respect the people who govern us.

#6 – we participate in elections in a way that reflects Jesus

In 1 Cor. 9:27 Paul wrote, “I discipline my body (includes mouth and fingers) like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” Paul’s knows we are saved by grace and yet he disciplines himself, takes control of himself so that he won’t fall into the trap of sin that can separate him from God. There are Christians today who are saying things and posting things that are full of hatred, division and rancor. On both sides. Is that the way to reflect Christ? During the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, the French, who were trying to be “inclusive” of everyone (but Protestant Christians) had a artistic enactment of various sexualities that caused the anger of Christians. While that was disturbing, what I found even more disturbing was the response of American Christians who wanted to end the Olympics and protest against the French and people were saying “Christians ought to be upset and protest.” However, does that reflect what Jesus would do? It was Jesus who said if someone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other, if someone asks you to carry their load one mile, carry it two, if someone offends you forgive them repeatedly. That is the way of Christ, who even though He was innocent of all the charges against Him, remained silent. The way we can best reflect the way of Jesus…

By Imitating Christ’s humility – Phil 2:14 – you may know that Phil 2 begins with Paul’s description of what it takes to be the body of Christ and he says “your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” then he describes the humility of Christ. When Paul finished this description and then spoke directly to the church in Phillipi and said “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…” Paul is thus saying to us “not only don’t be disqualified by bad behavior, but also shine by being different than the world around you. Don’t be argumentative and rancorous and whining, be blameless and pure."

Paul also told us to stand for truth with love and grace. Just in case you think that means that all we do is take the offense and be passive, Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 16:13,14, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” He was saying "Watch out for the opposition who wants no part of godliness and take your stand in the truth and for the truth, show courage, be strong and do it in love.” Love acts toward others by showing grace. If you have a strong conviction, and you have the time, and you have integrity, and possibily the money, then you ought to run for office to see change made. Take offence and give forgiveness, but don't just whine and complain, bring change by running for office. But remember this, it is easier to make things worse. Every politician and political leader is actually trying to make things better, but see where they have gone wrong. More than anything, participate in elections in a way that reflects Jesus.