I can't pinpoint when I started tearing down the idol of politics in my life - and there is still a lot of work to be done - but a few things come to mind as markers in the journey.
- I dated an amazing guy who was politically on the other end of the spectrum.
- I went to law school and met people, good and smart and godly people, that didn't agree with me on politics. (I know it sounds condescending, but this was truly shocking for me.)
- I moved in to a missional living community and realized these people had radically different priorities than I did and their personal values trumped concepts like politics or democracy or capitalism...and their ideals seemed to line up way better with scripture than mine.
- I began learning more and more about the power of the spoken word and that by speaking out fear and negativity about the state of politics, I was only feeding other people's fear and negativity...I wasn't educating people or actually changing anything, I was just adding fuel to the fire more often than not.
- I heard Andy Stanley preach a series called "Tough as Nails" and he talked about how Christians should be the least afraid people in the world - particularly in the area of politics - because we know God is sovereign.
- I studied teaching after teaching about the greatest command (see Matthew 22:36-40 below about loving God and loving others) and realized you can't truly love someone you look down on.
At some point it struck me that if I'm a believer, no matter how much I love America or democracy or freedom or small government or the second amendment, all of those things are all secondary to Christ. His glory, His kingdom, His people always come first. ALWAYS. That isn't to say that I don't think America or democracy or freedom or small government or the second amendment are important - I do! They are vitally important. People need to be aware and educated. What happens in politics matters. But not compared to Christ. Only He is sovereign. Only He is eternal. Only He is above all else.
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1:18-23
Recently, it hit me again that I was putting the idol of politics (or perhaps the idol of my opinion) before people. I was crafting a particularly snarky comment about a politician who doesn't need to be named (but if he was named, his name would rhyme with Ernie Flanders). About the time I finished my scathing critique of anyone who could possibly be considering voting for him, I noticed a dear and lovely person whom I adore had just posted something showing support for said politician...and instantly, I felt a stabbing pain in my heart. Because if I had posted my comment moments before, I would have inadvertently been directing my hateful comment right. at. her. I would never in a million years want to say or do anything that would hurt this person - no matter how much I disagreed with her politics. I immediately deleted the post and I have tried really hard to refrain from any condescending rants since which, let's face it, is particularly hard in this insane political season we find ourselves in.
[Disclaimer - I still sometimes post political comments but I truly try to keep it to a minimum and I really do attempt to refrain from snark as much as possible. I'm trying to stop altogether but I'm a work in progress. Plus, in the cesspool that is politics, I still think there are still lesser evils that need to be pointed out to people that don't seem to see it. Just keep praying for me.]
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Still the point is this: my voice doesn't really impact the current political climate and is unlikely to sway the minds of voters. It is highly unlikely that anything I say or think or post is going to change the world or the issues.
BUT...my voice may impact the heart of someone I care about. It could sway someone's mind about me...and if I'm sharing my faith (and I try to) then it might also impact someone's opinion about God. And if there is even the smallest chance of that, I don't want the impact to be negative. I would rather someone vote for Ernie Flanders or keep the current guy a third term than get a bad picture of God because of me.
Because I don't know what would solve all the world's problems politically, but I definitely know the only one who CAN save this world and He isn't running for president. But He IS sovereign. And eternal. And He adores each and every someone I risk impacting negatively. I don't ever want to be a stumbling block for someone knowing Him or receiving His love.
I will still vote and learn about the issues and have strong opinions and probably be overly passionate from time to time. But with all my heart, I truly want to put God and the people He so dearly loves first. ALWAYS. Without exception. Even those of you on the other side of the aisle. ;)
"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40
Beautifully stated, Joni. Have you thought about compiling your blog posts into a book? You have plenty of material already, and I'm sure you have much more to add. Please consider it.
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