The Bible says that we are “in the world, but not of the world.” What does that mean? Are we just “passing through” like the old gospel song proclaims? Or should we get involved? If so, just how involved should we get?
There is a growing fear with some in our country that many who have conservative values are fanning the flames of fanaticism. Neal Gabler with the Los Angeles Times thinks that there is something terrifying happening in the nation (see Politics As Religion In America). He writes:
Perhaps the single most profound change in our political culture over the last 30 years has been the transformation of conservatism from a political movement, with all the limitations, hedges and forbearances of politics, into a kind of fundamentalist religious movement, with the absolute certainty of religious belief.
Now, I really don’t care to write about politics, but, as a Christian, I have to ask myself, “What is my role as a citizen within the context of being a believer?” I’ve been known to spin the radio dial a few times, and I can’t help but notice how the right-wing talk show hosts begin to sound like the radio preacher a couple stations over. These radio pitchmen are also quick to invoke God’s name or quote dramatic Biblical statements to power up their points.
Unfortunately, doublespeak isn’t just prevalent on both sides of the aisle. It’s throughout the media, making it less than “fair and balanced.” Jesus was all about truth and bringing the truth to light. I am concerned that too many Christians are pouring their souls (and dollars) into making this a “Christian” nation (with, hopefully, their brand of doctrine in place) rather than following the two greatest commandments: Love God — and love your neighbor (even if he’s the liberal guy beat up on the road from Samaria).
We don’t listen enough. We don’t ask enough questions and then patiently wait for the answer before jumping in with our opinion. We seemed to have forgotten how to encourage one another and to let our differences fade in the glorious light of Christ’s love. We can’t even go to church without choosing a denomination. How are we to unite a country?
I don’t think that voting or not voting determines what type of Christian you are. How you treat the person next to you in the voting line does. How you respond to the person who berates you for not voting does. Love and compassion are not relegated to Sundays. Each day we are called to not only seek the truth, but speak the truth IN LOVE. Ugliness, backbiting and mudslinging are not acceptable.
I don’t know if Jesus would vote. He got a fish to cough up the temple tax. But he would most certainly frown on any professed Christian who pushes wholesome government values with a fervor, yet abuses his neighbor, ignores his family or treats those around him as inferiors.
The term grassroots (now called main street) in the political arena means those of us who eat, sleep, work and play on a daily basis and don’t concern ourselves with making an impact on a national level. How different our nation would be if people could see Jesus on Main Street.
See Jesus in us.
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