Don’t look now but it looks like we are in the throes of another major political conundrum in Washington, D.C. As you noticed, the Democrats went full monty this week on impeachment. The President came unhinged. This week the officials in Washington once again demonstrated the worst in people and politics. A few minutes of the coverage on your choice of media could sour anyone’s stomach.
There’s plenty of fault to go around Congress and the White House. Unkind. Uncaring. Unprofessional. And this list could go on. From cursing at each other to opening up a hearing with a false narrative, the current model of civility – or, in reality, the lack of it – must go. These politicians are the poster children of rank partisanship, selfish ambition, and hatred.
Friends, as neighbors in our various communities, we must live by a higher standard. As a people, we cannot afford to sink to the level of the politicians in Washington, D.C. Our children need us to do better than the politicians. We need each other to do better.
The Problem
As I peruse social media, some of you, my friends, are eaten up with hatred, bitterness, and vitriol. Enraged by politics and hated for that which is opposite of you, you forget that your neighborhood friends live next door, shop where you do, and buy gas on the corner as well. You spew political garbage from your particular perspective in order to convince your neighbor or at least to register a complaint.
Here’s the reality: your neighbors think. They observe. Each one possesses the ability to reason. As much as you think it is essential to tweet the president or a member of congress, share a political hit-piece, or just simply share your opinion, there is so much more to life and living. Your neighbor needs you as a positive, encouraging, active member of the community, not the local political hack similar to what works and lives in Washington, D.C.
CNN. MSNBC. FOX NEWS. Other media sources. The pundits on each of these sources should not be our example of what it looks like to engage in responsible dialogue and conversation. These people are paid opinion professionals. So-called experts work for a company with expectations. The way they talk, the viewpoint they share, and the unique ways they each demonstrate their own rudeness to others all represent their employers. Although they may believe what they spill out, the reality is that each of them are paid to put on a show, be convincing, and prove a political point. At the end of the day, ratings are the key. Get this though – you are not. You do not receive a paycheck to draw a particular demographic to the media. Instead, you are a neighbor, friend, and real person.
Why Do Our Actions Matter?
Each of us must take responsibility for our own words, attitudes, and actions. Instead of lowering ourselves to the standards of the professional media and professional politicians, we must hold a high standard. If we stoop to their level, each one of us lose. Notice what Peter says:
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (1 Peter 2:15-17)
What does Peter say? Do good! More good! Lots of good!
Make sure your words, actions, and attitudes reflect the good. Reflect what kind of good? The kind that honors all people. Loves those who are in Christ. Respects or fears God. Plus, the kind that demonstrates honor to the king – here representing the head of human government.
We practice good works toward each other because it honors God. Each of us make a major misstep when we become more passionate about politics than we do about honoring God with our attitudes, motives, words, and actions. We fail when we demonstrate greater passion about politics than we do care for or love our neighbor. Friends, our actions should point people to our wonderful Savior rather than moot what we say about Christ because of our stinky attitude related to politics (1 Pet 2:11-12).
Allow me to spill the tea: As followers of Christ, our attitudes and actions should both reflect the attitudes and actions of Christ as well as help draw people toward worship of our Christ. Whenever we let politics inflame our passions and lusts (1 Pet 2:1; 11; 4:1-6), choose not to honor Christ and respect people, and, instead, sinfully react, we misrepresent Christ, turn people away from Christ, and dishonor the change that Christ makes possible in each of His own.
What Should We Do?
Respect each other. Seek to treat each other as you would want to be treated. If you would not appreciate someone saying or doing something to you, then, by all means, refrain from doing the same to them.
Watch your words, attitudes, and actions. Do careful self-counsel before responding. Choose to act, don’t react. Be slow to respond. Further, be slower to hit the send or share button.
Patiently, prudently, and graciously share your opinion. If it is absolutely necessary to share your opinion, then do so winsomely. Honor Christ first. Remember, Jesus knows your hearts, hears your conversations at work, and reads your posts. Make sure that your words demonstrate respect toward all those with whom you disrespect. Check your attitudes, words, and actions to see if they meet the standard of loving other people as Christ. Know your own motive and purpose of sharing. Double-check your words and assumptions.
Don’t believe and then react to everything you hear. Friends, guess what? There are liars, cheats, political hacks, and unspoken agendas all over Washington D.C. Just because something is said, written, or examined on and by your favorite source of news does not make it true. The lack of integrity by both journalists and politicians is mind-numbing. Therefore, be slow to believe anything you hear. Hold what you hear with an open-handed heart. Do not let your response get ahead of the facts, wisdom, and especially godliness.
Turn the media off. Refresh. Take a break from the coverage. Do not go online. Instead, read the Bible. Read your favorite book. Take a walk. Have a conversation with a real neighbor, not just a virtual one. Go serve someone. Volunteer. Play with your children or grandchildren. Pray. Talk with God. Do something positive. Get away from social media, the TV, the radio, and the internet. A long break is good for any and all of us.
Reflect Christ not your own politics. Reflect Christ with more passion than you do your political position. Christ is truly important. Do not trade the opportunity to represent Jesus Christ as an ambassador for some cheap political position or, worse yet, for bitterness, strife, and hatred. Look to Christ, love Him, represent Him – not your political position.
Pray for the politicians and media. Instead of getting angry and hating certain people, pray for them. Pray for their souls. Ask God to provide them wisdom. Consider each of them in light of their eternal destiny rather than their political identity.
Remember, God is in control and has a purpose. Rest in the control and power of God. Trust Him. The politicians and media ultimately fall under the sovereignty of God. Yes, they are responsible for what they say, write, and do. However, each of them help fulfill God’s greater plan. God’s plan revolves around His glory, your good, and a great story of redemption and sanctification.
Remember, we live as heavenly citizens and with eternity in mind. Peter calls us pilgrims and sojourners for a reason (1 Pet 1:1-3; 2:9-11; 3:8-9). Our home is in heaven. We are God’s people. Our loyalty should be to God first, not a political system or an individual. Remember, we are to be holy – set apart unto God – not partisan – set apart unto a particular political party, position, or person.
Find ways to uplift the people around you. Be different. If people insist on talking politics, take a high road. Offer to pray. Encourage them to not be discouraged. Point out anything positive that you can. Seek to be an example. Politely change the subject to something that builds up instead of tears down. Seek not to win the argument but instead redeem the moment.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together