If you think about it, the only people who expected the political Jesus were completely disappointed. They ended up crucifying him. As Christians, we should not be focused on politics, but rather, on what God wants. Many of us have observed some nasty, negative discussions and venomous words on social media. When we think about it, most people do not consider doing these kinds of exchanges when we are face to face in a church – would we?.
It would be unusual to feature politics in church. And – it is not because we want to avoid walking on eggshells and tiptoeing around issues. We do not do politics in church because church is not about politics. As Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.” In church, our focus is on God. It should not be about politics. But what about facebook? If our facebook page has a political theme — perhaps the political discussion is warranted. But, people in Christian communities are not political activists. They are Christians.
I was reading Stephanie Malcolm’s blog entry on Getting Political in Social Media. She observed “Social media has become a platform for many who believe it has become their duty to inform the public that their own view is the only way to think. And if you do not support them you are racist, bigoted, deplorable, misogynist, and so on. These terms are coming from both sides, Chrisitian (sic) vs. non Christian, Republicans vs. Democrats, blacks vs. whites.”
In reading her words, I realized that people who want to demand ‘how we are to think’ are people who exemplify the concept of bigotry. A bigot is defined as “a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.” Stephanie concluded with what our priorities should be as Christians:
– Be the light of the world (Ephesians 5:8)
– Bear practical fruit (the fruit of the spirit; Galatians 5:22-23)
– Be disciples of the Lord in our daily life.
– Say nothing at all if its not nice.
I would add two more points:
– “… We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. “ ( 1 Corinthians 8:1)
– “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Jesus did not come as a political figure. it was not his mission. He focused on people’s needs and was all about helping them to find the benefit of knowing God. We need to remain in Him, otherwise we are “like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:6).
O Lord, stay close to me. I pray for your guidance as politics confront me.
Help me to know you alone, and the power of your resurrection.
