November 6 is Coming!
Written by Steve Jackson | Senior Pastor
Greetings Faith Family,
There is a presidential election on the way! As you read those words, I imagine your heart begins to beat a little bit faster, your temperature rises, and there is a rush of emotion inside you. This ought not surprise us because over the last decade the political landscape has become so polarized that debates have turned into shouting matches, cable news networks have become adversaries, and social media is flooded with angry posts.
The main purpose of this brief letter is not to exhort you to vote (though I do believe Christians ought to participate in this process by voting in accordance with Biblical principles and personal convictions), to endorse a candidate (though I believe we all have a responsibility to do our due diligence in this selection process), or to promote any specific political agenda. Rather, the purpose of this letter is to encourage you to consider how you might shine brightly for the gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of this current political season. I’ll offer three ways that we can respond differently from our culture because of our relationship with Christ.
First, we must be committed to gracious speech.
Proverbs 16:21 says, “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness (ESV).” Demeaning and derogatory remarks toward those of differing political views have become commonplace in our society. We are quick to make enemies when our ideas are rejected. In a world where it seems as though those who speak the loudest and the harshest get heard, it is tempting to play by the rules of that game. But God calls us to be those who only speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15). If we speak the truth but do so with the same harsh tone prevalent all around us, it is like sharing good news with rotten breath – people will turn away in disgust without even considering the message. Amid all the yelling, we can be different by simply responding with a soft answer where a harsh word would only stir up more anger (Prov.15:1). Anticipate such moments—for they will come—by asking God ahead of time to grant you wisdom for words that give grace to those who hear (Eph.4:29).
Second, we must encourage genuine dialogue.
If we have learned anything from the latest presidential debates, it is that we are losing the art of dialogue. A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people where ideas and opinions are exchanged. This can only happen when we are quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Productive dialogue is further aided by good questions. Jesus was the Master of asking good questions to expose the heart and point toward gospel hope. Next time you hear a political view from a friend, co-worker or neighbor that incites you toward anger, stop and ask questions that begin to draw out the deep water from his or her heart. Questions like: “Why do you believe that to be true?”; “Why is that important to you?”; and “What convinces you of that?” help give you a window into your neighbor’s heart. Remember that our ultimate goal is not to convince our neighbor to join our political party or support our agenda. Our goal is to point them to Christ who can change them from the inside out.
Finally, we must be marked by gospel-centered hope.
It is far too easy to become frustrated, angry or fearful as we see Christianity become more denigrated in our society. We tend to lash out with angry posts online or engage in fear-based exhortation for other Christians to rise up and save our country for the next generation. While, as a father of four, I understand such tactics, we as Christians are not justified to live in such fear. If our message is primarily one of regaining what has been lost in our nation, it is far too easy for our neighbors to believe that our “gospel” is nothing more than religious right political movement. Rather, we, of all people, ought to be living with hope because our confidence is not in political parties, economic policies, or conservative legislation. Our confidence is in a risen Savior Who holds all things together (Col.1:17) and Who one day will make all things new (Rev.21:5). As we build our lives upon this Rock and live with an unshakeable hope, it will cause our neighbors to ask us for a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pet.3:15).
So as this election draws near, let’s be conscientious citizens who participate by voting and engaging in the national conversation. But of highest priority, let’s be conscientious Christ-followers who shine brightly & distinctly for the sake of the gospel. Our gracious speech, genuine dialogue, and gospel-centered hope may just pave the way for personal transformation in the lives of our neighbors that lasts well beyond election season into eternity!
Blessings,
