Tonight, I've been watching the election returns, being somewhat satisfied with the results. I tend to be more conservative than not, so I'm pleased to see the Republicans do well in both Houses and in the governor races.
But as I watch (and even cheer for) the returns, I find myself convicted of something that I thought I was beyond. Even though I may have my own ideas of what works best for this country on an ideological basis, I have to remind myself that my trust is not in the government, let alone a flawed political party. My hope and trust is in Christ alone.
Christianity has received (maybe "earned" is a better word) such a black eye. Instead of our message being the love of this amazing man/God named Jesus - a love that led to ultimate sacrifice - the perceived message of Christians is one of anger and judgment. I don't know if that bothers you, but it bothers me immensely.
A guy named Dan Merchant wrote a book and produced a video called Lord, Save Us From Your Followers. In this book, he used the term "Bumper Sticker Theology" to explain how instead of engaging non-followers of Christ in conversation, we've made them our enemies. Our faith is reduced to pithy phrases on bumper stickers that only further create a disconnect between the message of Christ and the perceived message of the Church.
Let's stop sending cheap pot-shots across "enemy lines" and reducing our message to a political ideology. I'm not suggesting that we take no stance in ideological discussions or involvement in our government. I guy I've known and respect just became a US representative and I'm very excited for him. But why do we choose to treat people as enemies - the very people that God loves so dearly? I'm very bothered that so many of us (and I've been guilty of this) equate faith in Christ with conservative ideology. How did this happen? I can't imagine that God is pleased with this.
What is your message? Is there room in your theology for a view of God that is so much infinitely bigger than your political party? When people think of you, do they think of a Christ-follower or a Tea-Party supporter? Is there room in your theology that you could actually have fellowship with someone of a different political party?
If this was God's desire, wouldn't Jesus had been much more outspoken about the wrongs of the Roman government in his day? But his message was much different. In fact, I think it went something like this - "“As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." John 12:47-48
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7
