Something I’ve learned: writing two opposing view articles in the arena of politics can be neither helpful nor winsome! After all, what’s the purpose in pointing out the extremities of any given position? Will it bring about any good? Or will it create further obstinance between those already diametrically opposed to one another? Where is the civility and the grace-filled political conversation? Where is the balance? We Christians ought to strive for balance.
And the answer is not found in being “right” every time; instead, harmony must take precedence. Every situation and circumstance we encounter politically will require empathy in working through the issues that come. We’re peacemakers, not warmongers. Where are the humble, the meek, the kind and the gentle? Are we not Christ’s ambassadors, representing His greater Kingdom? He who did not bother dismantling Rome and its Caesars with their idolatry and immorality would become our example of serving in the midst of such reprobation. Setting His face like flint, He resolved to accomplish His earthly mission for the sake of heaven by means of His sacrificial death. Perfectly displayed, the Lord Jesus kept Himself unstained from the world while saving it and creating the greatest good for all humanity.
The Point.
We are simultaneously both pilgrim and patriot, both heavenly citizen while remaining earthly inhabitants. We cannot choose one over the other. We cannot ignore this world while anticipating the coming one; we’re commissioned to exist in it and bring about as much good as God will allow in our sphere of influence, whether in public office or private enterprise.
Mr. Pilgrim, abstain, reject, turn away from the passions of the flesh so as to remain unsoiled from the world’s secular symptomatic way of thinking.
Mr. Patriot, display your good works for the glory of God, representing godly character in all your actions, policy-making, speeches and especially your posts.
The Apostle Peter says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:9-12).
Wherever and however God calls you to serve in the world, serve with Christ-like humility and heaven-like hope for earthly good and the glory of God.
Glorify. Train. Engage. 