Tuesday is officially Election Day. I don't care who you vote for. I early voted and already made my choice. I care about how you treat others. I care about you respecting their right to their own opinions, no matter how much you disagree.
Christians, I hate to say it about my own brothers and sisters in Christ, but many of you have been the most hateful, antagonistic, slanderous, downright nasty people during this election season. You've disrespected those who disagree with you. You've been passive aggressive towards your neighbor, instead of loving your neighbor.
You've wished ill on other people, whom you should have been praying for. You've been so vocal with hatred towards "the other side" (whether left or right) that you've damaged the faith, and given a bad name to those Christians who took Christ's advice and loved those with whom they disagree.
Am I over-exaggerating? If what I've read on some Christians' Facebook walls, and comment sections is true, then I'm not over-exaggerating at all. Either they are in the camp of not actually being believers, or they are believers in need of some rebuke.
If you follow Christ, it doesn't matter who is in the White House after Nov 8. Christ is ruling and reigning in the Heavenly kingdom, and we are citizens of that realm as much or more, as we are of the earthly kingdoms of men.
Historically, when Christians have tried to merge these two kingdoms (kingdom of man and kingdom of God), only bloodshed and turmoil has resulted (remember the Crusades and the Inquisition?). When we put down our crosses and pick up our swords, trying to gain power, we become a religion of oppression. We must preach Christ-not the Civil Christianity so many wish to impose.
I disagree with a lot of what the world is doing, but I take heart in the Apostle Paul's words to both Timothy and Titus on separate occasions.
To Titus, who was ministering in Crete, a worldly place if there ever was one, he said,
"1. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:1-7)
And to Timothy he says,
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Did you read that? Avoid quarreling, show perfect courtesy to others, pray for kings (leaders) in high positions (including current and future presidents). Lead peaceful and quiet life.
Your social media posts have certainly not been peaceful or quiet as of late. You have not shown perfect courtesy to one another, but have taken to slandering those who disagree with you. Are you Christian in name only? Where is your faith in Christ? Where is your love for those around you, no matter how badly your world views may clash? I'm disappointed in the name some of you are giving Christianity. The world hates us enough already without throwing wood on the fire.
Christ is ruling and reigning, holding all things together by his power. He is sovereignly in control, and it is part of His ultimate plan that various rulers come to us for a time. If we truly delight and trust in him, what do we have to fear?
If the economy crashes, Christ is on the throne. If more women continue to have abortions, Christ is on the throne. If illegal immigration runs rampant, Christ is on the throne. If our leaders shut out the sojourner or refugee, Christ is on the throne. If more is required to own a gun, Christ is on the throne. If we burn oil instead of cleaner energy sources, Christ is on the throne. Any issue you can name, on any side of the political fence, is of no worry to us, because our savior is on the throne. So, why are we fighting one another? Why are we trying to convince people of our opinions, when we know we would never be convinced of theirs? Just stop it. Antagonistic or passive aggressive just stop it. You're hurting the body of Christ!
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:16-20)
Nobody was ever won to Christ through antagonizing. Nobody ever saw a Christian behaving like an idiot and said, "that's the religion for me."
Historically, it's been the opposite. The church division pushes people away. If we are all part of the body of Christ, how can we expect to move, when half our parts are not working, or are refusing to work as a cohesive unit? Christians do not all have to vote the same.
Brothers and sisters PLEASE think before you post. Please remember you are talking badly about real humans, whom God may have called to a kingdom purpose at some future time. We preach Christ in love and humility, not anger and hate. That does not mean we have to agree with everything the popular culture agrees with, far from it in most cases. But, we are to be a light on a hill to a dark world. If we dim our light by our attitudes and actions, no one will see, and opportunity for relationship will be lost.
Think before you speak. Think before you act. Think before you post.
Be concerned, not fearful. Have faith, not doubt. Trust Christ in all things, and let the light of His salvation shine through you.
