A Political Perspective

 The most political opinion I can find from Jesus is His advice in Matthew to “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” That is quite something when we consider the harsh Roman rule and restrictive Jewish oppression of His time. Jesus promoted and exemplified righteousness and did not allow politics to divert His attention from the kingdom that mattered most. Hmm.

Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He lived in full awareness that Earth was not His true home. It isn’t ours either, but do we reflect the same mindfulness as Jesus? Do we live like the heroes in Hebrews 11, admitting we are “aliens and strangers on earth… longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (vs 13-16)?

The hatred, name-calling, swearing, and conniving we witness in the news are not congruent with those of us who profess that this world is not our home. But party spokespeople, red or blue, are not our enemy. “We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Our battle is against the forces that propel the hatred we see.

When will we protest evil on our knees and cry out for forgiveness? When will we love our neighbors into the Kingdom? When will we cease to repeat and repost the opinions of critics? When will we remember there is a greater war to wage? When will our words and actions reflect our faith?

Consider this post a call to prayer, to tolerance, unity, and love. Let us heed Paul’s advice to Timothy:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

Hours after I wrote this post, I heard that Charlie Kirk was assassinated. I did not know or follow the man, but I’ve learned his earthly life spoke volumes, and his eternal life was secured by his faith in Jesus. Sadly, his tragic death punctuates the words above. May God forgive us all and lead us to follow Him and His ways.