Over the past few months several people have asked me about living out the faith in a political season. First off, it is the right question to ask, because as individuals attempting to follow in the foot steps of Jesus we must ask that question in every season of life. Sharing the great peace through: Compassion, Mercy, Justice, Grace, and Forgiveness, is the call to action for every day. During this season, we will hear from various politicians, suggesting that they have the answer to the problems we face, and that their opponents do not.
The political season is an attempt to direct the nation into a specific quality of life, using the resources that are available and probably some that are not. Sadly, this platform or vision may contain half-truths, misinformation, and bias. In, the midst of this, there are shades of truth that also shine through. Too, often the drive for power can negatively influence the rhetoric that we hear.
With that said, our faith in Jesus gives us the answer to the question concerning quality of life, recognizing that if we love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we are fulfilling God’s hope. In that we have chosen to walk the path of faith to what Jesus instructs, then the decisions we make about the election should be measured against that understanding.
To underscore the above, the story of the Good Samaritan, fully discloses that Jesus view of neighbor is everyone. All people, not some people. In everything we do through commerce, government and the not-for-profit sector we can share the great Shalom/Peace.
Our politics create another opportunity to express faith in God. It is however, a very imperfect expression because our politics are imperfect. However, politics and faith should not be separated. For those who think it is possible, Jesus might argue “you cannot serve two masters” You will serve God or you will serve man.
Moving forward I invite you to turn off the noise, meditate, study, pray and sense what is the best path forward particularly for your children, grand-children, nieces, and nephews. Keep this thought in mind, if the peace were fully implemented throughout the world there would be no war, violence, or poverty. Technology would be used for the express purpose of making all life better.
Of course, this is an “ideal type” but what else should we work for? It would seem, that any other view simply attempts to minimize risk allowing for some measure of human suffering. Jesus’ life and death was a clear expression of not compromising this ideal.
So, we do the best we can with what we have. The attempted assassination of former president Trump, as well as the death and serious injuries to a few others, underscores the need for peace. May we see this season as an opportunity to take a few steps forward, committing it all to God.
Peace,
Pastor Mark
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