| Politics isn't pretty. It's a world
where mudslinging seems to have replaced thoughtful debate, campaign contributors
seem to matter more than convictions or constituents, and any tactic that
wins an election is likely to be applauded as long as nobody gets caught.
It's not a world where concepts such as "Love your
neighbor"1 will flourish, much less "Love
your enemies."2 Rare indeed are those who
will let their words be "full of grace and seasoned with salt."3
For Christians, it is a real challenge to avoid getting
caught up in the ungodly side of politics, and there are those who have
withdrawn from the political arena completely in an effort to separate
themselves from worldly things.
However, we are still supposed to fulfill the responsibilities
of citizenship, and the call to be salt and light in the world carries
no exemption that says, "except in politics". The $64,000 question, therefore,
is: how? Two examples come to mind.
A few years ago, a woman who works as a lobbyist
spoke at church. In the course of speaking, she spoke of a gentleman who
has served in the state legislature for a number of years. This legislator
is fairly liberal, and he is one of those who elicits strong reactions
from most people, either pro or con.
In this woman, however, I saw a different response.
There was no rolling of her eyes, no sarcastic tone in her voice. Instead,
she talked about this man as someone who is hurting and angry. She spoke
of how she prays that he would come to know God and find peace, and as
she spoke, there was a catch in her voice. Tears came to her eyes as she
wept for this man. It was a sight and a lesson I will never forget.
The second example came in the midst of the investigation
of President Clinton. In January of 1999, a group of prayer leaders spoke
in Colorado Springs, and they issued a call for the church to repent for
its failure to pray for the President. In the hours when the President
was facing temptation, they asked, who was praying for him to be strong
and resist?
I have to admit that, in regard to both of these
examples, I have come up short. There are plenty of politicians I react
to with sharp words and scorn instead of with prayers, a soft heart, or
tears. I am challenged by these examples, however, and as time goes on,
I hope I am moving more in step with them. I hope that I am reflecting
some of their spirit, which is to reflect His Spirit, and that's the way
it ought to be. Even in politics.
1Galatians 5:14 "The
entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
2Luke 6:27-28 "But I tell
you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless
those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
3Colossians 4:6 "Let your
conversation be alwys full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how to answer every one." |
