Some Biblical Wisdom for an Election Year
Hey, in case you didn't know, 2016 is a presidential election year (of course you knew that).
This means that you need to be prepared for...
- commercial breaks dominated by political ads (use your DVR and skip commercials and listen to your mp3 player or CD's if at all possible to avoid the ads).
- politicians appearing on every platform possible (comedy shows, sporting events, making a Christmas album...okay let's hope they don't make a Christmas album).
- bumper stickers and bumper sticker style politics, which is among the lowest forms of political discourse.
- disagreeing with friends and fellow Christians concerning political issues.
That last one is a biggie, because when it comes to politics, Christians have often been as bad as non-Christians when it comes to attacking others.
So here is some Biblical wisdom to apply in this election year.
- Don't take offense at what others post on Facebook or say about a candidate or issue.
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. (Pro 12:16)
It's okay to disagree with them and it's okay to have a civil discussion about things, but if you're taking offense, you probably need to drop it and go do other things. - Don't insult others.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
"This is stupid."
"Only an idiot would believe that."
"You support that moron?"
Just a few of the choice words I've seen posted on Facebook concerning politics, politicians, and issues. Such words are inexcusable for a Christian...especially for a Christian who is actively serving in ministry.
Peter tells Christians to always be "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." (1 Peter 3:15-16) If, in the defense of our faith, we are to treat others with gentleness and respect, how much more when it comes to other (less important) issues? Insulting others, whether or not you intend to do so, hurts your Christian witness and damages the likelihood that others will listen to what you have to say about matters of faith.
Those who are in ministry must understand that often it is better to sacrifice your "right to speak" on a given topic so that the message of Christ can be heard more clearly. - Seek to understand the perspective and opinion of others.
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)
This means that you need to listen more than speak. This means that you need to read articles written by people with whom you disagree. If you normally watch Fox News, watch some CNN (or vice versa). If you normally listen to NPR, tune in to conservative talk radio a little bit. You get the picture.
You might not change your mind, but you will be better informed and have better understanding than if you remain in the echo-chamber. - Don't share/say/post things that you don't know to be true.
A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies. (Proverbs 14:5)
It happens far too often. An article that happens to support your view gets shared and without fact checking, you share it too. This again hurts our credibility as Christians and is a violation of the 8th Commandment. Check the credibility of information before sharing it. Be leery of articles from websites you haven't heard of before. - Correct fellow Christians when they share false information, but do so in a loving way.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
So you've noticed that someone shared an article with false information, biased information, or dated information. You have a choice. You can...
- put up a passive aggressive post about said article.
- post a rant about the article.
- comment on the article posted by your friend/fellow Christian in such a way as to shame them.
- privately call or message them to inform them of the false information so that they can take down the post or update what they have written about it to reflect the facts.
Yeah...as Christians we really need to do the last one whenever possible.
6. Recognize that people of good will can disagree on many issues.
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6b)
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6b)
- There are issues (abortion, assisted suicide) on which God has spoken clearly in His Word and we are to abide by His teaching.
- There are other areas where God has spoken (care of the poor), but since God hasn't specified the role of government in said areas there can be many approaches that can still be faithful to God's Word and our call as Christians.
- There are other areas (gun control, immigration laws, tax rates) on which God is essentially silent in His Word and in these areas Christians are free to hold a wide range of beliefs and still remain faithful to God's Word.
What we are not free to do however, is belittle those with whom we disagree on these issues. Be humble enough to admit that while you think you have a better way, you could be wrong.
This is far from a complete list, but the ideas here are important, so please keep them in mind as you engage in political discourse over the coming year (and beyond).
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