Nov 2, 2022
Tis the season for countless political adds, "Vote for Me"
mailers filling mailboxes, and hundreds of candidate yard signs
intermingled with Halloween decorations overrunning neighborhood
lawns! Yes, this is that moment when we as citizens of the United
States of America get to exercise our privilege to vote for
the candidates of our choice.
However, as many of you know and experience, there is a
divisiveness which seems to be ever growing in our country
between political parties. We see it every day through broadcast
TV, social media, and conversations we have with our neighbors. It
even finds it's way into the church, which naturally raises a
couple of questions for the Christian when it comes to
politics.
1. How am I to follow Jesus, and remain united with fellow
Christians who vote for the other political
party? One of the things I love about our church is
the political diversity we have--yet, I know that it can be
dangerous as well. Even more so, how can we carry out our mission
of making disciples in a community that possesses some very strong
political ideologies?
2. How can we better manage the emotional aftermath of a
election? This has happened more often then you would
realize over the years. When one party or candidate wins, there is
elation and joy for some...and for others there is literal fear,
anxiety and depression. How can we follow Jesus, and better manage
our emotions regarding election outcomes?
Thankfully, as usual, Jesus provides us a way forward. In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has a whole section on worry. In fact he lists all of the big things people worry about: money, food, clothing and shelter. Then he provides the antidote for worry. Here it is:
We
all have "kingdoms" we manage. We have our family kingdom,
our career kingdom, our property kingdom, the kingdom of our
country or government and many more. There is nothing wrong with
managing and investing in these kingdoms. In fact, that is why
humans were created, to rule and reign as God's image bearers
(Genesis 1:28) in this world.
According to Jesus the problems of worry happen when we invest
completely in our "kingdoms" and forget that above all, is the
Kingdom of God. What Jesus teaches is for his followers
to seek first the Kingdom of
God and live the life of a Kingdom
citizen. When this is done, worry dissipates, and the
ability to manage our other kingdoms is provided for.
For many people, maybe even you, this idea of living in God's
Kingdom now, is a foreign concept. However, as you read
through the Bible it permeates the teachings of Jesus and the
apostles as they instruct Christians on how to live as new humans
in a world where kingdoms war and worry persists.
If you want to learn more about the Kingdom of God, and how
pursuing it helps us overcoming division and worry, make sure and
give a listen to part one of, On Earth As It Is In Heaven.
Enjoy!