This will likely be one of the only political posts you will ever see from me, but here goes. I hate talking about politics. Not because I don’t think that politics are a valid topic or that they shouldn’t be discussed, but because I have seen how divisive and incendiary they can become. Friends, family, and neighbours can be ripped apart over politics. Whole communities thrown into uproar or violence because of them. And so, I usually make it a personal policy to simply not discuss it, except in very select company. Especially because I am a rather opinionated and passionate person and when things get heated, I might just speak before thinking (it’s that fiery Spanish blood, I’m told).
I get it. Politics strike very near to the heart of our most deeply held values and it’s only natural that we should get passionate about what we believe to be important. But this election feels somewhat different than others to me. Maybe it’s simply that I am more aware and engaged in the process and platforms of the various parties than I have been in other years. Maybe it’s the reports of threatened violence and racial comments being reported. Maybe it’s that I have been far more exposed to all the “stuff” on social media this time around. Maybe it’s all the negativity surrounding the election – pervasive enough that I will admit, I’ve even participated in it. Maybe it’s just that I’m getting crotchety before my time (not sure that’s a thing, but I’ve been told I’m an old soul, so I suppose it’s possible). Whatever the reason, as we move closer to the federal election, I have found myself getting irritated. And biting my tongue. Hard. And it’s made me stop, think, question. So, with the blood seeping from between my clenched teeth, I have unleashed my fingers to the keyboard instead. To provide a reasonably thought-out response to something that’s been bothering me. A response better than the one that might leap from my lips in the heat of the moment.
I think that what has been bothering me about this election is all of the useless “talk” that has been swirling around. The derogatory comments. The uncharitable remarks. The backhanded slurs. Can we just stop with the memes and videos? Can we stop all the drama fallout over each new disclosure/discovery from the candidates and party members? Can we stop the hostility and pointing of fingers? Can we stop arguing and name-calling complete strangers because we feel the need to show them why and how they’re wrong?
I have heard the term “civil responsibility” used lot and as a citizen of this country, I need to take that seriously. But as a follower of Christ, that responsibility is bigger than just voting or abiding by the laws of the land and being a “good citizen”. We have been called to much more. We have the awesome responsibility of representing Jesus Christ to the world. Even in our politics.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy said this:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NRSV (emphasis added)
Considering that when this letter was written the Church was living in the shadow of Rome’s oppressive rule, that statement was saying something. Paul was reminding Timothy that the future of their freedom to live peaceable and godly lives was affected by those in governmental and leadership authority. But that didn’t absolve the Church of their participation. They had a significant role to play too. Supplications. Prayers. Intercessions. Thanksgivings. Those don’t sound like apathetic pursuits or look anything like what I see happening around me right now. God didn’t call us to malign and ridicule our leaders, He said to pray for them. All. Of. Them. Whether you are backing their platform or not. Whether you agree with their views, lifestyle, disposition, or policies or not. Ouch.
I can honestly say, that’s not something that I have been doing a lot of. It’s much easier to point out faults and criticize actions. We may not agree with all they have said or done, but it bears remembering that like all of us, the leaders in our nation are human beings. And all human beings have faults. Both major and minor ones. All make foolish choices and bad decisions. And all have hidden skeletons in their closets that will likely come to light at some point. Even you and me. Those in the spotlight may just have theirs exposed far more quickly and more frequently because of their position.
Now, I am not saying we should turn a blind eye to reality or bury our heads in the sands of ignorance. Far from it! In fact, all the more reason to be involved in the shaping of the governance and laws of our nation. Yes, absolutely demand accountability of our leaders! Yes, weigh the facts and do your research! Yes, ask questions and decide responsibly where to cast your ballot! And yes, definitely VOTE! Even if you really don’t think it matters – because if it doesn’t what does it hurt to vote anyway? But don’t participate in the useless slander and petty mud-slinging. Don’t participate in spreading the gossip and the hateful and demeaning speech. Or we may find that in joining the ripping apart of others, we end up with blood on our own teeth.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:13-15 ESV (emphasis added)
Love your neighbour as yourself. It starts with us. Nobody has the ability to love our neighbour for us. That’s a choice we make for ourselves. And it’s the right thing to do.
So, rather than join the fray and use our mouths (and our keyboards) to tear each other apart, let’s be finding ways to share the Love and Light of Christ in this mess. Let’s get off our high horses and humbly be part of creating the solutions – not just talk about the problems and point out failures. Let’s get on our knees to “bear one another’s burdens”. Because we all need someone praying for us. Because the freedoms and blessings we enjoy in this country depend on our involvement. And because our nation’s future rests on the shoulders of flawed human beings just like us. And that should scare us, just a little.
Of Shattered Things 