Fellow believers, aren’t you getting sick and tired of politics? It seems like things have gone to an all-time low in discourse and even ideas. It looks like whoever wins the next Presidential election, at least half of our country will be disappointed and even angry for the next 4 years (even many in the party of the winner!). Then the cycle begins again! I believe Christians (and others) need to stop putting our trust, time and money in political solutions and get back to what Jesus called us to do. In Matthew 28 it says, 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) Jesus came preaching about the Kingdom of God,which is not of this world and is not political, and is far superior to any political agenda and any nation, even the United States. Our calling is to invite people to become followers (disciples) of Jesus, inviting them to receive forgiveness and new life in Him, and then join us in his eternal Kingdom.

Does that mean that politics and politicians are evil? No, of course not. But neither party will ever solve all your problems, and they will not meet your needs. Only God can ultimately do that. All politicians are sinful,imperfect people, just like you and me. And it appears the two likely nominees at this point will both have an abundance of character flaws, perhaps too many to even deserve our vote and support. Do we really think they can live up to their sweeping promises? Has any President delivered on the “new America” theme that they all promise? Not yet! And they can’t, because slogans and legislation can’t change way people think and act. These are heart issues, and Jesus came to save us and make us into new creations by transforming our hearts and minds. (Romans 12:2 (ESV)- 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ) When we begin to think and act more like Jesus, we treat each other better, we are more forgiving and compassionate, and we become more humble and actually learn to put others’ interest ahead of our own, just like Jesus did for us!(read Philippians 2: 1-11) Isn’t that the kind of world and culture that we all would prefer to live in?
Many folks are looking to an “alternative” to what’s before us. I would suggest committing your time, life, and energy to following Jesus and his Kingdom! No, it’s not a 4 or 8 year plan to change America; it’s an eternal plan to redeem the entire world, and to remake us into the people we were originally created to be! And for those who accept his offer of forgiveness and new life, Jesus promises us to come back and create a new world where all believers will live together under his love. There will be no sin, no sickness, no death, no injustice nor hatred, and (thank God) no political parties and “us verses them” mentality! Plus, we get new and eternal spiritual bodies, which sounds pretty good to many of us aging baby-boomers!

So, what can believers do NOW to impact the culture? In future blogs, I hope to point out how radically different and better God’s kingdom is to anything we have now. As Christians who belong to God’s Kingdom but still reside here temporarily, I would suggest we begin by trying to alter the negative, divisive conversation around us. Look what has this has led to: I have many friends over the years that include both Democrats and Republicans. They are all fine people, but political discourse has led many to turn on those who disagree politically and say mean and hateful things about “the other side”. Part of being a Christian is remembering that we are ALL made in the image of God, and Jesus loved each of us enough to die for us (and that even includes Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton!). Even those two, believe it or not, probably at some level desire to help people, and have done some good things in their lives. Jesus came to redeem us, not to condemn us, and we Christians can be leaders in changing the way we speak to each other. I challenge you to find good things about others and emphasize that, even with those you disagree with! Paul gives us a great format to follow in Philippians 4: 6-9:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Rather than get so upset and worried over political discussions, I invite you to refocus your time and energy in God’s ultimate plan for the world! He wants to reconcile the world to himself, and he wants to use you and me to help do this! Won’t you join him?