Political posts and memes once again flood social media with the upcoming election. I’ve never felt a political post swayed anyone into looking at things differently and changing a voter’s party preference. From what I have observed through multiple elections, posting politics on social media makes the poster feel they are not alone in their thoughts, as usually those sharing the same viewpoints click the “like” button. I also noticed that some do not possess the ability to scroll past a post they disagree with. What I find humorous is those who cannot scroll past posts are usually the same people who expect tolerance to be practiced in every other way of life.
Years ago, I often posted my political views during these heated times. Still, I realized that on a spiritual level, expressing my political opinions does nothing to advance Kingdom-building and introduce folks to Jesus. I must confess that I have grown weary of politics from both the right and the left. I can agree with some good on both sides, and tired of feeling boxed into one party, I changed my registration card to vote Independent. Another thorn in my side is the growing Christian Nationalism springing up in churches all over the country. The last thing I want to hear in a church service is the preacher advocating for one candidate over another. I have almost gotten to the point where I would rather say at length, “I am a follower of Jesus” than quickly state I’m a “Christian” because “Christian,” primarily in America, is linked to behaviors, attitudes, and hearts that are pretty far from Christ. It is sad, but I think many churches in America have lost the big picture of bringing ALL to know Him. Expressing political views in a sermon may alienate half the congregation.
It would humble many American “Christians” to pick up a Voice of the Martyrs magazine. Those folks highlighted in this magazine who are living in places like Nigeria, China, the Middle East, etc., are being tortured and murdered for their faith. In other parts of the world, the word “Christian” is synonymous with suffering. I don’t see many American Christians suffering. What I often see is a bunch of self-entitled, politically motivated, self-righteous modern-day Pharisees who have forgotten the God they serve is not an America-only God.
When I think about how Jesus spent His time on earth, the politics He preached had nothing to do with those in power but with governing and standards expected from the ultimate Supreme ruler. While He could have easily remarked and stated opinions about the leaders of the Roman Empire and highlighted their constant slaughtering of His people, His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) vocalized His priorities.
As I often refer to myself as a “black sheep” of a pastor’s kid, having spent many hours in the pews of several churches and having heard thousands of sermons, I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt the most significant way to show Jesus is to love everyone around you. That’s it—just love. Sure, sometimes this means loving certain folks from a distance because even Jesus said to be careful of snakes and wolves. Those who continually cause harm and destroy are all around us, often in our families (I’m adopted for a reason) and workplaces. So, we also need to love ourselves and keep certain folks at a distance, leave them with a blessing, and let the Lord deal with them. Jesus walked away from many committed to misunderstanding Him and those who sought to hurt Him. But at the end of the day - it’s love!
So, expressing political views on your social media page may work for you, but I am convinced it is not what God wants for my life. What works more for me in sharing the light of Jesus is to keep that crap off my page and give honest reflections on what it looks like to “carry the cross” and follow Him.
Here’s an honest reflection: despite turning 50 next week, I still battle like in my younger days, praying for those who have severely wronged me or those closest to me, not cursing some out when I see them face to face on rare occasions. You’d think this would be easy since I genuinely want everyone I know to come to know Jesus, but it’s not! I still battle with language, and when I get home, sometimes I have to say, “Sorry, God, for all those F-bombs I dropped today; help me to do better tomorrow. Keep my mouth shut.” Fortunately, I understand that trying to curb my sailor’s mouth is not about checking off certain religious boxes to fit an idea of what a follower of Jesus should act, look, and talk like; it is about becoming more like Him. My only goal is to have Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God is good! Always!