I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
John 17:14–16 (ESV)
Today, we enter into the final leg of the most contentious election season in most of our lifetimes. Passions have run hot, on both sides, for months. Perhaps years. And there is no reason to think those flames are going to abate any time soon.
But that brings us to the question of how you, as a Christ follower, will and should conduct yourself. There is nothing wrong with having a personal, political philosophy. There is also nothing wrong with embracing one side of the debate while rejecting the other. Or even finding yourself planted somewhere in the middle. The ability, the very right, to support and oppose ideologies as we see fit is one of the things that makes this nation the greatest in world history.
But when worldly concerns and issues take precedence over, or flat out replace, our obligations as citizens and representatives of the Kingdom of Heaven, we have crossed a line. And crossing that line calls into question whether we are in this world, or of this world.
When those around you see your reaction to the election results, will they see the majesty of Jesus or the pettiness of this world? When those around you hear you speak, will they hear your politics or your faith?
Take a moment to imagine how you will react if your candidate wins. Now imagine how you will react if your candidate loses. Now imagine both of those reactions filtered through the Holy Spirit which resides within:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:22–24 (ESV)
Think about it.
Pastor Jason