We are less than a month away from the midterm elections. As we enter the final stretch of this election season, one question continues to weigh heavily on my heart:
WHY ARE SO MANY IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHOOSING POLITICS OVER THE GOSPEL?
When did our political affiliations become more important than our Christian convictions? When did defending a political party become more important than defending the poor, welcoming the stranger, loving our neighbors, and showing compassion to those who are hurting?
Somewhere along the way, too many Christians have become more passionate about winning elections than living out the teachings of Jesus.
Let me be clear: Christians should care about politics. The decisions made by our elected officials matter. But our faith should shape our politics, not our politics reshape our faith.
Jesus never told us to build our identity around a political party. He told us to love God, love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, care for the vulnerable, and serve others.
Read the Gospels again. Look at the people Jesus welcomed, the religious leaders He challenged, and the people society pushed to the margins. Then ask yourself an uncomfortable question: Does the way I engage in politics reflect the heart of Jesus?
You don’t have to agree with me politically. You don’t have to vote the way I vote. But if we claim to follow Jesus, shouldn’t we at least agree that His teachings deserve more authority in our lives than any politician, political party, or campaign slogan?
CHURCH, OUR FIRST ALLEGIANCE IS NOT TO A POLITICAL PARTY, A PRESIDENT, OR A NATION. OUR FIRST ALLEGIANCE IS TO JESUS CHRIST.
When the election is over, the political signs will come down. The campaign ads will stop. The winners will celebrate, and the losers will regroup.
But our calling will remain.
Love your neighbor. Feed the hungry. Welcome the stranger. Stand with the vulnerable. Show mercy. Pursue justice. Forgive freely. And love even those with whom you disagree.
So, as we approach Election Day, I leave you with one final question:
When people look at your life, do they see more of your political party or more of Jesus?
Because the world doesn’t need more Christians who simply win political arguments.
IT NEEDS MORE CHRISTIANS WHO LIVE LIKE JESUS.
Church, let’s stop using Jesus to defend our politics and start allowing Jesus to transform our hearts.
That’s when the Gospel becomes more than something we preach. It becomes something the world can actually see. ~OC
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