Discussing the "P" word

I was pretty close with my grandmother on my father's side. Born in 1901, she lived 86 years and experienced a lot of life. I trusted her instincts and usually took her advice, figuring being around for that long should count for something, right?

One of piece of advice my grandma gave me was that you should never talk politics. "You should always vote Missy," she would say,"but you shouldn't always say who you voted for or why."

As a child, this confused me, but now that I am an adult... I look back on that advice and realize there was real wisdom in her words. Coming out of another highly charged election cycle has left me understanding how messy our relationships can get when we talk politics.

Don't get me wrong, I am not an "all things politics" hater. Actually, I really get into it. I research candidates, read their tax plans, find out where they stand on foreign policy issues and learn about their experience. All the stuff that makes normal people die with boredom, sort of thrills me. Warped, I know.

However, since becoming a Christian I have become a bit jaded by the whole thing. What was once something that thrilled me, has left me disappointed and frustrated.

I don't feel this way because enlightenment in God has left me disinterested in the process, no not at all. My feelings stem from expecting more out of my fellow believers. There. I said it. Start throwing your rotten tomatoes at me, or anything else that will leave a mark. Friends, my frustration is with "us".

I know as Christians we strive to be like Christ, but live understanding we will ultimately fall short because (drum roll)... we are not Christ. But, knowing we are not perfect doesn't mean we have to throw in the towel and act in our flesh. However, what it does mean, is that we must be more vigilant than ever of our words and actions. Realizing that the world will only know of God, what we - the community of believers - show them.

Let me ask you then... what, this election cycle, have we shown them? Have we been people of integrity who focus on issues or people of idle gossip who attack without care? Have our facebook posts been that of uplifting statements, or ones that were meant to tear others down? Have we prayed for those we don't support along with praying for those we do support? Have we been like Christ?

I ask these questions not only as a challenge to you, my fellow believers, but as a challenge to myself. Being so interested in politics leaves me especially vulnerable to letting my mouth get ahead of my heart. But, no matter how passionately we believe in a political ideology, it should never come before our Christian witness.

Please don't misunderstand me here. I am not saying Christians stay out of the game, sit back and have no political opinion. On the contrary, I encourage everyone to prayerfully come to an educated opinion on all the issues facing our world today and find a level of involvement they feel called to. However, when it comes to expressing opinions and becoming involved, we need to be above reproach in both our words and actions.

More than anyone else I know, I respect my father in law Bob when it comes to reflecting Christ. Even when discussing politics, he conducts himself in a way that walks the line of staying true to his convictions but respecting opposing views and those who hold them.

He does this by consistently following these guidelines...

1. Speak in truth. (Do not unwittingly pass on false information. Researching a topic may take some time, but in the end it can save your reputation and a lot of hurt)

2. Speak in love. (We are definitely allowed to communicate our opinions, but that does not give us license to belittle others, question their intelligence or commitment to Christ)

3. Above all, love Christ first. (Passion is definitely acceptable in politics, but it should pale in comparison with our love for Christ)

I think if my Grandmother were alive today, she would feel very justified in her advice. Divisions seems more stark than ever and the impulse to join in is great. However, God calls us to more than just choosing an ideological camp to follow. He calls us to spread the love of Christ in all things, including our political discussions.

It's a challenge, but imagine the how we as believers could positively impact the culture today by following Bob's example and being Christ like even in our politics.


"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other -- each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6