I do not believe I have ever witnessed the political scene and interactions of elected officials to be more vitriolic than today. Exchanges between our supposed leaders seem to grow increasingly acrimonious. The issue is not solely Democratic or Republican; the bitterness that characterizes political conversations comes from both sides of the aisle.
I think most are simply trying to promote their own political agenda rather than addressing the needs of their constituents in particular, and our nation in general. The political rhetoric becomes increasingly inflamed and little progress is made regarding the needs and problems of our country. Much is said; little is done.
I do not expect people who do not know Christ to act as if they do, but those who claim to be Christians are called to a higher standard. Paul told the church at Colossae, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to respond to each person,” Colossians 4:6.
The Christian has a responsibility to be Christ-like at all times even in the political arena. We are not called to “fight fire with fire,” we have been enjoined to “overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:21. There is no political issue that is so great it requires the believer to compromise their Christian character in pursuit of it.
Many will make the excuse that we do not elect politicians to be pastors, but I do not think we elect them to be discourteous, uncivil and vulgar. Besides, pastors are not the only believers called to pursue holy conduct, every believer is to pursue being Christlike.
I am not talking about political correctness which in some cases I think contorts common sense, but why do we think it is wrong to expect our politicians to practice common civility, instead of calling one another names and questioning the integrity and motives of one another at every turn.
The news media is of little help. Let Trump tweet an insult, or Elizabeth Warren criticize the president and it sets off a media feeding frenzy that eclipses any real and relevant news. Of course, petty political squabbling is entertaining to some and is probably good for ratings. If that is true it says much more about our culture than it does about the news media.
Again Paul admonishes us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Colossians 3:17. We as believers are to live our lives in such a way that it glorifies Christ and not bring shame to his name. That is true no matter what our occupation is.
I like what Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said, “Our hope as a nation isn’t in the hands of a donkey or an elephant; our hope rests in the Lamb of God.” I agree, only Christ can make our nation great.
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