Oh the Outrage

Jon Stallings • February 10, 2020 • 0 Comments

I really try hard to avoid political posts. I find it very divisive and rarely helpful. However, it is important for Christians to be involved in the political arena, but with my role as a pastor I find my call to be more about sharing the truth of a life with Jesus.

I do ask if you are going to read this post, please read all the way to the end. This is not a post to try and convince you to vote one way or another. Also note that I do not claim to be perfect in these areas and forgive me if at times I appear to over generalize.

In just the past several weeks we have had the impeachment of President Trump and his subsequent acquittal, moral outrage over the Super Bowl halftime show and Nancy Pelosi ripping up President Trump’s State of the Union Speech. One thing that aggravates me the most is that people of one political party persuasion or the other do not see the failures of their own party. Both are guilty of political showmanship that plays to their base. Both parties would rather have an issue than actually do something about the problem at hand. In most cases, both will do whatever it takes to get elected and stay in power.

Sadly too many Christians are more concerned with politics than their life with Christ and being the witness we are called to be that draw people to Jesus.

And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men – Isaiah 29:13 (Also quoted by Jesus in Matthew 15:8)

We need laws in our society but we often put too much emphasis on the power of the law. We think if we just pass a law that is good, God will be pleased. Yet a law will not cause someone to come to live for Jesus. and laws will never change the darkness in the heart of man. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can. Perhaps we need to put more emphasis in making disciples? People are leaving the church in droves because their heart really never was for Christ and the culture no longer holds them there.

Hate for the other party

I am often shocked at the hateful language those that profess Christ will use when speaking against others who don’t vote like them. As Christians we are called to live different than the world, yet we think a worldly political system will save our society. We should not expect someone who does not live for Jesus to act like they do.

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. – 1 John 4:21

Notice John says if we love God, we “MUST” love our brother.

Moral Outrage

Heated political battles are nothing new; however, thanks to social media and the internet more people have more access to all the politicking going on.

It is so easy to see someone as our enemy when we should be concerned about their eternity. I really can’t attest to the salvation of either Pelosi or Trump. They both fall short of showing the fruit of that relationship.

What if I cared more about a person’s eternity than gaining political victory?

Politics is more about tearing down but as Christians we are called to build up. We quickly cherry pick quotes and statements we think will destroy the other side. Yet, it is unlikely we will change anyone’s mind. We only make the divide worse.

Let’s choose our battles wisely. As Christians, will we rise up and really live different than the world?

We expend so much energy trying to gain a political agenda we forget to love our neighbor. Our heart should be broken for the lost, the poor, the widowed the orphaned.

If you are a Republican, would you sit around the dinner table with Speaker Pelosi and show the love of Christ? If you are a Democrat, would you do the same with President Trump?

What is more important, the mission of Jesus or your political agenda?

Yes there are times we need to protest for justice and champion moral laws. But at the end of the day a life lived as a witness for Jesus should consume our energy and efforts.

I know we are far from perfect and have a lot of work to do but I love our nation. Our constitution is wonderful but not perfect. However, God’s word is greater and my life for Christ is greater than a life as a patriot.

Whoever sits in the White House will not bring salvation to this broken and fallen world. Only Jesus can. Let Jesus be our priority for life for he is the only hope for the lost.

Next time we are outraged:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Again, we need to be involved in politics. We have complex issues that need to be addressed as we live out our time on earth. Your vote matters so please vote. If God has called you, please run for elected office. Let us never forget that a political opponent is not an enemy but a person created in the image of God who desperately needs the saving grace and mercy found only in Jesus Christ. Instead of rushing to tear them down on social media let us take a moment to pray for (not against) them. This world is passing away; we have a greater concern.

photo credit: donnierayjones Sad Reese via photopin (license)

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

PS. Don’t miss out. Sign up for free updates. Then be sure and connect on Facebook!

Filed in: All In, Calling in Life, Church Leadership, Culture Creation, Faith, Random Thoughts

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.