Red letter Christians – just another political front?

It seems that the term “Red Letter Christians” has been co-opted by some on the left, looking to embarrass Christians on the right into spending more money on social and environmental programs.

“See ,” they’ll say, “we’re the true Christians, because we actually follow the words of Jesus.” And yes, the right has equally co-opted the King of Kings for their cause – both yesterday and today.

Both sides are wrong.

It is sad that the Savior who takes away the sin of the world is now a political kickball to bounced between the sides .

It makes me wonder, not “what would Jesus drive,” but “what would his bumper stickers say?”

Yes. Jesus did speak about the poor. He spoke about oppression. He spoke about justice. But He also spoke about pride, sin, judgment, hell, and salvation

If we are honest, Jesus wouldn’t fit very well into either political party. Even in his day, they were looking for a political King, a Savior not of the soul, but a man who would lead a revolution to topple the party in charge — the Romans. “My kingdom is not of this world.” That’s why Peter took up the sword in the garden. “Viva la revolucion” he said or some Aramiac derivative. Jesus had him put down the sword, because the Kingdom he spoke of would not be won by might — or by popular vote.

I think politics bores our Lord. He is far more concerned with matters of the heart and soul and eternity than any movement here on earth.

One reason we like politics is because it allows us to take sides. But, can true believers pick and choose which Jesus they want? Do we want an olive-skinned Galilean, whose two fingers gently curl out in a welcoming sign of love and acceptance? Do we want the fiery man who sought to throw the sellers out of the temple? What does YOUR Jesus look like? Are you certain he would vote with your politics — on either side of the aisle?

Red Letter Believers isn’t looking to make a political statement. We are calling on followers of Christ to actually take their Savior into their workplaces, into their homes, their communities, and their worlds of influence.

If Jesus is Lord – then why would you want to give him just a little? Or would the very nature of his Lordship mean that you would give him everything?

** David Rupert