It may not be worth it to discuss politics, but sometimes one must speak up

​I try to stay out of actual political discussions for one reason: too many people in the Church have convictions that, in my opinion, they hold on too deeply.

The result is that when one says something that even appears contrary to their deep-seated convictions one incurs wrath. Not worth it. (unfortunately, I can assure you that many pastors and leaders in the Church feel this way and to some extent it is a great shame!)

For me, it is not worth it for another reason. I hope and believe that I have an important voice when it comes to biblical matters and living out the kingdom of God today. I want this voice to be heard. My concern is that if my political opinions do not correspond to the convictions of some, I will lose my voice on matters that I believe are far more significant. So, why bother?

But I am compelled to speak—fully aware of the implications.

I am compelled to speak for one reason because people I love are being slammed for voicing their thoughts! Furthermore, some of these people include young persons who are training for ministry.

Do you adults understand what you are doing to our young people? Are we not to teach and encourage such young people to think and process and discern? Furthermore,  how can we treat one another with such contempt?

It might also do us well to realize that there are people in Russia, China, and many other countries of the world who are dear brothers and sisters in Christ. The point: such people don’t hold to the same political views that we in the west do.

In fact, to be more provocative, there are people who will vote for Trump, for Clinton, for Johnson, for others, and some who will refuse to vote for any of them, who are dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

When Jesus commanded us to love one another, He didn’t specify that we should qualify our love based on political convictions!

Now this does not mean that we cannot disagree with one another. But the viciousness, and meanness, and unChristlike rhetoric is simply unacceptable! What kind of love is this? What kind of witness is this? Yes, non-Christians read your Facebook posts too.

So where do I stand on the current political landscape?

Simply put (and hear me out before you pour forth scorn), I cannot vote for any of these candidates.

Sure there have been candidates in the past, though not perfect, who have displayed the character and qualities necessary to hold the office of President. But I don’t see how this is one of those times. I do not see how any of these candidates for president are worthy of my vote. I cannot stand before God and justify voting for any of them.

That this is so should not surprise us. The people of the nations are most often out for themselves; aiming for power, and greed, and their own self-interest.

It is a system such as this that Christians should be very careful about participating in (yes, I am voting for many measures and even some candidates this year: just not for a presidential candidate). Our caution is part of the exhortation to be in the world but not of it!

Now it is true that when this election is over it will be my Christian duty to pray for and submit to their leadership. I will not be a disgruntled citizen who gripes and complains at their poor leadership. I already suspect that they will be poor leaders—though I do think they will do some good also.

Bottom line: the focus for the Church is on the Kingdom of God. This kingdom comes through the sacrificial love of God’s people. It does not and will not come through secular politics.

​It is the failure to realize this that I believe is causing most of the problems in the Church today.