Election Woes

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. I Timothy 1:7

My spirit is deeply troubled over the upcoming election—not so much about the outcome but over the fighting between those who are called by Jesus’ name. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such fear, even hysteria from the “conservatives”, who have resorted in their fear to making up accusations against their opponents. The “progressives” retaliate in anger, accusing of slander.

Somehow, those who are called by Jesus’ name have taken hard stands with both parties though I don’t see how they can support either. Conservatives scream, “How can you possibly vote for abortion or homosexual marriage? Anyone who votes like that can’t possibly be a Christian!” The progressives yell back, “We’re not voting for that, but it’s the best we can do! How can you possibly vote against the poor and not care about the babies after they’re born and against taking care of God’s creation? No one who votes like that can really be a Christian!” Increasingly, conservatives are beginning to hang their heads and say, "We're not voting against that, but it's the best we can do." Each of the two parties gets some things right and some things wrong. But neither is a good option.

And it will continue this way until those who are called by Jesus’ name forget about who is wearing a flag on their lapel or who contributes the most money and focus on following Jesus and his teachings. We can’t cherry pick which ones we like—and they go far beyond the issues of abortion and traditional marriage, even beyond caring for the poor and creation. One of Jesus’ main teachings was that we are to love and serve one another in unity. It’s time for a better way—Jesus’ way.

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31,32