Recently, very recently, I finally crossed the line… the line at which I could pay attention to the world of news, and social media, and politics… and keep my focus where I needed to be. Instead of feeling informed, I felt divisive, tired, weary, and sometimes, angry. My kids felt the same, leading one of them to ask if “we” would be alright if a certain candidate won, because of conversations in our home and conversations in the media. This meant it was time to shut it off and focus elsewhere for, well, as long as it’d take.
I know a million of others have said the same… we’ve never felt more polarized as a country, not during our lifetimes at least; though I know this can’t be said for elsewhere in the world. But here in the states, it feels especially heavy right now, especially for those of us trying to focus on our families, friends, neighbors, and building toward a solid future. I’ve seen it on both sides: folks claiming Jesus would side with one end of the spectrum or another, that he would select someone who as a candidate, or that he’d take certain steps (even those that misalign completely with the life he lived.
Are we seeing the real Jesus though? Because from the life he lived, I’d argue that he transcended political affiliations, that he took each matter as it came, not as part of a political party’s canon, and that just maybe, he’d call us to calm down and do the same.
Jesus’ Heart for the Marginalized
Something that stands out to me has always been Jesus’s profound compassion for the marginalized. Having served other cultures since a young age through youth group opportunities and travel, both within the US and abroad, I was introduced to the stark reality for certain groups of people early. That’s true for many of us.
Yet when we (myself included) look to those in our community who are different or struggling… or see stories of the “others” in our society, whatever it is that makes them “other”… we somehow start to see “less-than.” While – if I’m honest – I’d struggle to want to be in close proximity with certain people, Jesus did the opposite. He spent time with those society often overlooked or condemned—the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” His message was clear: an important measure of our commitment to following the real Jesus is how we treat the least among us, faith is found in how we treat the least among us.
In a world where political lines often determine who receives help and who doesn’t, Jesus’ actions should challenge us. He didn’t check party affiliations before healing the sick or feeding the hungry. He didn’t ask where someone was from before offering healing and truth. His love and compassion were boundless, extending to everyone regardless of their status or background. Are we living the same way? Are we showing others we love them by the words we say, the ideals we endorse the images we share, and the things we type?
Challenging Hypocrisy
I had a conversation with a friend today about something unrelated to politics (whew!), but she said something that stood out: “remember that Jesus also flipped tables.”
Jesus – and God – were not and are not solely filled butterflies and glitter. Did he lead in love? Yes. But, he also stood up to power, to wrong ideals, and to individuals who would use his name to further their agendas.
He boldly called out hypocrisy and injustice, often putting Himself at odds with those the world found powerful. In Matthew 23:27, He addressed the Pharisees and teachers of the law, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
When we share the views of an individual, or repeat certain words, or put God’s name on something we shouldn’t, we may look shiny to certain groups on the outside, but we may be hurting our own hearts.
Jesus was not about gaining favor or aligning with any earthly authority. His commitment was to God’s Kingdom and the truth, even when it was uncomfortable or dangerous. When we encounter certain situations or ideas, are we able to speak truth? Or, do we constrain ourselves by who may be surrounding us. Do we move forward with ideas that don’t feel like they quite fit into what the words of the Bible tell us. If those around us are gathering around concepts that they say align with Jesus… are we able to prayerfully and peacefully say they don’t?
A Kingdom Not of This World
To me, the best part of the story of our world and of Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, is that he made it clear that his Kingdom isn’t of our world (John 18:36). While he lived here, he told us so. He promised the hope of a future that’s much different from anything of this world. His teachings often turned conventional wisdom on its head, advocating for love over hate, peace over violence, and selflessness over greed.
Division is rampant here, in our social circles, online worlds, and maybe even in our own homes. Yet, Jesus called us to unity. He prayed for his followers to be one, just as he and the father are one (John 17:21). This unity is not based on political ideology but on our shared identity as children of God and followers of Christ. This might mean that our identity doesn’t align with either political party… and that we need to slow down before assuming it does; that voting might be more complicated than we think certain times, and that we need to be okay with taking one issue at a time when making decisions.
Living Out Jesus’ Teachings Today
As followers of Jesus, our allegiance should not be to a political party but to him. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t engage in politics or work for justice within our systems – remember, Jesus cared for the marginalized and spoke truth to power – but it does mean that our ultimate loyalty lies with Christ.
We are called to be peacemakers, to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their political beliefs. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus and His radical, inclusive love.
I struggle with this. It’s easy for me to see something I disagree with and seek peace. I struggle with confronting things I shouldn’t confront, and not confronting the things I should. I don’t take them to prayer before I move as often as I should, and I’m quick to “share” things that might be things I shouldn’t.
I think lately that’s been something we all can easily fall prey to. It’s become far too easy.
Moving Forward
We need to take the time to think before assigning Jesus a political party.
We need to take the time to think before assuming he’d walk one way or another.
We need to LISTEN to the messages that are being shared, to seek multiple sources of “truth,” and reach out in peace rather than reacting.
Jesus wasn’t a democrat and he wasn’t a republican. He was the son of God, focused on bringing peace, and offering great hope of a Kingdom still to come. He calls us to a higher standard of love, justice, and compassion… not to a standard set by a group that may have an agenda.
Can we work together to read the Scriptures while asking God to show us Jesus’s heart? Can we follow him the best we can, offering hope that no earthly leader ever could? Can we step back, turn off the noise, and pray for the future of our country, rather than jumping on empty promises and campaigns? Can we ask for wisdom and clear truth in how we take part the upcoming election season?
Let’s show the world God’s truth and move forward in peace.
Take Two 
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