Election 2016 - Don't Surrender Your Witness

Election 2016

Don’t Surrender Your Witness

September 6, 2016

Jeff Lampl

Have you ever noticed. . . .

. . .  that people do not agree everything especially during election season? 

 . . . that lots of people not only have different opinions on candidates and issues, but that
       they have strongly held ones?

. . .  that and that many people love to tell you their opinion whether you want to hear it or
       not?

. . .  that many of these opinions are expressed in mean, disrespectful, insulting ways? 

. . .  that many of the worst offenders are Christians?

 "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”                  John 3:17 (NIV)

“Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.”                    1 Peter 2:17 (NLT)

                                   

“when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”                 

                                                  John 12:32 (NIV)  

As I look back on the four messages that I finished on Sunday about how Jesus should guide us as we go to the polls, I am now more convinced than ever that. . .  

 . . .this election season offers each of us a unique opportunity to be noticeably different, to witness to a different kind of reality in the world.

What if, during all the angry, mean spirited, accusatory political debates and pontifications that take place at work, at home, at parties or wherever . . .what if non-believers encountered Jesus followers who engaged others with a spirit of curiosity, respect, love, gentleness, desire to learn, a penchant for listening, a confidence in God that does not need defending, and an optimism for the future (because Christians are, after all, optimists – Jesus is risen from the dead and the world will be set right.  This cannot not happen).

What if Christians (you) were seen by others as one who is a calm realist (the reality being that God is making all things new and will complete the job), one who is informed and enters into dialog intelligently, able to discuss issues, but in a way that others notice that you feel no need to be defensive, that you, unlike everyone else, don’t have to push your opinion, or refute a mischaracterization, or put down a candidate.

What if others saw you, a believer, referring to our president as ‘President Obama’ rather than calling him by his last name with body language intended to communicate your disapproval? What if others saw you verbalizing the positives in each of the candidates for elected office rather than being quick to point out what you don’t like?   What if we Christians were to lead the way in following Jesus by blessing the world rather than condemning it John 3:17?  What if we followed Peter’s advice, given in a politically contentious atmosphere, to respect everyone including our elected leaders 1 Peter 2:17?   What if each Christian saw his or her primary mission during this election season as that of drawing people to Jesus, influencing them with respect, love, listening, and caring about them personally, rather than pushing our opinions?   What if each of us would remind ourselves that our opinions don’t matter much but our influence for Christ does?

What if we actually believed the Bible enough to obey it, taking, for example this command to heart;

 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful  for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of  redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along  with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving  each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”          Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)

Lord forgive me for my critical spirit, disrespectful thoughts, demeanor, body language and words toward those whom you have specially chosen, or have at least allowed, to be our leaders in our nation’s’ capitol, in our state legislatures and on our school boards. I want instead to witness to the reality that Jesus is comfortably on His Throne, that all things are being made new, and that nothing on earth can derail that.  Please allow that reality to permeate my thoughts and words.   So that others may come to know You as Lord and Savior.   Amen”