This week there was a lot of arguing about certain decisions concerning certain politicians (just like the last week and probably next week). One group thought it was justice. One group thought it was an afront to democracy. Wherever you fall on the political spectrum there is someone, with an opposing view, who absolutely hates your position and thinks you have mush for brains. It is a problem that we have only seen grow more severe over time.
I heard someone put it this way. “Politics now seems like a screaming match of us-versus-them…about everything. And there's no room for questions, for complexity, for nuance and especially none for dissent. All that is expected is quiet submission and dutiful regurgitation of whatever chant or mantra your political side is spewing.” We are living in, and creating, a world where it doesn’t feel safe to ask questions.
When you can’t (or refuse to) ask questions, you can’t learn anything new. There are many, many people that need to repent of their own political idolatry. One of my favorite definitions of idolatry is when we view anything as the ultimate solution to our problems other than God. And the way some people talk about their favorite politicians makes that line a little blurry. What can we do about a problem that only seems to get worse?
We remember what we’ve been told from scripture. Proverbs 15:1-2
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
When someone gets heated about a political topic, your natural desire is to match their intensity, but you can stay calm. You can hold on to your testimony as someone who believes that there are bigger and more important things in this universe than the next election. We are called to be people who seek out and celebrate truth. Not divisive people who idolize humans who don’t have ultimate authority.
Should you be active in politics? Yes, insofar as you are bringing the truth and love that God has called us to bring into the world. If we can’t reach people out of love then we’ve already lost.