Good morning, friends. I am off this week and promising myself (and you) that I will blog more this week. My focus over the next week will be on reviewing the last year. Let’s start with surviving politics….
2021 taught us that everyone has an opinion about anything that is considered remotely political. The political machine has seeped into communities, schools, churches, and families. How do we address this beast without it dividing everyone and everything?
We pause. And we shut our lips. You didn’t like that exercise, did you?
If we took 5 minutes and slowed up on crafting a response to what the other person said (or DID NOT SAY); this would be a game-changer to our society. If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a Christian or inquiring about those of us who are Christians. The Gospels are clear: We are called to be in the world but not of the world. This equates to us being informed about the world and its happenings but not conformed to the world. A Christian’s response should be different than someone who is not a Christian.
Because we are slower to respond, this avoids the need to be right all of the time. Check this out: Jesus was not a Republican or a Democrat. In fact, he was not the political answer that many thought he would be when he came around. People thought he would build some type of high-kingdom and rule it all. Jesus came onto the scene and he did a reversal: the first shall be last, the outcasts have a seat at the table, the unclean have hope, sinners have a second chance, etc.
Your faith should impact your decisions in life–including your political views. It should not be the other way around. Friends, no politician is going to save your life. They are one person in a big machine of government. Learn to trust Jesus. I trust most political stuff like I trust gas station sushi–very little! Trust Jesus and remember the following…..
- Seek to understand instead of seeking to be right.
- Love one another.
- Are you trusting the Good News or the mainstream news? Your words and actions will show it!
Stay well!!!
Java and Jesus 