I probably should give up Facebook. I never post anything. I use it just to keep up with some of my friends and what they are up to but what kind of friend am I? I never let them know what I’m up to – is that really a friendsip? That’s for another day. I’m thinking of giving it up for my health. My mental and emotional health. I just find it so tiring. Political wrangling is wearisome. I have people I genuinely love and care for who differ dramatically from me politically. I think that is a good thing. But their political comments are troubling. At the same time I have friends with whom I’m in lock-step agreement politically and their political comments are equally troubling. While political positions are important and we should be able to discuss them, theological truths are far more important. While you and I may differ politically, we may even belong to different parties, we must be united at a far more fundamental level in the Gospel. We might argue over a policy or the best way to address a social wrong but we must walk in agreement in the Truth of God. Your faith must influence your politics for the Word of God must impact every aspect of your life. I’ve never, from the pulpit, or through this article, declare how you should vote. And I have no intention to do so at this time but I will say, “If you pronounce anathema on your brother or sister due to party affiliation, you have crossed the line and your heart is in the wrong place.” Politics is a “dirty game” and there’s plenty of blame on all sides.
I may believe my brother is wrong on an issue. I may believe that his support for a certain candidate betrays his professed faith. But my response ought not to be to denounce my brother but to lovingly seek to persuade him while giving him the benefit of my doubt. Until proven otherwise, I should believe he has honest and sincere convictions and I should seek to address those. In turn, I would hope he would respond to me in like manner. I guess what concerns me most about Facebook is that I see a level of passion for politics that I’ve rarely, if ever seen, for theology and biblical conviction. Elections matter. Your vote matters. I implore you to vote and to vote your convictions informed and guided by the Scriptures. I encourage you to speak your mind and seek to persuade others but never at the expense of your faith and never forsaking the fellowship of the Gospel. It’s worth considering. I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod