On this inauguration day of Donald Trump as our next President, the cheering & jeering are juxtaposed as never before. Interestingly, there are followers of Jesus on both sides, all claiming that their own interpretations and priorities are right and those who disagree are idiots. Battle lines have been drawn, and there is much anger.
Jesus and His early followers lived in a highly-polarized political age. We can learn a lot about His character and priorities by looking at what is recorded of his words & actions as they relate to the powers-that-be in His day…and those of us who call ourselves by His Name would do well to imitate them in ours. Regardless of our political views.
Today is a day of unprecedented polarization in our country. I’m not going to take a side, but I am going to point to the Lord…the One who holds my ultimate allegiance and citizenship. Jesus was called Christ because He was the King. Not a king of this world, but The King of the eternal, timeless Kingdom that is superimposed upon the temporal world we find ourselves in. Inaugurating this Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, was the central focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry for those 3 ½ years he walked in dusty sandals in the Middle East. That Kingdom continues to grow and flourish to this day…not in relation to the power & kingdoms of men, but in His continued presence by His Spirit at work in & through His people today all over the world.
So in this present age, who’s side am I on? Neither…but as one who is on the Lord’s side, I will endeavor to follow what I know of Him from His example, and dedicate myself to His higher purposes during my earthly sojourn. I at least know how He wants me to act!
Here are some scriptures I’m meditating on this morning:
“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world….my kingdom is from another place.’” John 18:36
“Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven…” Philippians 3:18-20
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
They asked Jesus, ”’Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ‘Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?’
‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. He said to them, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” Luke 20:21-25
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud…Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14-21
2 replies on “Political Polarization”
Thank you, Shawn, for the reminder that we believers are not citizens of this world , but of a greater, higher eternal kingdom. With that said, we are in (not of) the world for a purpose. A higher purpose. One to share God's love to a lost world and bring Him glory. Another scripture that I had to remind myself of during these last eight years: Romans 13: 1-5. We may not respect those in authority over us, but we are called to submit. Now, there is a point at which… (Another time, perhaps).
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