The Work of the Holy Spirit

This FB post by Farmer Girl is one of the best explanations I’ve seen of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14vFLNkDhiL/

When we talk about the work of the Holy Spirit, it's easy to focus on the moment someone becomes a Christian. We talk about being born again, receiving new life, and the Holy Spirit coming to dwell within believers. And those are extraordinary things. But there's something important we need to understand about the Holy Spirit. He doesn't give us new life, move in, and then settle down to watch what we do with it. His work in us is ongoing, and sometimes that work involves dealing with things we would much rather He leave alone.

In our last study, we looked at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 and what it means to be born of the Spirit. We learned that regeneration is the work of God in giving spiritual life to someone who was spiritually dead. But that raises another question. If the Holy Spirit has given us new life, why do Christians still struggle with sin? Why do we still lose our patience, say things we regret, struggle with selfishness, or discover attitudes in ourselves that have absolutely no business being there? Shouldn't being born again have taken care of all that?

Well, welcome to sanctification.

Sanctification is the ongoing work of God in making His people holy, transforming us to become more like Jesus Christ. And before anyone gets too excited about the possibility of becoming a perfectly patient, consistently gracious, entirely selfless human being by next Thursday, we should probably establish that this is generally a lifelong process. Which is fortunate, because some of us have quite a bit of work left to do.

Paul writes, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Notice those words. Are being transformed. Paul isn't describing something that happened once and was immediately completed. He's describing an ongoing work. The Holy Spirit is changing believers, gradually shaping our thoughts, desires, attitudes, and actions so that we increasingly reflect the character of Christ.

And that distinction matters because becoming a Christian doesn't mean our old sinful habits simply disappear. We still live in a fallen world. We still have sinful desires. We still face temptation. And sometimes we discover just how much growing we have left to do when someone does something as simple as driving fifteen miles an hour under the speed limit on a perfectly good road.

The Holy Spirit has His work cut out for Him.

But Scripture doesn't describe this transformation as something we accomplish entirely through our own determination. Paul tells the Philippians, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Think about what that means. God isn't simply giving us a list of instructions and waiting to see whether we can follow them. He is working within us, changing not only what we do but also what we desire. The Holy Spirit helps us increasingly want the things that please God. He works on the attitudes behind our actions, the motivations we would rather not examine too closely, and the areas of our lives where we have become remarkably skilled at justifying ourselves.

And sometimes that process is uncomfortable.

Because we generally prefer the idea of becoming more like Christ right up until becoming more like Christ requires us to admit that we're wrong, forgive someone who hurt us, surrender something we want, or recognize that the problem in a particular situation might actually be us.

Paul describes this struggle in Galatians 5. He writes, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other” (Galatians 5:17).

The Christian life involves a real conflict between our sinful desires and the work of the Holy Spirit. And if you've ever found yourself knowing exactly what the right thing to do was while simultaneously having absolutely no desire to do it, you probably have some understanding of that conflict.

But here's something important. The presence of that struggle doesn't automatically mean the Holy Spirit is absent. In fact, a growing awareness of sin and a desire to turn away from it can be evidence of His work. Before coming to Christ, someone might have been perfectly comfortable with certain attitudes or behaviors. But as the Spirit works within them, those same things begin to trouble their conscience. They recognize what is wrong, and they increasingly desire to live differently.

That doesn't mean every feeling of guilt comes from the Holy Spirit, or that Christians should spend their lives constantly questioning whether they've disappointed God. There is a difference between the Spirit's conviction, which leads us toward repentance and Christ, and the crushing condemnation that leaves us believing there is no hope.

Paul makes that distinction clear when he writes, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Read that again. No condemnation.

The Holy Spirit doesn't expose our sin because He enjoys making us miserable. He works to bring us to repentance, to turn us away from what harms us and dishonors God, and to help us grow in holiness. And He does that while we belong to a Savior who has already paid the penalty for our sins.

Now, we also need to be careful not to misunderstand sanctification as something that happens automatically while we sit around waiting to become better people. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to actively resist sin, pursue holiness, pray, study God's Word, and obey Him. Paul tells the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, and then immediately explains that God is the One working in them (Philippians 2:12-13).

Those two truths belong together. We are called to act, and God is at work within us. Our obedience doesn't earn salvation, but salvation produces a changed life. We aren't passive spectators in the process of sanctification, yet we are never the independent source of our own spiritual transformation.

And that brings us to one of the most recognizable passages about the Holy Spirit's work in believers.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Notice that Paul calls these qualities the fruit of the Spirit. Not the fruit of having an exceptionally pleasant personality. Not the fruit of growing up in a good family. Not the fruit of being naturally patient, which some people apparently are, although I have questions about how that works.

The fruit of the Spirit.

These qualities are produced through the Holy Spirit's work in us. And they're not merely outward behaviors that we learn to imitate convincingly. The Spirit works on the heart from which those behaviors come.

Consider patience, for example. It's entirely possible to appear patient while internally composing a rather impressive speech about someone's incompetence. We might manage to keep our mouths shut, which is certainly preferable to saying everything we're thinking, but the Holy Spirit's work goes deeper than teaching us to maintain a pleasant facial expression while mentally losing our minds.

He works on the attitude itself.

Or consider love. Jesus doesn't simply command us to love people who are easy to love. He calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). That's considerably more difficult than being kind to people who are already kind to us. And it's precisely the sort of transformation that reveals why we need the Holy Spirit rather than simply a little more determination.

But there's another important detail about fruit.

Fruit grows.

If you plant an apple tree, you don't expect to walk outside the following morning and find it loaded with ripe apples. There is a process of growth, development, and maturity. And while spiritual growth isn't identical to growing fruit, the illustration helps us understand that sanctification takes time.

That doesn't mean we should excuse sin by shrugging our shoulders and announcing that we're still a work in progress. Scripture never presents grace as permission to remain comfortable in disobedience. But it does mean we should recognize that spiritual maturity develops over time, and that the Holy Spirit is faithful in continuing His work.

And sometimes growth is easier to recognize when we look back than when we examine ourselves from one day to the next.

Maybe something that once would have sent you into an absolute rage now makes you stop and pray before responding. Maybe you've become quicker to apologize. Maybe you've learned to recognize pride in places where you previously would have insisted you were simply correct. Maybe you've discovered that you can forgive someone without pretending what they did was acceptable. Or perhaps you've become more aware of your dependence on God instead of assuming you can handle everything yourself.

Those changes might not seem particularly dramatic. There may not be a moment you can point to when everything suddenly became different. But that doesn't make them insignificant.

The Holy Spirit is at work in the ordinary moments of Christian life, not just the extraordinary ones.

And there's something deeply encouraging about that, because if sanctification depended entirely on our own ability to remain faithful, we'd have very little reason for confidence. We know ourselves well enough to recognize how easily we become distracted, discouraged, selfish, or complacent. But Paul gives believers this assurance: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

The God who began the work is faithful to complete it.

That doesn't mean every Christian grows at the same pace, that spiritual growth is always obvious, or that we won't experience seasons of struggle. It certainly doesn't mean we can measure someone's spiritual maturity by how cheerful they appear on Sunday morning. Some of the deepest work God does in a person's life happens during circumstances that are anything but cheerful.

But it does mean that God has not abandoned the work He began.

And perhaps this is where we need to examine how we understand the Christian life. Sometimes we act as though salvation is God's responsibility, but everything afterward is entirely up to us. As though the Holy Spirit gives us new life, hands us a Bible, wishes us the best of luck, and expects us to figure out the rest.

That isn't what Scripture teaches.

The Holy Spirit who gave us spiritual life continues to work within us. He convicts, teaches, strengthens, and transforms. He helps us put sin to death and grow in holiness. He produces fruit that reflects the character of Christ. And He does all of this not so that we can congratulate ourselves on becoming impressive Christians, but so that our lives increasingly glorify God.

We are not saved because we have become holy enough to deserve salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And because we belong to Him, the Holy Spirit is at work making us more like the Savior who redeemed us.

So if you look at your life and recognize that there are still areas where you need to grow, don't mistake that recognition for evidence that God has given up on you. Take sin seriously. Repent where repentance is needed. Obey what God has commanded. And remember that the very desire to become more like Christ is something worth bringing before Him in prayer.

Because the Christian life isn't about reaching a point where we can finally announce that we no longer need God's help.

It's about growing in our dependence on Him.

The Holy Spirit didn't give you new life so that you could spend the rest of it trying to transform yourself without Him.

And the same God who knew every weakness, every failure, and every struggle you would ever face when He called you to Himself has not somehow been surprised by the amount of work you still need.

He knew exactly who He was saving. He knew exactly how much work remained. And He began that work anyway.

He is not finished with you.

Christianity vs.Patriotism

 https://relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/how-should-christians-think-about-patriotism/

“…we’ve watched Christian nationalists turn “God and country” into something that often looks less like biblical faith and more like a political brand co-opting worship music. …Christians can’t confuse America with the kingdom of God, which is where things tend to get messy.

The trouble starts when patriotism becomes a faith test. It shows up when being a good American and being a good Christian are treated like the same calling with different merch. It appears when churches assume love of country has to be performed in worship, or when any critique of America gets treated as evidence that someone must hate it.

Christian nationalism gives that insecurity theological language. It fuses Christian identity with national identity until America gets pulled into the Gospel story as though this country has a special covenant with God that makes its power, history and priorities spiritually privileged. At that point, discipleship starts sounding less like following Jesus and more like defending a political project.”

When the Storm Comes

 This is me.

When the Storm Comes By Ullie Kaye https://www.facebook.com/share/p/

I’m Christian but not MAGA

https://www.salon.com/2024/03/29/my-challenge-as-a-christian-psychologist-help-evangelicals-see-for-he-really-is/

This article hits many of the reasons I, as a Christian, do not support Trump and was never part of the evangelical MAGA movement. He does not represent what the Bible says are the characteristics of a Godly leader but instead uses religion as a tool to advance himself and his political agenda rather than spiritual principles that glorify God. I question whether he is actually a Christian at all because there is little evidence of it in his behavior, words, and actions, but only God knows for sure. 

I was in the “anyone but Trump” camp during the 2024 election, choosing to vote for a third-party candidate instead. I previously identified politically as “Conservative Christian Republican” but if that aligns me with Trump and his current administration, then I guess I’m no longer all of that. Still a Christian, yes, but otherwise I’m politically homeless right now. 

The Danger of Stupidity

“Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force. Evil always carries within itself the germ of its own subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. 

Against stupidity we are defenseless. Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed – in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical – and when facts are irrefutable they are just pushed aside as inconsequential, as incidental. 

In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person than with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

Read the entire essay here: Bonhoeffer’s Theory of Stupidity

Dealing With Political Differences

I’m trying to embrace better ways to deal with political views I disagree with. Or rather, the people with whom I disagree.  This article by Dr. Robert Leahy has some practical advice that I found helpful. Fortunately, I have not been guilty of most of the tactics addressed but it serves as a reminder to not let things escalate to contentious behavior. I don’t have to compromise my opinion of our president and his administration, but neither is it my job to change someone else’s. 

How to Handle Our Political Differences by Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D:

We live in a time of intense conflict where many people experience conversations about politics. Unfortunately, we often see friendships and family relationships disintegrate very quickly. People tell me that friends have dropped them because they supported a candidate or simply because a friend was a friend of someone with a different political view. Whatever your political beliefs, it's probably true that half the people in the country disagree with you about every single central point that you hold dear. That's the nature of a democracy. How can we live with these differences without getting into fights that lead to nothing but further resentment? How can we learn to get along?

Here are some ideas to ponder—and put into practice.

1. Is what you're doing working? You may think that arguing and labeling people is going to change things, convince them, or give you a sense that you're standing up for what you believe. Yes, it's possible for you to stand up for what you believe, but it may create intense friction and put your relationships in jeopardy. You may be right, but you may not be effective. It is usually the style of your communication that creates the problem. For example, if you say, “I guess you and I may disagree about that,” there probably won’t be a problem. But if you say, “I can’t believe that you supported that person. What is wrong with you?”— then you are likely to lose a friend.

2. What is your goal? If your goal is to change people's minds, ask yourself if this has been effective. Are people saying to you, “Thank you for telling me that I'm wrong, and now I have changed my mind and I completely agree with you”? If you give up persuasion, you may find that your time with friends and family is more rewarding. What if your goal was simply to listen, state respectively that we might not agree, and then move on to something else?

3. Are you labeling people who disagree with you? Are you telling people that they are naïve, racist, homophobic, fascist, communist, authoritarian, stupid, deplorable or sexist? How do people feel when you label them? How would you feel if someone labeled you? Do they feel insulted, humiliated, despised, and marginalized? Is that what you want?

4. You can decide to disagree and accept the difference as something you can live with. There is probably no topic that everyone agrees on and you already accept differences. Why is it a problem for you that someone has a different political view? Why do you need them to agree with you? You might think, “How can I have this person as a friend if they believe this or support this candidate.” You will lose friends if you cannot accept differences. One way of thinking about a friend is to think, “I accept the whole person—even the differences.”

5. Are you reducing the entire person to a political belief? We often generalize about people—“That is the kind of person that you are.” But imagine if you accepted that people have different beliefs about politics, religion, conventions, and sports teams. We can live with these differences. What are the things that you have valued in the past in this relationship? If a family member disagrees with you, does this cancel out everything about them? Should people cancel you out because you have a different point of view? People are more than one set of beliefs. Embrace complexity—even contradiction—and then you live in the real world. As Walt Whitman once said, "Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)"

6. Think about learning about others rather than changing them. As a psychologist I am curious about why people believe a lot of things. Why are some people superstitious, why are others taking too many risks, and why do some people view life in a depressing way? What if you thought of yourself as an anthropologist and you wanted to learn more about why some people have views that differ from yours? Why are some people in favor of immigration while others fear it? Why are some people in favor of social welfare while others oppose it? Learning about people is different from judging them and marginalizing them.

7. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes we feel insulted that someone has a different view of something. But do you think that they developed this view to make you uncomfortable? Even if you think that they are misled, was it aimed at you? If you observe, suspend judgment, and accept differences, you may be able to see what you have in common and come to understand how complex these issues are. Did you develop your beliefs to make others feel worse? I doubt it. You had your reasons, your experiences, and your values. Let others have the same. It’s not about you, it’s about the complexity and differences that people experience.

8. It’s not awful that someone thinks something that you disagree with. We often respond to differences as if they are catastrophic. We may think that we cannot imagine tolerating the difference. If your friend disagrees with you on politics, what can you still do in your life independently of their beliefs? Can you still spend time together, talk about other things in your life, enjoy sharing your experiences? Or do you get hyper-focused on the difference and ignore the fact that you have a lot in common. Perhaps you can do almost everything that is important to do even if a difference exists.

9. Make room for differences. What if you thought of a person in your life as a collection of 100 qualities including their behavior, their personal qualities that you have in common with them, and their many interests. Of these 100 qualities, what if 10 are things that you don't agree on, but you decided to make room for them? You can decide to rise above the differences and focus on the other qualities. Making room for the differences doesn't mean you like them, but it means that you're big enough to include them and to accept them. Let's take living in New York City where I live. There are a lot of things that you can dislike about New York including the noise, the crowds and the expense. But if you're a New Yorker you try to make room for that and recognize that some things come with the territory. Differences of opinion come with the territory.

10. Make others feel respected and valued. What is true in a good intimate relationship is also true for all relationships. We all want to feel respected. We all want to think our friends value us. We all want to feel heard. I often counsel my patients to imagine that they are a diplomat and they can approach people with a sense of decorum and respect. We can do that by avoiding personal attacks—or threats. We can do this by pointing out what we have in common—not just our differences. We can summarize what others say, rather than tell them they shouldn’t say it. We can be open to the idea that we are not always right, but that we are willing to extend to others the same courtesy and consideration that we would want for ourselves.

Keeping our relationships requires work, flexibility, humility, acceptance and openness to differences. We are not clones of one another. I value all my friends across the political spectrum and care enough about them to know that our differences will not cancel our commonality. After all, that is what friends and family are all about.

31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption

My heart is heavy every day as I watch our current administration lead with arrogance, retaliation, and lack of Godly character. I’ve started praying through 31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption: Seeking God’s Justice, Wisdom, and Peace (at aspireinhope.com) as a way to focus on the sovereignty of God over human leaders and seek His intervention in their lives. My prayer is that He would bring them to humbleness and a saving knowledge of Jesus. 

Mostly, I want the Lord to be glorified instead of a fake political messiah. I truly want Trump to come to the Lord and lead with Biblical integrity and wisdom instead of vindictiveness and pride; to lead according to Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

From the Aspire in Hope blog author: 

“As you complete these 31 days of prayer over political unrest and corruption, remember that God is sovereign over all nations, and His justice and righteousness will prevail. While we may see turmoil and injustice in the world, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding and that He hears our prayers for peace, truth, and integrity. Continue to lift up leaders, governments, and nations to the Lord, trusting that He is working all things for His glory.

May these prayers continue to guide you as you seek God’s wisdom and justice in times of political unrest, and may you find peace in knowing that He is in control.”

Here are the first 10 days of prayer. Click the link above for the rest.

• Day 1: Praying for God’s Sovereignty Over Political Leaders
  Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are sovereign over all nations and rulers. I pray that You would guide the hearts of political leaders and establish Your will in the governance of our nation. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Day 2: Praying for Wisdom in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I lift up those in positions of leadership and authority. Grant them wisdom to lead with integrity, fairness, and righteousness. May they seek Your guidance in their decisions. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (James 1:5)
• Day 3: Praying for Justice to Prevail
  Heavenly Father, I ask that justice would prevail in the midst of political unrest and corruption. Expose the darkness, and let Your truth and righteousness shine in places of power. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Isaiah 1:17)
• Day 4: Praying for Peace Amid Unrest
  Heavenly Father, I pray for peace in regions facing political unrest. Calm the hearts of those affected, and bring about unity and reconciliation among the people. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Philippians 4:7)
• Day 5: Praying for Corruption to Be Exposed
  Heavenly Father, I ask that You expose the corruption that plagues governments and leadership. Bring light to the darkness, and remove those who misuse their power for selfish gain. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Luke 8:17)
• Day 6: Praying for Protection of the Vulnerable
  Heavenly Father, I lift up the vulnerable populations who are most affected by political unrest and corruption. Protect them from harm, and provide for their needs as they face uncertainty. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 82:3-4)
• Day 7: Praying for Integrity in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I pray that leaders in government would act with integrity and humility. Remove any corruption or dishonesty from their hearts, and replace it with a desire to serve the people with honor. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 10:9)
• Day 8: Praying for Unity Among People
  Heavenly Father, I pray for unity among the people in our nation, despite political differences. Help us to work together for the common good, and let peace reign in our communities. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Ephesians 4:3)
• Day 9: Praying for Freedom from Oppression
  Heavenly Father, I ask for freedom for those who are oppressed by corrupt governments and unjust systems. Break the chains of injustice, and bring liberation to those who are suffering. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 9:9)
• Day 10: Praying for Truth to Be Upheld
  Heavenly Father, I pray that truth would be upheld in government and politics. Let falsehoods and lies be exposed, and may those in leadership commit to truth and transparency. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (John 8:32)

Words Matter

 Being careful of my words is probably my biggest challenge, whether spoken or written. I often speak before considering the impact of my words. I have an opinion about everything but am learning that just because something can be said doesn’t mean it should. 

As I continue to read Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul David Tripp, the June 9 reading based on Proverbs 10 and 11 spoke to me:

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:28

“He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” - Proverbs 21:23

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

 I’m reading Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul Tripp this year. This excerpt from January 9 resonated with me, especially after the outcome of the election. I do not trust Trump, but I can trust the Lord. I can rest in the knowledge that He is in control and whatever He allows is for His greater purpose. Everything the Lord does is worthy of my trust so I can be at peace that no man can do anything outside of God’s ultimate will and plan even if I don’t understand how it plays out at the time. 

Christianity and the Election

“None of the candidates are Jesus. No matter who wins, Jesus is still Lord.”

Good, positive article about Christianity and the election: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/leadershiponfire/2024/08/eight-christian-thoughts-for-election-season/

The important points:

The massive political divide does not represent the average Christian.

None of the candidates are Jesus.

No matter who wins, Jesus is still Lord. 

No matter who wins, it’s not the end of the world. 

Christians don’t need favorable conditions to be believers. 

Christian values don’t change or rely on a political party. 

Regardless of what is going on, we are called to be believers. 

Do not be afraid.

“The outcome of this election does not have to determine the morality we, as Christians, embrace for ourselves. It’s just as important who we are today as who we will be on November 5, November 6, and beyond. Scripture never tells us to embrace a political worldview, but to offer the world the hope of for a better world. We can proclaim the Kingdom of God in virtue, value, and rule right now, regardless of who is in office. Let’s remember where our true citizenship lies.”

This article also was encouraging with a Biblical focus on how to pray for our country: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/how-should-we-pray-for-our-country-and-the-upcoming-election.html

Seven Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics

This author articulates so well my own thoughts in this political season:

Seven Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics by Bryan Roberts

“Political discourse is the Las Vegas of Christianity—the environment in which our sin is excused. Hate is winked at, fear is perpetuated and strife is applauded. …

“Not only are believers excused for their political indiscretions, but they are often applauded for committing them. Slander is explained away as righteous anger; winning arguments are esteemed higher than truthful ones (whether or not the “facts” align); and those who stir up dissension are given the pulpit. So I balk when pastors tell me the Church should engage in the political process. Why would we do that? The political process is dirty and broken and far from Jesus. Paranoia and vitriol are hardly attractive accessories for the bride of Christ.

“Rather than engage in the political process, Christians have a duty to elevate it. Like any other sin, we are called to stand above the partisan dissension and demonstrate a better way. Should we have an opinion? Yes. Should we care about our country? Yes. Should we vote? Yes. But it’s time we talk politics in a way that models the teachings of Jesus rather than mocks them.

Here are seven things to remember about politics:

1. Both political parties go to church

There’s a Christian Left and, perhaps even less well-known, there’s a secular Right. Despite your point of view of who is on the other side, party lines are drawn in chalk, and they’re not hard to cross. The Church must be engaged in politics, but it must not be defined by the arbitrary lines in politics.

2. Political talk radio and cable “news” only want ratings

When media personalities tell you they are on a moral crusade, they are lying to you. These personalities get rich by instilling fear and paranoia in their listeners. If we give our favorite political ideologues more time than we give Jesus, we are following the wrong master. There are unbiased, logical and accurate news sources out there. But it’s up to you to be a good steward of information—to fact-check for yourself, take ideology with a grain of salt and make decisions based on facts rather than gossip.

3. Those who argue over politics don’t love their country more than others

They just love to argue more than others. Strife and quarreling are symptoms of weak faith (Proverbs 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:23-25; James 4:1) and are among the things the Lord “detests.” We need to rise above the vitriol and learn to love our neighbors the way God commanded us. We need to love our atheist neighbor who wants to keep creationism out of schools; our Democrat neighbor who wants to keep gay marriage and abortion legal; our Republican neighbor who celebrates death penalty statistics and gun ownership; and yes, even the presidential candidate from the other side.

4. Thinking your party’s platform is unflawed is a mistake

The social policies of your party were constructed by imperfect politicians fueled by ambition. It’s nearsighted to canonize them—and it will make you obsolete in a few years. Every four years, the parties adopt a current, updated platform at their respective conventions. And while they stay on general tracks, every four years the platform evolves to meet the needs of a growing, modernized and changing party. The Republican party of today doesn’t look like it did 10 or 20 years ago. We need to know when to change our views to meet a changing culture—and when to stand by them.

5. Scripture tells us to pray for our governing leaders (2 Timothy 2:1-4) and to respect those in authority (Romans 13:1-7)

Translation: if you’re mocking your governing leaders on social media, the Holy Spirit is grieved. We should spend more time honoring our leaders and less time vilifying them. This doesn’t mean praying the President will be impeached; it doesn’t mean praying your candidate will win. God commands us to pray for our leaders—for their wisdom, for their hearts and for them to be led by Him.

6. Don’t be paranoid

The country is not going to be destroyed if your candidate loses. As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Stand up and demonstrate what God has given you. America has functioned—albeit, at varying levels of success—for years under the direction of alternating Democrat and Republican control, and at every flip, the other side thought it was the end of the world. It’s not. And if we’re a Church that believes God is in control, we have to believe that He is the one in control of the end times—not whoever’s in office now, and not whoever succeeds them.

7. Stop saying, “This is the most important election in the history of our nation”

It’s not. The most important election in the history of our nation was when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Before that, we thought it was OK to own people. Every generation thinks it’s living in the most important moment in history. We’re not, our parents were not and our children probably won’t be. And that’s OK.

My addition to the article:

- “Political solutions belong to political problems.  Spiritual problems need a more reliable Messiah.  If we let Jesus Christ—and the peace He alone brings—be the lens through which we view the major political ideas of our day, we will stop looking for lesser messiahs in the form of our elected officials.” - Barbara Shafer

- No candidate is a messiah who will save us. When we elevate one candidate or political party as the only “godly” choice, we can be tempted into making anyone who disagrees an enemy. 

- God is not Republican or Democrat or of any other political affiliation. 

- “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” Psalm 146:3–5