Peace Baby

Believe it or not, there are Christians who align themselves with the Republican party for one reason or another. There are Christians who align themselves with the Democratic party and there are Christians who stay independent or are Libertarian, Green, or some other party in the US political sphere. We can never make the mistake of looking at someone's party affiliation and seeing Christian or non-Christian. The Bible says:

Rom 12:18-21
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NIV

You know, this election is becoming more and more sharply divisive, but when all the rhetoric shakes out and we all head to the voting booth; when all the banners, buttons, yard signs and bumper stickers are put away and someone takes the oath of office, we are all Americans and more than that, as Christians, we are all believers in Jesus Christ.

So, while we may disagree sharply on the course of action that needs to be taken in January, we can agree that Jesus Christ is the only one who can change lives and redeem our hearts from the sinful bondage in which we used to walk. We cannot have election rhetoric divide us from out brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

I know that some things that the other side, which ever side you may be on, can make a person angry. It can even make a person of character question another's walk with God, but you know what our responsibility is? Our responsibility is to live at peace with one another. Between Democrats and Republicans there is a sharp divide and, politically, many things to disagree on. But as Christians, we must find that common ground where we can still stand side by side and work side by side with our brothers and sisters in Christ during and after the election season.

Yes, this election is vital for our nation, but loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is even more important. If the enemy (not the other party) can divide us from our brothers and sisters in Christ then we will not be able to defeat the real enemy the devil and his kingdom, the kingdom of darkness. Abraham Lincoln quoted Jesus just previous to the civil war when he said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand". Abraham Lincoln agreed with Jesus that it's important for us to stand together as Americans and more importantly as Christians.

I'm a Conservative Republican. I have been since I worked in 1980 with the College Republicans to elect Ronald Wilson Reagan President of the United States. But I want to say that in my congregaton, there are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents and every other party available and we all come together on Sundays, Wednesdays and in other small group meetings and ministries as Christians. You know, we love each other and I haven't ever heard anyone ask, "are you a Republican or a Democrat?". It doesn't matter, the question is "do you know Jesus?". Do you know that now matter what your party affiliation, God loves you. We might disagree, but let's be grown up, mature Christians about it. Jesus said, "they will know you are my disciples because you love one another". Let's do that.

Oh, don't get me wrong. People have to fight the fight of a hard election and I intend to help fight that fight. We have to point out the truth and point out the gray areas and point out the down right lies. But when it's all said and done, we have to stand together as Christians and as Americans. As far as it depends on us, to live at peace with one another because a house divided, whether a political house or a house of worship, cannot stand.

So, yes, fight the good fight in this election, but let's not cross the line where our emotions divide us from good people on both sides of the political ilse.

Again, God loves you and God loves your political opponent. When it comes to the body of Christ, let's put our politics aside at times to simply find common ground; agree to disagree about the political and move forward to advance against the real enemy, the kingdom of darkness.

God bless you and God bless America!

Until later,

Don