The Weekly Encourager – January 11, 2021 – Crossing the Bridge

This past week was really difficult and draining for me. By Saturday night I was on empty. Besides the horrible happenings on Capitol Hill, I had three challenging conversations with friends during the week. On Wednesday, I received a very hurtful email from our longtime friend and Christian brother with the subject line “Put a fork in it…” in which he says the friendship is over because I don't speak out for his views on social media.

There are a number of things wrong with his letter, not the least of which is his evident anger and lack of kindness or self-control. But the main thing bothering me is his underlying assumption that Dave and I should agree with his political views simply because we’re all Christians. I’ve seen this attitude in a number of my friends on both the Left and the Right. And they don’t just want me to believe the same things, but to act upon these beliefs in the same way that they do. I feel like I’m in a car approaching a bridge. I’m trying to get to the other side of this messy traffic jam by encouraging calm, respectful, and rational debate between people with opposing views. Please, stop your cars and talk to one another! That’s the only way to move ahead in our divided nation. But I’m stuck because folks on the Left want me to drive off the bridge on the left, while folks on the Right want me to drive off the bridge on the right. Everyone is so emotional that they’re headed off the deep end and encouraging others to do the same. Splash, splash! Neither side is willing to let me cross the bridge.

The second assumption is troubling as well: this person believes that people must express their political opinions on social media. Here’s what “speaking up” looks like for me: After the debacle of an unruly mob breaking into the US Capitol building with elected legislators voting inside, I did re-post Pastor Rob Yancey’s comment that “despite the signs they are holding, there is nothing Christian about what this mob did today at the Capitol building.” I also posted a plea for people to be “polite and respectful” when sharing their views. While some agreed with me and others said “if only,” there were a number of comments saying that it’s too late for respect and kindness. I expect nonbelievers to feel this way, but I’m shocked and saddened by the number of Christian people on both sides of the aisle who display no humility whatsoever and no sense that they need to listen to other views. They only want to stand on a bridge and shout.

Friends, this is not the Way of Christ. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” - James 3:17 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Each person has to prayerfully consider what God is calling them to do, both in private and in public situations, during these difficult times. We have different personalities and different gifts. We have different callings and different audiences. I may not be required to say or do exactly what you are required to do. For some, silence is violence, and they must speak out. For others, silence is quietly working behind the scenes in another way to achieve the same goal. One approach is not superior to the other. Only God can judge whether my approach to Facebook and Instagram is the best use of my time and talents. I answer to Him alone. If you see a fellow believer “not doing enough” or “doing it wrong” that’s an opportunity to pray for the Lord’s enlightenment. We are not called to judge one another, but to love one another and to pray for one another.

The third disturbing factor is a form of “Christian nationalism” that argues that, if we could only get the right Christian president to lead this country, all our problems would be solved. It’s unsettling to see followers of Christ fall into this trap. Jesus came to a people who hoped for a strong political leader to overthrow the oppressive Roman government, but Jesus had a higher purpose: to establish a spiritual kingdom characterized by holiness, justice, and righteousness. “My kingdom is not of this world” He told the disciples in John 18:36. So no matter who is king or president, that man or woman can never be the savior of a nation nor of any individual in a nation. I march under the banner of Jesus Christ, not of any political leader.

"Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God" the Bible says in Psalm 146:3-5. To be sure, Christians can certainly work toward justice and equity in the nations in which they live. They can even support and campaign for candidates. But Christians must always understand the difference between the church and the state, and keep each in its proper realm. Christ’s priorities will always be higher than any others. Any other flag I fly had better be under His! “You have given us a banner to rally to; all who love truth will rally to it.” - Psalm 60:4 Christ-followers will also strive to be winsome in speech and behavior. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” - James 1:20 “His banner over me is Love.” - Song of Solomon 2:4 We will reflect the attitude of whomever we worship.

Heavenly Father, help our nation to repent where we have sinned, to listen where we have shouted, to love where we have hated. I ask for shalom peace in our nation, and it must begin with me, in my own heart. Show me my wicked ways, and lead me in the Way of Christ. Make those of us who claim Your Name to be bearers of Your clear light. Let us not be led astray by our own prideful desires, but be guided by Your Holy Spirit to accomplish Your purposes. We humbly ask for your supernatural grace to heal this land. We need Jesus.

God is faithful,
j