Are you passionate this election season. Justifiably so. No matter how you look at it, there is a lot at stake. And your people know it. They may know where you stand because you let it be known in conversations, on social media, maybe even from the pulpit. It’s likely that you grew up in a church that shared voter guides, maybe you’ve shared them yourself. After all, as a Christian leader it is your responsibility to help your people make and informed and biblical choice in the ballot box. Or is doing so increasing polarization and compromising our ability to make disciples?
What DID Jesus do?
The “What would Jesus do?” movement has lived on in many. But the more important question has always been “What DID Jesus do?” Looking back at the life of Jesus as recorded in the gospels helps us avoid projecting our own biases onto Jesus.
When we do look to his life and see how Jesus engaged with people, he almost always chose mercy over judgment. The only time he went to judgment was when confronting religious people who would never admit they were wrong, who knew the correct theology but refused to practice mercy themselves. Those were the only people he approached in a spirit of judgment. And since he was God incarnate, he had every right to judge.
In this season of polarization and politics mixing with theology, we need to again ask, “What did Jesus do?” When we see how he treated regular people in his daily life—and how he treated people who were obviously in sin of some kind—we see the mercy of Jesus. He kept his focus on people, showing respect (which is different than agreement or approval), and looking to see where God might be at work in and through them. Often, Jesus surprised them by “ministering in the opposite spirit”—where he found discouragement, he brought hope. Where he found hardness, he brought kindness. Then from wherever they were, Jesus helped them take the next step closer to him.
The BEST way to combat polarization
So how can we be truly different—and be like Jesus—in the midst of this polarizing season? What would it look like to choose mercy? To minister in the opposite spirit? To listen and learn? Keep it simple by leaning into what Jesus told us to do:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
And Jesus had already told us in word and showed us deed how to accomplish this:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 23:37-40)
As leaders, encourage your people in these directions. In your preaching and teaching, stick to scripture—and particularly to what Jesus did—and guard against smuggling in hidden agendas or politics.
Preach the mission
Remember that 1st century Israel had a far different culture and political system than our own. And remember that trying to force Christian values onto others has never worked, but rather has caused damaging and lasting consequences for everyone. The goal is not to make our culture like the church, but to reach people with the message of Jesus. That is the mission of the church. So focus on the main thing that Jesus focused on: love hard like Jesus loved hard. And when it comes to judgment and mercy, choose mercy.
Our hope is in extending the unconditional love that we ourselves have experienced through Jesus. Love well this season, my friends.
Coaching
One of the most painful sources of pain for pastors is feeling stuck and unable to move forward on the vision God placed in you. Coaching helps you balance the day-to-day and navigate the obstacles keeping you from what God has called you to do. If you are ready to move forward and see your vision become reality, email admin@loganleadershipl.com and set up FREE 30-minute conversation with Dr. Bob to learn how coaching can help you.
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Guide for Discipling– 40 studies for individuals and groups to grow in their love for God, love for people, and help make and grow as disciples. A disciple of Jesus is a reflection of God in the world. As Jesus discipled people, he expected that their discipleship would touch all aspects of their life, relationships, and even society as a whole. Topics include generous living, personal transformation, spiritual responsiveness, and more!
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