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The World is Watching

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The world is watching. They take note who we speak up for, what things make us angry, what we praise, justify or stay silent about. They are taking particular interest in our in-fighting.

"The Church is not to be found at the “center” of a left/right political world. The Church is to be a species of its own kind, confounding left, right, and middle, and finding its identity from the “center” of God’s life." - Rich Villodas

Looking at 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, 30-31 with an eye to politics and the division seen within the Church (as the world goes, so do we):

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 

One of you says, "I follow Trump"; another, "I follow Biden"; another, "I follow Bernie"; still another, "I follow Christ". 

Is Christ divided? Was Trump crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Biden?

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Differences of political opinion that result in division grieve the heart of God. United under the banner of God's objective truth, these things ought not so to be. There is freedom of conscience when our minds are captured and shaped by God's Word. At the same time, we know that we too swim in the polluted waters of our culture and require correction -- a mirror held up for us to see ourselves more clearly. As the Word of truth cuts us and shows us our sin, can we also humbly heed the words of the prophets among us, calling us to repentance? 

We need the courage to search our hearts and repent where we have elevated our political stances above our call to be unified as members of one body. When our response to criticism echoes the propaganda of political pundits (rather than reasoned, Biblical defense), a Reformation is in order, with a recovery of spiritual disciplines that reshape our hearts to love what Jesus loves. 

The old hymn says, "fix your eyes on Jesus". Fix it anywhere else and that object becomes an idol. It's helpful to name those things that were we to lose them, fill us with fear and dread. Financial security? Good health? Successful kids? Political power/influence? Approval of others? What are the things we plug our identity into, that if it's criticized we likewise feel criticized? Church affiliation? Theological dogma? Political party? Military service? Our whiteness? In my own life, my fears and anger can point to the idols I'm clutching. 

This world is not our home, "for here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come" Heb. 13:14). Our inheritance is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Our future is secure because God's promises are a resounding "YES!" in Christ. We serve a mighty King who will destroy evil one day and judge all sin not covered by the atoning blood of Christ. We are witnesses of his kingdom come -- a kingdom of justice and righteousness that looks nothing like our present political power structures and parties. Will we stand apart from political parties and speak prophetically to them? Will we quietly work for the health of our communities, taking particular attention to those who are overlooked or marginalized as Jesus did? That's the early church politic I am hoping to see more of in the coming years -- one that can't be assailed for capitulating to political power and corrupting the lot of us. 

"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven".

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