In case you haven’t noticed, America is on the verge of another presidential election season. I cringe when I acknowledge that, because the last one was so harsh and bitter that many have become disillusioned and have no desire to participate in the process.
It seems every election season, things get uglier and more hostile. America is in a culture war, and it shows. It seems every candidate has his or her own version of truth. And the fallout of this culture war seems to be affecting every part of our community, even the church.
In light of the tension that already exists and will ramp up as we get closer to the election, I wanted to pledge my own personal commitment to pursue peace. Romans 12:18 is a good place to begin. It says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Now some may say that the first phrase is problematic, because it seems impossible to live at peace with one another in this culture. But I remind you that “with Christ, all things are possible.”
The second phrase of this verse shows a Christian’s responsibility. “As far as it depends on you…” I realize I cannot control all the things others will say and do in this election season. But I can make good and godly choices in the way that I act and react.
Peace often depends on me and how I live out my faith. This means that I must place people before politics. I have to remind myself that I am to love my neighbors in the same way that I love myself, even those neighbors who believe and vote differently from how I do.
The final phrase of Romans 12:18 hems us in as Christians and gives us no latitude to participate in destructive behavior and speech. The Bible says, “live at peace with everyone.” We as Christians do not get a pass when others treat us with evil and animosity. We cannot discount our responsibility because others are casting insults at us.
1 Peter 3:9 says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” May God grant us hearts that live this out and pursue peace.
Practical help from God’s Word can be found in Ephesians 4. When evil and injustice seem to rule in the world, remember: ”Be angry and sin not; do you let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil … Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Amen! May it be so in us the church!
Mark Adcock is pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in Fortville. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected].
