Behavior in Political Context

Scripture: Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. Titus 3:1-3

Observation: Paul's instructions toward Titus include how faithful believers are to interact within the social and political context. We are to "avoid fighting." The descriptions of proper behavior are not particularly passive, but they are non-confrontational. They include obediently submitting to rulers and authorities. While slandering no one, we are also to do good works. In bullet-point summary:

-- Obey the government even when you don't agree with it.

-- Avoid fighting over issues.

-- Do not slander those you don't agree with.

-- Do good work.

-- Be kind and gentle toward all people.

Are these the way non-believers behave? No, for Paul even reminds us what poor behavior looks like, for it is how we behaved before coming believers. Non-believers are fools. They are disobedient to the gentle kindness Jesus would advise us to exercise. Mostly, they become deceived by 'issues' and thus are victims enslaved by the emotions stirred by such issues. As a result, they live in conflict ... malice and envy and hate pervade.

Application: With one week to go before the U.S. presidential election ... here we are. Malice and envy and hate pervade. Everyone fights, everyone slanders, and everyone declares they will stand opposed if the 'wrong party' that doesn't support their 'issues' is elected.

What would being kind and gentle toward each other even look like? Certainly many Christians aren't pursuing that stratagem when it comes to the election.

And I am tired of it. I so dislike this human process we have created for identifying earthly leaders. I know alternative methods (like rebellions and wars) are worse, and that is probably the point. Human's weren't designed to select human leaders. Yes, each of us has varying skills, and thus can take the lead in various endeavors and activities, but when it comes to defining the direction of us as a people group, the Lord is our leader. The Lord identifies his spokespeople, and they reveal the Lord's direction.

We don't do this for several reasons, but one reason is that it is difficult to be kind and gentle in a world where half the people are murderous and hostile and angry. Even as I view this verse in the context of our election, new missile attacks are being launched upon Israel ... Iran and Syria are not being led by God-selected spokespeople.

All I can do is what I am trying to do. I do not engage in the issues and the vitriol and the debate. I will live with the outcomes, pay my taxes, and move forward regardless the outcome. Above all, I will try to be kinder and gentler toward all people, at all times, and to strive to do the good work of Jesus. The politics will just be the noisy nonsense I'll try to ignore.

Prayer: Lord, I do pray that the outcome of this election be whatever will advance your will and your kingdom. None of the leaders are what we would hope for, but I know you can use them no matter who wins. May thy will be done. Amen.