No.Nonsense.

Since I began this column and restarted posting political stuff on my social media, I have to say that some of my discussions have become more contentious. I try to be reasonable in my discussions, sharing my point of view and why I have my opinions. What I don’t want to engage in is trying to convince others to come over to my side of the fence. I seek to have an understanding of differing viewpoints and to encourage others to look at a viewpoint other than their own. My reasoning is that in understanding others we are better able to work through our differences to find a commonality that can lead to civility. I’m looking for that safe space in the middle, not for a conversion.

What I find, however is that there are those who have a harder time, choosing to go for the win instead of fostering an understanding. They look for the mic drop moment that proves their point. I must admit here I’ve done the same thing- I’m human and fallible.

As I was in one of these back-and-forth discussions online over the weekend, someone close encouraged me to step back and disengage, citing the division that could be caused because the person I was arguing with and I am both Christians, in fact longtime acquaintances from church.

The interesting thing about this exchange with the confidante is that my pastor had just preached on this exact topic the prior Sunday. In a sermon from 1 Corinthians chapter one the Apostle Paul comes out of the gate admonishing the members of the church at Corinth for their division. One group was saying, “we follow Paul”. Some said Apollos, others Cephas, others Christ. These divisions were creating unrest in the church. It can be argued that this teaching is solely about Biblical principles and doctrine. I would argue that it can be applied to every area of belief that has the potential to divide us, including politics.

When we become so enamored with our own political perspective, even down to certain leaders, we potentially close the door to all those who might look to the Christian community for guidance but who have a different political ideology or voting history. This is a dangerous game that ultimately undermines the purpose of the gospel- to lead people to Christ.

The Bible teaches that there are certain inalienable truths that are not up for debate. As Christians, we have a responsibility to uphold those truths. If a principle, however, does not fall into one of those truths, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things and only serves to create rifts within the church.

I’ve also heard it said that God raises leaders for his purpose. This statement is often used to justify a certain person in political office. Keep in mind when using this argument that throughout history, God has raised up good leaders to bring his people out of bad situations as well as bad leaders to teach his people a lesson and/or punish them for their destructive choices. Appointment by God is not a mandate to support that leader. The Bible says that we know them by their fruit. The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. If that leader doesn’t show any healthy fruit on their tree, perhaps question why they are there and is it a good thing or not. Remember that even Satan can quote scripture and will use it to his advantage.

I’m not saying that Christians should never engage in politics. We are a part of this nation as well and have a responsibility to it. What we should never do is to use political arguments as a battering ram.

Ultimately, our mission is to win converts to Christ, not to our ballot. We have a responsibility to give them a hope and a future beyond this world. Our proselytizing should be for the gospel and not for a candidate.

I remind myself daily that it needs to be my priority to be kind over being right. My goal as a Christian should always be to reflect him over and above winning my argument. That other cheek is waiting for me to turn it. It is my responsibility to make the right decision at the right moment in order to avoid dissension within the body, and sometimes that means stepping out of the discussion.