As I watch the unfolding US elections from the safety of my home in Trinidad & Tobago it seems to me as if American Christians have gone mad. I’m trying really hard to make sense of it (insert emoji of my brain sweating).
So far, I think I’ve figured out that there is one group for whom Mr. Trump is an Elijah-styled hero taking on all that is evil in America. His abrasive personality and speech can be overlooked or even condoned because they believe that’s what is required to fight against the evil forces that is arrayed against him. They even have prophecies to back it up.
Then there seems to be another group who are more focused on the behavior and character of the man. For them, Trump represents an icon of misogyny, bigotry and divisiveness. Any positive policy decisions cannot compensate for the mere force of negativity that pours forth from his speeches and twitter feed on a daily basis.
What’s interesting is that both of these groups are Christian. So, who is right? And does God care which side of the fence we fall on? I would like to propose that God is less concerned about our opinion of Trump and far more concerned about how we navigate this highly divisive issue.
Like it or not, one thing that Martin Luther’s reformation introduced into the church was the propensity to part ways when we disagree on issues. The existence of so many different denominations within the global church and the commensurate features of separation and castigation will not be a feature of the people that reigns after the return of Jesus. There is a unification of the church that must take place as the body matures into the fullness and stature of Christ.
However, many have interpreted this unification to mean that all will come to common agreement on THE TRUTH. This may happen, but I am fully convinced that there first must be a unification of hearts before there can be a unification of minds. The skill that the 21st century church has to learn; the lesson that God is orchestrating world events to allow us the opportunity to learn; is this: How to strongly disagree with each other while remaining in undiminished and loving covenant relationship.
The heart issue that God is putting His finger on, is how we treat the person that we disagree with on issues we feel very strongly about. Do we treat them with love and respect? Do we pursue deeper understanding and relationship? I believe 2020 has been deliberately designed by God as a year of reckoning. There has been no shortage of opportunities to part ways with our brothers and sisters:
- Global pandemic: From God or from the enemy?
- Wearing masks: Responsible act or sign of a lack of faith in God’s protection?
- Ban on church congregation: Responsible community partnership or infringement on religious freedoms?
- Black lives matter movement: An opportunity to show solidarity for victimized brothers or an evil spirit to be opposed?
- Trump: Friend or foe?
I believe that this is a critical moment. The stance we choose toward that ‘other’ person is now under God’s microscope more than ever before.
For me, God’s corporate demand echoes the personal demand on my heart in my marriage. There are issues on which my wife and I have different views. We both have strong opinions. We both believe we are ‘right’. So, what do we do? Parting ways is not an option. Forcing the other person to comply with our way is also not an option. So, what are the options?
- One of us could compromise. But if we both feel that we are doing what is right in God’s eyes then why should we go against our convictions?
- We could avoid the issues that we disagree on entirely. But how do we move forward in true partnership if we never discuss tough issues. How do we move forward in partnership without making any decisions on what’s important or how to tackle problems?
It seems like a puzzle that has no solution, but I believe there is one! The solution for my marriage and for the global church is the same:
- Choose to engage rather than to avoid.
- Seek to listen and understand the other point of view rather than only to propagate yours.
- Choose to discuss and collaborate without disrespecting, dishonouring and slandering.
- Seek to mend fences and include those with different views rather than separate and divide.
- Choose to live in the tension and unresolved-ness and patiently wait for God to work it out.
- Choose to trust God to work His will in and through the other person’s beliefs and methodologies even if they are wrong.
- Choose prayer and lovingkindness as your primary means of influencing situations rather than persuasion, lobbying or bullying. (Even when you have the power to get your way)
We, the church, are the ones charged with loving our enemies. We are the ones of whom Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) We are supposed to be the model; the leaders in humility, love and unity. We have been anything but… Our behavior on social media has been deplorable. We have led the way in bullying others to our beliefs. 2020 is our year to flip the script! It’s time to be the church!
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