Becoming a Christ-filled community in our contentious culture

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.... (Romans 12.2)

The other night, during our neighborhood Tuesday dinner, the conversation drifted to the events surrounding the inauguration of the 45^th President of the United States. Several at the table shared that they could not watch the live broadcast of this ceremony. The reason, and I quote, is that “We can’t stand looking at that man.”  Harsh, but honest. In fact, te unity of opposition towards our new President was remarkable, because those seated around our dinner table rarely agree about anything!  

We are blessed with friends who love each other, but who usually share different, if not opposing political or philosophical views. This usually makes for lively, but friendly exchanges of ideas or beliefs. 

Few of us, it seems, enjoy the liberty of such a table fellowship. 

For most of us, we have been "un-friended" for our opposing beliefs, shunned for disagreeing on political preferences, and even harassed for holding dissenting views on public policy.

How, then, do we respond in these contentious times? 

How do we speak into a new scenario that feels so polarized – when people are so quick to become prickly, if not angry?

As Christ-followers, this is an opportunity to sharpen our focus on God and his work. Rather than being drawn into the debate or dismay that is amplified in our media, and even at our mealtimes, this is a season “…not [to] be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

How do we look at our new President through Kingdom lenses? 

As citizens of the Kingdom, how do we respond to the increasing anger or fear that is seen across political affiliations?

Here are two “harbor lights” that I have culled from Scripture that (hopefully!) guide my conversations or responses in these turbulent times.

First, remind ourselves WHO WE ARE. We are first and foremost citizens of heaven, living here as sojourners or travelers, each called to serve as Christ’s representatives or ambassadors. In all aspects of our life, we are Christ’s people – we are not Americans or Democrats or Republicans first – we belong to Christ above all else. He is our Lord, so it his Name we seek to honor and represent with his grace and mercy.

By God’s mysterious choice, I was born as an American, and was raised at a time of relative peace and stability. Over 90% of all other humans on the planet haven’t had these advantages. 

Beware of allowing our advantage to be the movement we are defending – this “American way of life” is not our identity or source of security. Jesus is our Lord, which means we are willing to lose all our advantage and comforts to serve him first. We belong to Christ first – and we are only his.  In reality, we are “on loan” to our nation and our world as his ambassadors and servants.

Second, remind ourselves WHOSE WE ARE. God is our sovereign King. He is an absolute ruler – he raises up kings, and brings rulers down. He brings prosperity and creates calamity – that is his prerogative as King. When he chooses to bring judgment, we all will suffer for the sins of our nation; when he chooses to bring prosperity, we all will enjoy the fruit of his blessing.

God is King. Whether rulers are elected or appointed or anointed, the “prime mover” behind all those processes is God alone.

So beware of sinking into despair or rising in delight when political changes are afoot. We are God’s people, and he is working his will for his good pleasure.

Be humble, and largely be quiet in the midst of all the ranting and rejoicing we see in the internet and television.

Wait upon the Lord, and scrutinize your hearts’ responses to what is happening.

We need to train ourselves in thinking and speaking righteously now, when we have the liberty and leisure to debate these things. If we are able to respond faithfully to these changes in political leadership and social policy, we will be all the more ready to respond fearlessly when we suffer personally or corporately for our faith in Jesus.