speaking of politics
Feb. 19 2008
Learn from my mistake this week.
I was talking to a friend this week about the presidential election and pro’s and con’s of each candidate (I love politics) and who I was going to vote for. At one point in the conversation I made the comment that one of the candidates was a jerk.
I left the conversation, went on to something else. But the Holy Spirit gently corrected me. I sensed him putting his finger on the fact that I said something very negative about a person that I really didn’t know.
I realized in the moment how self-righteous and proud that comment was. How am I the trial, judge, and jury on a person to the point that I can make the statement that they are a jerk? Here is what a jerk means: a) an annoyingly stupid or foolish person. b) an unlikable person; especially : one who is cruel, rude, or small-minded.
Wow. Pretty proud. Who am I to call somebody this. What is more convicting is I don’t know this person from Adam and here I am calling him: stupid, foolish, unlikable, cruel, rude and small minded.
I realized that my language was not edifying or helpful. It was a moment of regret but also a moment of joy as I remember that Christ died for even this sin of pride and that it was paid for by Jesus death. So after I repented to God I went back to my friend and asked his forgiveness for the comment I made. He graciously forgave me.
So why do I bring this up? To share with you what I learned through this. It’s easy to make comments about political candidates that are potentially very self-righteous and arrogant. Regardless of our disagreement with a candidate’s positions or with the way they communicate we need to treat them with respect and humility. A person’s position is one thing, but I learned that there is a difference between critiquing a person’s positions and making remarks about the person.
We’re going to be in many conversations in the next few months about candidates. Just make sure your language about a candidate matches what the Bible has to say about our speech.
Lets watch our language.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
_Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
_Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
_Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Comments
On the other hand, as someone in the field, I often have firsthand knowledge of which of the politicos really are “jerks” (and sometimes that is a mild expression of disapproval). My challenge is to communicate wisely what I know about the character and beliefs of certain electeds or to know when it is better not to communicate those things. How does one express that multiple individuals are not (to borrow a phrase from Kings) doing what is right in the sight of the Lord but that one nonetheless believes that one of them is more likely to make sound decisions than the other—even if both have exhibited pronounced character deficiencies? Or, perhaps one person’s character seems significantly stronger than that of another and it is helpful for voters to know that but still I need to communicate in a way that is consistent with the verses you mention?
em on Wed Feb 20, 2008 at 4:55 pmem,
you bring up a great point. i think with those in public office or those that desire to be in public office they need to be critiqued and evaluated. that is a part of the process. i think what you have actually been a good example of is use biblical categories and biblical language to communicate you concern. And as you communicate your opinion do it with grace and humility. I am not advocating that we say nothing but nice things about candidates that are doing things that could be harmful. What i am saying is that i think its wise to watch our attitude and motive before we share. Hope that makes sense?
One other thought is that as Christians we need to be doubly careful right now because we (evangelicals) are seen (at least in my neck of the woods) more as a political voting block than a community of saved sinners with a message of good news. I think this should temper the way we say things about politics so as to be careful not to further reinforce the stereotype.
eric on Thu Feb 21, 2008 at 4:51 amAllow me to add a couple of additional scriptures to your already strong case. Clearly as believers we are called to watch our speech toward all men and in all circumstances, in addition we are commanded to “honor kings” (1 Peter 3) and to pray for “kings and all in authority” (1 Tim 2:1-4). We are also to submit to the governing authorities as ones who have been established by God (Romans 13). For more check out a post by Sean Wallentine at the Capitol Ministries blog titled “How to Respond to Emails that Dishonor Political Leaders.” The truth applies to more than emails and is especially applicable this political season.
Lynne on Sat Mar 1, 2008 at 4:43 am
This is an important reminder, thanks Eric.
Joseph on Wed Feb 20, 2008 at 4:35 am