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It's Not Political

Sonya Leigh Anderson


Yikes. This whole COVID thing has me grappling with politics, which believe me, is not my MO. I am, for better or worse, quite content to be ignorant, when it comes to these matters. Uninterested and uninformed. There was a day when I might have said this apologetically. Under my breath. But now, I don’t know. Maybe it’s best to just steer clear. Stay out of it. So why, you might ask, am I writing this post?

Again. Hear me say this. I am no expert. I admit this every time I stand at the kitchen island, catching snippets of Grammy’s talk radio, asking my questions. I’m politically unequipped to express my opinion. And yet. There’s something stirring. And I must.

All these years. Fifty-two minus the voting age in the 1980’s. (Eighteen, even then. I looked it up just now.) I’ve been voting in most of the major elections—it being my “responsibility” and my “privilege” too. Never really making an informed decision, but following the lead of those I most trusted. Which is to say, my husband. This probably not earning me points with those who appreciated my recent post on being a Woman. But I need to be honest.

So here’s the thing. Lately. I’m baffled. More than that. Disappointed? Yeah. Which I suppose is a surprise to no one. Because this is one thing we can probably say in agreement. Politics do disappoint. But I’m saying this as a CHRISTIAN. And here is where I need to pause, and give explanation. Because if you knew just how my heart is pounding, and how I’m on the brink of tears, just trying to write this... I NEED you to hear me. People of Jesus. My brothers and sisters. To be Christian is NOT a political position. To be Christian is to be a “little Christ.”

But. Here we are in 2020. And I dare say, we are confusing those watching, and we are scaring the children. And if we’re not careful, this once most sacred title, will be nothing more than a political position. “Christian.” And we who identify as followers of Jesus are seriously going to need to get a new name. Just to distinguish one from the other.

Which is what I’ve been trying to say to Grammy. And my husband. And my second-born son. Which adds to my quandary. It used to seem simple, blindly voting the way of my family. But now there are people I love. People I trust. In both parties. And then some. Which is to say, I’ve got to at least consider my options. And just maybe. My final conclusion. Will be to not even cast my vote. I don’t know.

But I DO know this. We who claim the name of Jesus belong to a KINGDOM. And it is HIS. His kingdom. This was the original good news. Read the gospels. It’s there. It’s here. Jesus said so, over and over...

My point. Is this. This kingdom—not of this world, but very, very present—we owe our allegiance to IT. Which brings me back to my political quandary. Because here’s what I (and the children) are hearing. Grown-ups complaining, demanding their RIGHTS. Fighting each other. Dividing. Everyone claiming discrimination. And where in all of this is JESUS?

Jesus. Who says it’s our right to love each other. To deny ourselves. And to take up our cross.

So why is there so little talk of Jesus? And His—albeit, upside-down—kingdom? Where humility wins and compassion defines us. Where we trust in a leader who laid down His life. And bids us to follow. Which party is this?

I mean it. I am just about done with this kicking and screaming response to our current dilemma. “We’re in this together.” Not a bad mantra if we only believed it. Christians. Believers. Are we ONE in the Spirit? Do we really trust God to take this dire situation and use it for healing? For glory?

What if?!

What if our churches stay closed? For a while—or forever? Is it over? NOT HARDLY! Good grief. Who-in-the-world do we think is in charge here? As my pastor friend, Mike, said in last weekend’s sermon. “If the story’s not GOOD—the story’s not over.” I like that. A lot.

I follow Jesus, which makes me a Christian. A statement of allegiance. Not political. One bit.

There’s never been a better time than the present to show the world what it looks like. This Kingdom of Jesus. On earth as in heaven. Here and now, by means of His Holy Spirit. Love. Joy. Peace. And Patience. This is His Platform. Always has been, and will be tomorrow. We follow. A King who bids us to lay down our lives.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13

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sharonharten56
May 22, 2020

https://ftc.co/blog/posts/navigating-different-covid-19-recovery-convictions Check out this post. It’s specifically for churches but great for businesses, families and friends. Hope all is well with you. Sharon Harten.

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