Stop Mixing Politics and Faith

This is for you, my Facebook and Twitter friends, who frequently post about faith and politics.

You proudly post about your love for Jesus. You often quote a Bible verse. Or tell us how important Jesus, the Bible, or the latest Chris Tomlin song  is to you. So far, so good.

But the next day you post a horrific, hate-filled vilifying rant about Hillary Clinton. Or Donald Trump. Or both of them. I toyed with actually quoting some of your posts, but I’ve got more class than that.

I just have one favor to ask:

STOP IT. NOW.

If you want to go on a vicious rant about politics, policies, the government, or whatever the media is buzzing about today, just quit talking about Jesus. That’s right. I’m telling you, a Christian, to drop the Jesus talk. The kingdom of God is not served—Jesus is not glorified—through rude and insulting comments.

“These people honor me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me” (Matt. 15:8).

STOP IT. YOU’RE MAKING THE REST OF US LOOK BAD.

I get it that you don’t like a candidate. My beef is not that you disagree with a candidate—or point out what you see as wrong. My beef is with how you say it. Do you not realize that the words you use are not winning converts to your political view? And worse … you’re turning people away from the One you claim to follow.

Take a stand—but do it in a way that is biblical and Christ-honoring.

^“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).

Christianity triumphed over the godless Roman Empire. History records no political rallies, campaigns, or protests. The early Christians lived out the gospel of Jesus Christ and ended up changing an empire.  The teachings of Jesus and the writing of Paul never spoke out against the Romans—and there was a lot to speak out against. Instead, they focused on embracing the kingdom of God, living for Christ, and demonstrating love, compassion, and grace.

What if, instead of casting aspersions on people’s character, we cast light on Jesus’ character? Let’s live like Him, pointing to His light and truth instead of simply cursing the darkness.

By the way, the only people Jesus ever spoke against were the religious people who abused faith for their own ends. So for the moment, I’m in pretty good company.

Why not join me?