The Privileged Life: Mixed Messages

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:10 NKJV)

It’s nearly election day. I’m so glad we’re almost there. 

We Americans have endured a roller-coaster season of candidate face-offs, endless campaigning, unexpected turns, news frenzy, video ads, and of course, a boatload of social media commentary. Bumper stickers and yard signs abound. 

While I’m filled with gratitude for the privilege of voting, I’m saddened by the discord among our citizens. It’s getting worse, too. That’s not surprising in a post-Christian nation, but it especially hurts when Christians contribute to the ugliness. 

An example I recently saw was a car window that sported two messages. One was an in-your-face declaration of some self-righteous opinion…the other was a Christian “fish” sticker. I’ve seen the same kind of double-tongued posts in social media and news stories. While professing faith in God, some commentators continue to spew insults and pompous jabs at the other side.

It’s very tempting to be snarky in our political interactions with each other, even with those in our own camp. I get it. But the word “smug” should never be used in the same breath with the word “Christian.” 

Friends, we have an opportunity every day to be Christlike to the world around us. While venting our feelings might give us brief satisfaction, the long-term effects are damaging. I wonder as I drive around town with a Christian emblem on the back of my car—does my driving reflect the courtesy and selflessness of Christ? Would others see Jesus behind the wheel? The same goes for the words I use online. Would readers find my remarks encouraging or cringe-worthy?

You can’t hide behind anonymity, either. God sees our hearts and motives. Jesus reserved His harshest criticism for the Pharisees, scribes, lawyers, and others who exalted themselves as pious authorities but ignored the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith. He called them whitewashed tombs, people who looked great on the outside but inside were filled with death and decay. Ew.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” Jesus said. “For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.” (Matthew 23:14 NKJV)

Our problem is hypocrisy. If we say we follow Christ but show lack of forgiveness in our speech, we fail to be winsome evangelists. Jesus calls us to speak the truth in love but never to be malicious. As much as we are able, we are called to live peacefully with everyone, including those who disagree with us (see Romans 12:17-21). That, my friends, requires us to be sacrificial and humble…not terribly easy for me.

How do we preserve our witness when we’re surrounded by caustic messages?

First, pray. Pray that God will soften the hearts of anyone on the attack. Forgive those who treat you callously with disregard for your opinions.  

Second, stay above the fray to preserve your witness. Refrain from kneejerk answers on social media or news commentaries. If you speak the truth in love, be prepared for tongue-lashing from angry opponents. It will mean taking up the cross of Christ. Jesus experienced extensive persecution, too, and He wasn’t even a political activist.  

Third, ask God to raise up godly leaders for our government and change the hearts of unbelievers who will be elected in this cycle. We are commanded in Scripture to respect our officials. That includes praying for them and respecting even the vilest of them (see Romans 13:1-7). We are all sinners in need of Christ’s salvation.

Finally, after the election, there will be guaranteed gloating and grumbling. We’ll feel joyfully triumphant or drip in despair. But there is no cause to dump our reactions on those who voted against our candidates. Quietly take your emotions to our wise and loving Father who is sovereign over the results. He has purposes for us in every situation, to bring about His plans for good.

Wherever you cast your ballot, vote for people who express a desire to follow God’s precepts. Know where they stand and what their platforms represent on domestic and international issues. Look for leaders who seek to preserve the lives of the unborn. Ask God to clearly show you His will for your selections, especially in light of conflicting information from the media. There is no perfect candidate.  

Having spent time in many other countries—including Russia—I can tell you from personal experience that our freedom to choose our leadership is an unparalleled, costly, precious privilege. Please don’t treat it casually. Take advantage of early voting, too, and beat the crowds on November 5. 

All of us need to step up to the plate in this election cycle…especially those of us who claim Jesus Christ as our Savior. Keep your heart and words focused on Him. That way, your messages will bless others in His name—full of His praises, love, and hope. A nice mix, don’t you think?

Dear Jesus, You are Lord and Master of the entire universe, including our little planet and country. Please shine Your light into the souls of those seeking office, to turn their faces to You and to guide them. Revive our nation by Your Holy Spirit and preserve us from evil. Give us wisdom, through the freedom You have bestowed upon us, to choose the best options for our leadership. Keep us from hypocrisy—forgive us, and fill us with Your forgiveness to extend to others. Bless our country with Your presence as we strive to glorify You. In Your name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at http://lightbournecreative.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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