How do I bridge the divide?

Hey Everybody,

 

This week, the President-Elect paid a visit to the White House to meet with the current President to discuss the peaceful transfer of power in the coming weeks from one administration to the other. I watched the news as these two political foes shook hands, shared pleasantries, and gave the appearance, at least, that they would work together for the sake of the nation to make the transition as smooth as possible.

 

While there is a certain amount of ceremony in this traditional meeting, I couldn't help but be struck by the contrast of that meeting between these two leaders seated in the Oval Office with a fire burning in the fireplace and the rhetoric that the two of them spewed just days before this meeting. On the campaign trail, each side addressed those already committed to their ideals and values and demeaned those who didn't share those same beliefs and values. The years-long campaign resulted in lots of money spent, very few minds changed, and the division in our culture seemed to widen.

 

How much more unity could we have in our culture if we stepped off the campaign trail platform, grabbed a seat next to the person we disagreed with, and engaged in a conversation with them. I know what you're thinking, I'm not a politician, I'm not standing on a platform. But when you talk TO someone instead of WITH someone, you are talking from a platform. It might be your social media platform.  Hearts aren't changed when we make it our mission to "call people out."

 

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter of instruction to his young co-worker in the faith, Timothy. And in that letter, he urges him to conduct himself in a manner worthy of a "servant of the Lord." He says:

 

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

 

The speech of citizens of the Kingdom of God should feature kindness, gentleness, and patience. Even with difficult people. Especially with difficult people. Notice, too, that God can partner with our kindness to change people's hearts if they are wrong. Paul describes people who oppose the truth of the Gospel not as terrible people but as people held captive by a spiritual enemy. We wouldn't shame a hostage for being a hostage, right? We would look for ways to help them find freedom. And THAT is our mission as followers of Jesus.

 

Our politics are pretty toxic in this country. But if two political enemies can sit down and be kind to one another, then certainly those of us who call Jesus our King can engage with those who seem opposed to us with the kindness and grace that Jesus showed us when we didn't belong to His Kingdom.

 

I want to thank those of you who call Believers home. I don't know if you realize it or not, but God is building a community of believers here that is pretty remarkable. We are diverse in stage of life and political viewpoints but are united in our commitment to follow our King. Let's keep chasing after Jesus and remind ourselves how we are to conduct ourselves in a culture that has grown increasingly toxic. Let's model a better way forward. The Kingdom of God looks so beautiful compared to what is normative today. Let's shine brightly and help people find Jesus.

 

I'm grateful for you and look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we continue our series Divided We Stand.

 

Blessings,

 

Pastor Jamey