:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

As long as we’re embracing protest signs and not people, we’re off our A-Game.

I realized the other day that I’ve simply been too stressed out about the election this year, placing too much stock in politicians, and fearing too much what Republicans could do to our environment and what they would not do for the poor and middle class.

I’ve come to believe that the environment is one of the main issues we cannot afford to ignore in the coming years because climate change could be devastating for the poor living in coastal regions as sea levels rise, because pollution and drought are threatening our drinking water (which could be the source of future armed conflict), and because the earth is the Lord’s and I want to care for his creation. But I feel that I’ve gone too far in embracing an issue, fearing another group, and treating people like ideas.

If I find myself really angry at Sarah Palin because she exhibits a flagrant disregard for climate change and creation care (save for the occasional line in her speeches), then I’ve essentially made her the personification of the ideas I dislike. That is simply not acceptable for me as a follower of Jesus.

The more I think about our two parties and the shouting that goes on across the divide as each side clutches their slogans and smear placards, the more I want no part of either side. I clearly believe that the unborn should not be killed and that our world is worth preserving, but I also clearly believe that people on both sides of each issue need to be shown the radical love of Christ that overflows with patience, does not judge, always hopes for the best, and always forgives.

The A-Game for Christians is living in the love of Christ by first receiving it from God and then sharing it with everyone–no strings attached. This is costly. This means that our ideas and causes have to take a back seat to a certain extent. We cannot treat people on the basis of issues or ideologies, but on the basis of God’s grace that is extended to everyone.

This doesn’t mean we shut our brains off or fail to speak our minds or eradicate our convictions. It means that we hold these views, while letting the love of Christ determine how we ultimately interact with all people. At the end of the day it’s not this election that matters, but rather the Kingdom of God. I don’t ever want to lose sight of that.