A Christian Response to the 2016 Presidential Election

Social media and cable news are abuzz with diatribes and vitriol over the 2016 Presidential Election. If you support the Taz, apparently you are a racist, a liar, a misogynist, and a demagogue.

If you support Yosemite Sam, then apparently you are corrupt, a liar and a murderer . . .

and you REALLY love pant suits.

In such a hostile environment, how is a Christian to respond?

If grandpa comes to the dinner table with a gaudy slogan hat, should the Christian pass him the turkey and call him a sucker?

If Auntie gives a smothering hug and kiss in a flashy orange pant suit, should the Christian exclaim, “Pant suit lover!”

Oh the horror!

If a Christian is attacked for whom he or she supports, should he or she respond, “I know you are, but what am I?”

Yes, I went there.

Or would Southern charm do the trick? You know, a little, “Oh sweetie pie . . .”  And then, BAM!

Yes, I’m man enough to play the Lemon Breeland card.

Observing Christians’ behavior of late, it’s difficult to see Jesus. You know, the One Who tells us through the Word to:

• “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
• “[L]ove your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . . .” Matthew 5:44
• “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
• “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
• “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
• “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:23-26
• “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

Some of you might have clicked on this article hoping for some advice on how to vote. Well, sweetie pie, sit down a spell and let me enlighten you.

Just kidding.

Nope, I’m not letting you off that easily. How to vote will take some DEEP soul searching this time around.

The point I want to make here is that Christians can’t leave Jesus behind. They must take Him along wherever they go. They must at all times be a witness for Christ.

And that means shelving the diatribe and cooling the vitriol.

That means sharing views in a loving and peaceful manner.

That means being a peacemaker not a rabble-rouser.

That means being humble and compassionate.

That means loving those who disagree.

That means using the Bible
(not Taz or Sam)
to soothe itching ears.

Religion and politics are two things we are taught never to discuss with family and friends. But that shouldn’t be if Christians let Christ be their voices.

So, the next time you find yourself in a political discussion, take a deep breath and follow Jesus. That doesn’t mean to hide your beliefs or to avoid a controversial issue; rather it means sharing your beliefs in a loving and caring manner.

© 2016 THEDADDYBLITZ