June 5, 2018

Watch Your Words

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:13-15

Today is election day. Did you go vote? Good for you! We are privileged to be able to participate in free elections.

There may or may not be runoffs to come. I hope not because, honestly, I’m tired of the ugliness. What about you? I’m not sure how people who boldly proclaim their Christian faith can turn around and endorse ads filled with hateful words directed at their opponents.

I know. Those in the know try to explain that it’s the only way to get elected. I’m not so sure about that. I can’t be the only person who would like to see candidates focus on the issues and stop the mudslinging. That would be honorable. That would be truthful. That would be what the Bible tells us to do.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

Our country can’t focus on its problems because we’re so busy putting others down. We can’t get along with each other because we’re too busy name-calling and finger pointing when people don’t agree with us.

Even now, I know there will be lots of grumbling in the days to come. Why? Because in an election someone wins and someone else loses. That means someone is unhappy, just like their supporters.

But you know what? The earth still turns and God is still on the throne. And we still need to learn how to get along with each other. We wonder why people are turning away from Jesus and, yet, we’re too busy speculating to look in the mirror and really see ourselves.

Do people see Jesus in you? Does your behavior, your words, your choices, reflect who He is? Because that’s what will either draw people toward Jesus or push them away. It’s not about what someone else is doing or not doing. It’s about what you are doing or not doing. Think about that for a minute.

I am responsible for my own choices, my own actions, my own words. And you are responsible for yours. Do you build people up? Do you lend a helping hand? Or do you live a self-focused life full of grumbling and finger pointing.

Before you voice your opinions on this election, take a moment to consider your words. If your candidates won, offer praise to the opponents. If your candidates lost, congratulate the winners. But above all else, let your words reflect Jesus so that all can see who the winner really is.