Grace in All Things, Even Politics

2 Timothy 2:24-26: "The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." (NASB)

Some of you out there avoid confrontation like the plague. Some of you are more like I am now; a challenge to your principles is a gauntlet thrown down. The eyes narrow, the jaw clenches, and a heat rises inside as you warm to the fight. In our modern, "civilized" age, verbal sparring rarely leads to physical conflict... but the damage of hasty words can far exceed the temporal damage of even a well-aimed punch.

Our call as Christians is clear. We must be ready to answer, but gently. We must correct those who oppose us, but kindly. We must remember the tremendous grace that we have been show by the Sovereign Lord of the universe, and give the smallest part of that grace to those with whom we speak. Note that we are called upon to teach, and to correct; these are not optional for us. Declining to open our mouths because we are afraid shows a lack of faith, and obedience. But when we do speak, we need to remember that we were once deceived, also, and held captive to the Adversary's will.

So how does this all tie in to politics? We have discussed how people use the word "politics" and they really mean worldview. The issues confronting our nation today are nothing less than the ancient battle between Good and Evil, between Truth and Lie, being played out in our culture and our government. We may use the word politics to describe these conversations, but the principles involved run much deeper, to the core of who we are and what we believe. Be ready to teach with gentleness and kindness, and let the Spirit do His work upon the hearts of men.