I was sent a public message on social media by a friend regarding a matter with which she is struggling. As you will see, it involves politics. In her message to me my friend makes it clear that she is posting about the issue in a public way because she suspects others may be struggling in a similar way. She thought her post and my response might be helpful for other folks. I am providing, below, her initial post and my response.
POST FROM MY FRIEND:
I’m struggling Pastor Dan. I’m posting on your page just in case anyone else is struggling along with me.
I had a heated discussion with B after work today. Not towards him, but out of anger. I’m not feeling very Christian like these days. I feel like I was stripped and persecuted for 4 years because I supported President Trump and STILL do. And now those exact people want to join hands and say we should be one. Let us “heal”. They are crying, “Unity!” I’m not feeling it. I feel animosity. I’m tired of turning the other cheek. The things I really want to say are so far from being a Christian.
I’m praying on it. And I’ve been praying on it. But I’m feeling like an epic fail right now. I know I’m not alone.
I’m a sinner and I own my feelings. I’m just trying to figure this out.
I’m sorry if this puts you on the spot. I’m looking for guidance and I trust you with my heart. I know what the Bible says.
I’m just struggling immensely right now. 
MY RESPONSE:
Hi J, I love your passion and your vulnerability.
You have not put me on the spot in an unfair way.
Yes, the political division, friction, frustration and struggle that you described is something other people are wrestling with, as well. I have heard from others. You are not alone in feeling frustrated, hurt, confused and angry.
And God knows exactly what you are feeling. He understands. You have not done anything that has caused Him to stop loving you. (See Romans 8:35-39)
Unfortunately, I do not believe the political division will be resolved. (I know this doesn’t sound very optimistic but let me explain.) In my opinion, the political division is not resolvable because, in a very simple way, what leads a person to the left or the right politically has to do with their fundamental view of reality. So, the conflict goes back to the way we understand life, reality, human nature, ultimate purpose, etc. When the most basic beliefs and values are in conflict, reconciliation and harmony become very, very, very unlikely.
So part of the challenge for followers of Jesus is to attempt
to put aside the political inclinations and look at every person we know as a
precious soul for whom Jesus died. Our call, as followers of Jesus, is not
really to political unity. Our call is to the love of Jesus alive in us and
extended to everyone we encounter. Everyone. I know this can be incredibly
difficult. Some people test us to our very limits and then just a little bit
further still. There are people who try to intentionally provoke us. I get it.
But our Lord calls us to love everyone.
Seek God, when it comes to this matter of love. We cannot do this on our own. We need God’s love, through a work of the Holy Spirit, in us.
One of my concerns, when it comes to political matters, is I have seen indications—on more than a few occasions—that for people who claim to be Christians, their political commitments are more important than their commitment to Christ. In other words (not for everyone, but for some) if there is a conflict between their political commitments and their Christian commitment, the political commitments win.
That is not good.
As Christians, our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ must come before, literally, everything else. Family, friends, job, money, politics, fame, status, material possessions are all a distant second compared to Jesus.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.’” Matthew 16:24-25
Jesus is first. Our commitment to Him is primary. This is foundational to Christianity. To miss this truth is to misunderstand the Christian faith.
Think of it this way: If Jesus is who He claims to be, then it is logically inescapable that He has to be more important than everything else regarding our existence!
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:7-9
It bothers me that politics seems like it is increasingly invading every area of life. In my opinion, this is not good. The more that everything in life becomes political, the closer we move toward negative, restrictive, controlling forms of government.
It’s interesting to me that in the time and place Jesus lived a person might have thought He would have spent more time talking about the political issues of His day. The Roman government was a significant, and oppressive, factor in the life of the Jewish people. Under the circumstances He didn’t really address the subject very frequently. He was more concerned with talking about something He knew to be more important: the Kingdom of God.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Jesus, in Matthew 6:33
God’s kingdom is eternal. The political systems of this world, including the political systems of the United States of America are temporary. (By the way, I love our country and am not against it, however, I am sharing biblical truth. The United States of America is not eternal. The Kingdom of God is eternal.)
(Again, please do not read that as disinterest or negativity toward the U.S. I genuinely want our country to thrive and do well. I want it to be a place of liberty, justice, truth, fairness, and opportunity for everyone.)
However, since earthly kingdoms are not eternal, we do not put our faith, trust and hope in political outcomes. I have political outcomes I would like to see happen. I understand that what happens politically is not inconsequential. But as followers of Jesus our ultimate faith, trust and hope are not in the politics of our country, it is in the Lord Jesus Christ.
One day, every knee will bow to Jesus (Phil. 2:10), not to any political leader or political ideology. Jesus is Lord of all. He is victorious. And He will prevail!
J, you are not an epic failure! You are learning, growing, stretching, thinking and trying to understand how your genuine faith in Christ applies to the everyday issues, struggles and realities of life. These political issues stir up strong feelings. They can definitely test our calling, from Jesus Himself, to love others.
You wrote: “I’m a sinner and I own my feelings. I’m just trying to figure this out.”
Those are the words of a person who is attempting to take responsibility. That willingness to examine yourself, honestly, before God is an essential aspect of faith in Christ Jesus.
“If we confess our sins, [this involves honest self-examination] he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
God is at work in you. I see that to be true. I am very encouraged by that truth. And you know what? Good news! God will complete the work He is doing in you.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6
You are in the process of becoming more like Christ! Sometimes there are bumps in the road.
The fact that you are bold enough, vulnerable enough, courageous enough and honest enough to express your thoughts, feelings and struggles in a public way tells me you are sincere, motivated and serious about trying to deal with them and grow.
I hope this helps! (Sorry I got a little long-winded.)
Please do not be discouraged, my dear friend!
I love you. God loves you. Be blessed!
Dan
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