BEING DIFFERENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I have voted. I believe it is my obligation to use the freedoms I still have to try to preserve those freedoms. It is my duty to vote my convictions, for the good of my family and the faith I firmly follow. If you have not participated in the political realm—do it while you can. It is easy to become indifferent thinking we can make no difference. We may hesitate to choose between the lesser of two evils. Yet, in a world cursed by sin, should this surprise us as our options?

My challenge is to maintain the balance of, “grace and truth,” like my dear Lord Jesus, (John 1:16). Paul put it, “speaking the truth in love,” (Eph. 4:15a). I confess that it is a tightrope we walk, and it is easy to fall off. Does it matter which side we fall off on—as either brings the same result. If I try to be gracious and loving, yet ignore that grace operates and love expresses itself through truth, then I am “nice,” but am salt without seasoning power and light hidden under a basket. Yet, if I club people with truth—failing to be gracious and loving—I may win an argument, but not win a soul!  Is not the purpose of salt to make things more palatable and the usefulness of light to dispel darkness? It is true the salt will sometimes sting and the light may hurt the eyes—yet, that is not the intention.

I will confess that I struggle with this balance. It is easy in this charged political climate, so polarized, to be anti-social on social media. The worst of it, is not that I struggle, but succumb at times to the flesh instead of the Spirit. I ask forgiveness of God and my fellow humans for times that I have been too soft and failed to speak truth courageously when I ought. I ask forgiveness of God and my fellow humans for times that I have been too harsh and failed to speak love graciously as I ought. Lately, the latter more than the former is the side of the tightrope from which I have fallen.

Yet, even when we are most like Jesus—gracious and truthful—the result may be what it was for Him. The world nailed Him to a cross. He told those who follow Him that we must take up our cross and follow Him. 

Here is a word from Scott Sauls:

If you are a Christian leader, boss, or influencer, a time may come when your faith is costly to you and also to those whom you lead and serve. A time may come when certain organizations are put out of business because faithful Christianity becomes incompatible with the dogma, moral vision, and laws of the land. A time may come when religious freedom gives way to religious persecution for those who stand firm in their commitment to be disciples of Jesus versus disciples of prevailing culture. Perhaps what was true of Christians in ancient Rome, and what is still true of Christians in other parts of the world today, will also someday become true of us—losing our livelihoods, our friends, our families, and even our own lives for Jesus’s sake. 

Even if these things do occur in our lifetimes, it should not come as a surprise to us because Jesus said that, in this world, we will have trouble and that people will hate his followers because of him. Jesus said that those who remain loyal to him will be persecuted and have false things said about them. He said that if we want to be his followers, we will have to deny ourselves daily, take up a cross, and follow him. The apostle Paul similarly said, “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29). [From Weakness to Strength: 8 Vulnerabilities That Can Bring Out the Best in Your Leadership, pp. 110-111, Kindle edition]

Let us embrace the words of our Lord:

“ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ ” (Matt.‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭16‬‬).

What will the day after the election bring?  I have done what I can and encourage you to do likewise. Yet, I know God is sovereign and His will cannot be thwarted. The One who taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” wants us to believe that prayer will be answered—when Christ returns. 

Until then, let us be different to make a difference—refusing to compromise while embracing compassion. Lord Jesus, live out Your life through me, and speak truth and love through all your preachers. Amen!