In a political season that has polarized many of our friend groups and families, how do we stay focused on the work God has called each of us to do in this world? Some believe that Christians need to control the government and leadership systems. Then, there are others who say that politics has no place in religion at all. That dichotomy has pitted denominations and congregations against each other in new and, to me anyway…frightening ways.
For me, my faith has always guided my involvement in politics and or government. I served for 20 years as an elected representative who believes that the beauty of our nation is in the freedom of religion and the diversity of God’s people. When hearts would approach me over the years and demand that prayer be put back in school, I had two questions for them. First, if they had children of their own, I would ask if we should use the same prayer they use at home or the one their neighbor uses in their home. The point being parents, not educators, need to model their personal faith. If they did not have children in the school system, my question was, “Which prayer should we use?”
Consider for a moment the difference in various denominations. Do we pray the way fundamental Baptists pray, or as Catholics, Jews, or the way we as United Methodists pray? Those who want Biblical instruction within public schools, I ask the same question…the answer is a little more complicated than put God back in schools. He never left. We, however, may have removed him from many of our homes.
It’s always good to remind folks that prayer is still allowed in schools. Students can and do lead prayers all the time. The Bible is considered a historical document as well as a literary source and is found not only in public school libraries but also in many classrooms. One of the best lessons on lyrical poetry I have ever witnessed, used the Psalms. Most importantly, each and every time a volunteer from the faith community and Congregations 4 Children enters a school building, Christ walks through that door with them.
What public schools need are advocates, and that is where I cannot separate my politics from my faith…they are an integral part of each other. Yes, we can and should provide backpacks and supplies for students who need them. We should also advocate for policies that will provide those necessary resources for classroom teachers. We can encourage free breakfast and lunch for all students, but we also need to push for legislation that addresses why so many families are living in poverty in the first place.
Faith is a part of our humanity. We were created in the image of God, and his son was more than a preacher; he was a social advocate. He taught his disciples to follow that model of compassionate faith and justice-seeking advocacy. Imagine Jesus trying to guide his disciples through our current election cycles.
As Christians, we don’t need to oversee everything politically, but we do need to be engaged and make decisions based on how each elected person will feel about our fellow man. Do they see the homeless? Are they compassionate toward families living in poverty? Do they cry like we do when 14-year-olds kill other 14-year-olds and their teachers during the school day? Are they willing to turn over established systems that create a world where a 14-year-old can get an AR-15 assault rifle? Do they believe that we are stronger together even when we disagree?
We don’t need to fight with each other and call each other awful names. We don’t need to further divide ourselves by refusing to even discuss complex issues. We DO need to talk to each other, listen to each other, and ultimately be guided by our faith when making very personal decisions. This is a time to love more loudly than the noise and distractions being thrown at us on every electronic device known to man. It’s a time to serve the way Jesus would be serving, love the way he would be loving, forgive the way he forgave, remind people who is ultimately in control instead of trying to seize control, and most of all…lift others up instead of tearing them down.
Be like Jesus during election season, after it passes, and every day moving forward. Use his model of love, mercy, and justice to serve your neighbors. Let everything you say and do begin and end with love. He has told us and shown us how to live. Let’s get about doing it.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NIV
Kim Rice Smith
NCCUMC Sound District
Lay Leader