Enjoy this piece original to Jennifer Slattery's personal blog:
I’ve read numerous posts and articles of late urging Christ-followers to vote according to their convictions. And in the comments, I often see individuals who, perhaps fueled by one too many cups of coffee, use the encouragement as an opportunity to instigate an argument. Each time I see this, I’m both discouraged and convicted, as there’s a part of me tempted to join in.
I’ve been known to have quite heated mental debates I’m sure would wow you all with my brilliance. Actually, I’m certain the opposite would occur—that adding to the noise would only cause those who disagree to become more committed to their stance and determined to convince me of it. I know this from experience. Early in my faith journey, I wasted hours, forfeiting my peace in the process, trying to argue someone to my position.
Do you want to know how many times I was successful?
Zero.
Do you want to know how many times this furthered the gospel?
Zero.
Do you want to know how many times I walked away with the sense that I’d grieved God’s heart and played into the devil’s schemes?
Yeah…
That grieved me more than any ideology, behavior, or political movement with which I disagreed. This is why, while I will certainly do my best to vote by my convictions this season, I hope and pray I will speak, act, and think according to my convictions as well—according to the heart of Christ.
Here are my personal guard rails, not that I always remain within them. They do, however, reveal my goals and the maturity I wish to reach.
If my words convey more anger and hostility than gentleness, love, and grace, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Scripture states, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, NIV).
If I spend more time arguing on social than reaching out to the hurting, the marginalized, and the oppressed, then I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27, NIV).
If I’ve come to see people as issues and as one demographic rather than individuals, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.
I know this because of Psalm 139:16, which, speaking of God, applies to everyone I encounter or read about. This verse states, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
If I’m more concerned with who occupies the Oval Office and spend more time talking and fretting about our nation’s politics, than I do investing in the soul-health of my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture tells me “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV, emphasis mine).
If I’m more grieved over someone else’s sin than I am my own, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Jesus continually asks me, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Mark 7:3, NIV). May I not act like the Pharisee who thanked the Lord that he wasn’t like the obvious “sinner” he saw in the temple?
When pride causes me to think I’m more godly than I am, may I remember Christ’s words regarding these two men: “ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14, NLT).
If I can express all the reasons I disagree with certain political stances but don’t know my neighbors, I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because Jesus commanded me to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). And His model of discipleship was a life-on-life relationship.
If I’m more prone to speak words of condemnation than invitations to grace, I’ve stepped away from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Jesus declared, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17, NIV).
If I’m more focused on what I want to say than on hearing and understanding the hearts of others, I’ve stepped further from Christ’s heart.
I know this because Scripture states, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19, NIV).
If I name-call and use my words to attack others, I’ve stepped outside the heart of Christ.
I know this because Scripture states, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9, NIV).
If I place more security in who leads our nation, my state, or my city than I do in the power and authority of Christ, I’ve stepped away from His heart.
I know this because Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18, NIV), assuring me that He retains full control, always.
And most convicting, if I’m not willing to lay down my life for those who think, speak, and act differently than I do, then I’ve stepped away from the heart of Christ.
I know this because, while hanging from the cross, above the Roman authorities who worshiped idols, oppressed the people, and practiced infanticide, and hanging above the Pharisees who used religion for personal gain, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, NIV).
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Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.
She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.