Voluntary Engagement Without Verbal Abuse

How do followers of Christ engage in the political environment and avoid the risk of being drawn into the vitriol that now permeates all media formats? Is it even possible?

Unlike many, I do enjoy a good debate on important issues and public values. I have no interest, however, in a meaningless debate that devolves into childish temper tantrums and name calling.

I have no delusion that I am as educated as those who are making decisions in Washington DC. Neither am I incapable of evaluating whether something is fact or fiction. We need to be able to distinguish what may, or may not be “fake news.” Critical thinking skills are necessary when sifting through the news of the day. Watch this video to see if you are a critical thinker.

We must be able to make wise decisions on whether or not the information we take in is misleading propaganda or monumental developments. Does it affect the future security and welfare of our nation? Or is the current outrage, scandal or crisis du jour, nothing more than political agenda?

My profession of faith does not preclude me from logical reasoning. On the contrary, the Bible teaches that we are to seek wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-20).

Discussions of politics, for the most part, can leave a bad taste in most peoples’ mouths. Unless of course, the discussion is occurring with those whom we are in agreement. Although that may be satisfying to our sense of “correctness,” it does nothing to challenge our thinking. Christians must not be afraid to participate in a debate with those whom we disagree.

We should, and we must pray for wisdom for ourselves as well as our elected officials.

Whether or not you agree with the decisions our President has made, consider the five words that President Trump told Pastor Ramiro Pena are “some of the most important words he’s every heard.” “I-Am-Praying-For-You.”

…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

I admit I had my particular opinions regarding who would and would not make a good leader for this great nation. Like all others, they were nothing more than opinions. So I prayed for wisdom – for myself and our citizens, for God’s protection and His will. I chose not to pray for “my” guy to win.

I will not share whether President Trump was my guy. He was perhaps the most unlikely of candidates, so I have to believe he was the man God chose to achieve His purpose.

I’m not required to understand His reasoning. I am only required to trust and obey.

And pray.

How do you determine if the news you hear is genuine or “fake news?” How have you found success finding common ground with whom you disagree on important issues of today? What fears do you have about sharing political viewpoints?