I have been thinking a lot lately about political leaders and religion. So many seem to want to put on their Christian badges so Christians in their electorate will want to vote for them. But what kind of Christian are they – if they are really Christians at all?
Are they trying to be the forceful savior so many wanted Jesus to be – riding in and smiting down anyone who doesn’t believe what they believe? If not smiting, perhaps striking people down by enacting laws that hurt those who are different than they are or who live lives differently then they think should be allowed?
Perhaps they are like the Pharisees and Sadducees with all of the intellectual understanding of their religion and want it to be on display so others might think highly of them. But behind the scenes their lives don’t reflect what they say they believe. When the spotlight is on, they say and do what they think Christians expect of them but could care less when the spotlight is off.
Or are they Christians who strive to be like Jesus? A man who rode humbly into Jerusalem knowing that soon He would sacrifice Himself for the likes of me and many other like me. A man who associated with the lowest in society. A man who healed and taught and LOVED. He met (and still meets) people where they were and offered them love and the opportunity to follow Him. He never forced anyone to believe Him or follow Him. He never punished or condemned people who weren’t Christians. because salvation could come even at the last minuted. Spotlight or not, Jesus loved and cared for ALL people with everything He had.
I look at the way people are being treated across our nations by political leaders wearing their Christian badges and I can’t help but wonder what god they follow because it certainly isn’t the God I follow.
Discovering Grace 