For someone who doesn't like politics, I sure do post a lot on Facebook about it...

 These past two presidential elections have been fiery. Heated debate has taken over my social media feeds.  I often hashtag my tweets with "#twitterissafe", because I have purposely not followed people whom I know will push my buttons.  I have tried my best to distance myself from the mudslinging, but more recently I have let others such as Relevant Magazine and Red Letter Christians do my talking as I have regularly posted articles on my social media sites concerning Christians and politics.

As people, and as Americans, I believe that we have an imbedded competitive nature.  Maybe it comes from entitlement of living in the most prosperous nation in the world, or maybe it's just our culture we have created because of that.  We all know that America is a great country with liberties and freedoms that allow us to be overcome with pride for what we have created.  We know we are blessed and privileged as we watch other countries on our televisions suffer under the rule of oppressive leaders and daily live in fear for their lives.

It's ok to be proud of America.  This is a great place to live.  Patriotism is not a sin, except for when it is at the expense of others and more importantly at the expense of the Gospel of Christ.  

I have have numerous family and friends, both Democrat and Republican, who also bear the name of Christ, who have said some terrible things during this election season.  And unfortunately in my personal life I have had said things about those people in return.

2012 Election Logo (Flickr User DonkeyHotey)

Reading and seeing some things on the news this morning I prayed for the political leaders who use the name of Christ, and that they not use it in vain.  In other words, may those people who evoke the name of Christ politically use it with the intentions of Christ and not for political votes.  However, I am not so naive to believe that that doesn't happen on a daily basis.  When political candidates offer up the name of Jesus, I often cringe...With millions watching, especially non-Christians, this is the image of Christ they are receiving.  With millions of people on Facebook and Twitter, especially non-Christians, this is the image of Christ that we are portraying.  Without really acknowledging it, we are allowing our political candidates, the 24 hour news cycle, and our social media to define the Gospel of Jesus.

Words and actions have immense power.  They are the medium by which we deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is very easy to lose ourselves in our pride for our country, especially during times like these.

As James says in his letter:

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell... 

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." James 3:6, 9-12

Our words have power, and unbridled they can cause all sorts of problems.  

So, why does a guy who cares very little about politics post so many things about politics on Twitter and Facebook?

Because I believe we have to be mindful of how we are portraying Christ to those around us with our words and actions.  The old cliche that "you may be the only Bible people ever read" is true in this situation.  I fear that when we allow our nation's "talking heads" to define us we skew the Gospel of Christ.

It is in times likes these that I feel like I need reminders that I am a citizen of a much larger Kingdom than America.  

I am not saying that you should not share your opinions or engage in debate about your views.  By all means, please share.  I am doing that myself.  It is crucial that we engage in these conversations civilly.

But never forget that we are agents of Christ.  We are preaching the Gospel with our words and our actions.  

Think before you Tweet. 

Consider what you are really saying with that Facebook post.

Remember that God has called us to be followers and to make disciples.  Choose your words wisely.  Bless and not curse.  Love and don't hate.  Be Jesus, because you might be the only encounter someone has with Him.

God, let us boldly proclaim your love and good news of Christ.  May we hasten the kingdom.  May our words and actions always proclaim the immense love of Christ for all people.  May our words be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.  To you be the glory forever and ever. Amen.  


Great articles on Politics, Religion, and Christianity:

(Un)Patriotic-Red Letter Christians
7 Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics-RELEVANT Magazine