In this election season, our nation seems more divided and polarized than ever. The bigoted, hateful vitriol we see from all sides and across all platforms is deeply disturbing, and speaks to a dark future for our nation.
So many of us have sadly been sucked in by the inflammatory dialogue in the national media, on Facebook, email, and other outlets. Sadly, we believers have been duped into contributing to this divisive discourse through sharing, forwarding, and angrily arguing someone else’s opinions. In this, we lose. No matter who ends up being elected, we lose.
Why? Because as believers, we are agents of a different kingdom. We are to be bringers of light, and spreaders of salt… Not inflamers of division, anger, and hatred. Remember, there is only ONE author of division, and currently he is the one winning in this political season. Why would we want to contribute to that victory?
Our goals are different. Our objectives are higher than that of any political party or office. Christ is the ultimate uniter, (Ephesians 2:14-18) making us each citizens of a much better kingdom. God’s plan is not to make us conservative or liberal, but to “bring everything together under the authority of Christ.” (Ephesians 1:10) And, he plans to use US to do that: “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 3:10)
So, our mandate is clear. Christ. Not Trump. Not Hillary.
We, the elders of The Orchard Church, are committing to contribute to the unifying purpose of Christ, rather than to the divisive schemes of the enemy. ONLY IN CHRIST and His purpose will we win this election.
Will you join us?
Our Three-Point Plan to Win This Election
Realizing that we are FIRST and FOREMOST “citizens of heaven,” not of this world, we will conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ… Standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27)
1- We will seek to be agents of spiritual transformation, not political vitriol.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10, 11-12
2- We will speak, share, link to, and contribute only what is beneficial to the Kingdom
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself… Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
James 3:5-6, 11-12
3- We will consistently pray for our family, our neighbors, our community, our nation, and world.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Last year, I preached a message series designed to help re-orient our minds and hearts around our real purpose in this world, our political system, and the election. I hope you will take the time to listen through it. I believe it will change your perspective during this election season.
Listen to the “FORWARD” Series