There is no question that we face a very polarized political environment in our nation. As Christians, we are involved in this world, and we experience the common anxiety of our society. Our anxiety keeps us from engaging in a thoughtful and sympathetic way. At the same time, we know we have a calling to seek the kingdom of God first. The challenge is daunting.
The Bible provides a foundation for us to not only get by in this environment. It provides us a framework that will enable us to thrive and flourish. “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green . . .” (Psalm 92:14). To continue to bear fruit, we will have to be rooted in that which will enable us to flourish. We can flourish and bear fruit, but it won’t be easy. Many things will come at us that would uproot us and keep us from engaging well in these challenging times.
So, how should we root ourselves in our faith that enables us to be fruitful in these difficult times?
1. Root our emotions in the transcendent reality of Christ & His promises rather than on the changeable circumstances of life. The Apostle Paul says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). It’s easy to root our emotions on what happens day by day, and I am not suggesting that we feel nothing about these things. Rather, I am suggesting that at our deepest level, our emotions must be driven by the hope we have in Christ. This gives us a rock and firm foundation in the midst of a troubled and anxious world. We may mourn but not as those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13).
2. Root our view of people and the world in the big picture provided in the Bible. In a polarized situation, it’s easy to see those on the other side merely as enemy. The Bible teaches us that there are other important perspectives. All human beings have been created in His image. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. All are justified solely by the gift of Christ’s redemption. We need to see people in light of these things and not simply in light of the present conflict. This will take some of the edge off of the polarization and conflict.
3. Root our engagement with the world in Christ’s desire for us to be involved in the world. When conflict rises, it’s easy to simply withdraw. We should reject this urge. We need to be involved with people and involved with politics (actually impossible to do one without the other, since engagement with people always involves a power equation). Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). We are part of this world and need to engage with it out of a desire to follow Christ.
4. Root our interactions with the world in love. All our interactions should be rooted in a desire for harmonious union and communion with others. It is not always possible in this world, but, on our part, we should do all we can to live at peace with people. But what if they are our enemies? Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” How do we do this in a polarized environment? I think a good rule for this is found in James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” We should begin our interactions with curiosity not anger. This does not mean that we should never talk. It just means that we should make listening our first approach. This is how we root our engagement in loving and honoring others. I use a good rule of thumb for knowing when I have departed from this rule. Can I listen to or read the other side of the political spectrum and calmly evaluate what they are saying? If not, I’m probably not able to listen. If my emotions are too high to listen, then I’m probably not rooting my engagement in the world with love.
5. Root our engagement with the world in service, especially to the least of these. To be involved in the world, we must be involved in politics. Interaction with society involves a power equation. However, power should not be our first inclination. Our first inclination should be service. Here’s what the Lord teaches us in His Word:
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 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 1:26–27).
Our religion is one of action, and that action should be directed toward service, just as Christ came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
These five things can enable us not only to survive but thrive in a polarized world. This was true in the polarized world of 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. It will be true in 2021 and beyond. But it won’t be easy. The winds of society will blow hard to uproot us. We have to be continually rooting our hearts and minds in Christ and His perspective of the world to maintain stability. When we do, we will flourish and bear fruit in our own lives and in the world that will bless ourselves and others and glorify God.