Political Jesus?

At the risk of beating a dead horse, I’m discussing the obvious – the political events of the day.  Sort of.  Supporter or not, today was historical for a couple of reasons.  Number one, it is a presidential inauguration, which is always a historical event.  Number two, the whole race issue.  First African American president. 

While it is a big deal as far as the history of the nation is concerned, his race is a non-issue to me.  Sure, I note it, I see it, but it doesn’t matter when you take into account that WHO he is comes from the inside, not his skin. 

Just to get it out of the way, yes, I voted.  I researched the issues and voted according to what I believe. 

But beyond that… was Jesus political?  Did He campaign for / against public officials?  Did He lobby for a cause, sending letters, boycotting, etc?  I’ve always hated hearing “Christian” groups getting behind a cause or issue and beating it to death in the name of God.  So much energy, time and money is spent on it; it’s ridiculous. 

Even today, it’s a topic of conversation.  But step back and listen to the conversations from a more observant viewpoint as opposed to a participatory viewpoint.  While we are all human, Americans, and thus are affected by what goes on politically in our world, it seems that some people are too wrapped up in it. 

As Christians, we say that God has things under control, that He rules the world, and His will be done.  Yet, I’ve heard Christians panicking and saying that oh dear Lord, we’d better pray because the country is going to hell in a handbasket, how did this happen, he’s the antichrist, etc.  For crying out loud, do you not believe that Christ is still on the throne??? Do you not think He knows what is going on and that He has allowed this man to take office? 

And what if he IS the antichrist??  Read Revelation.  Whether you are pre-trib, mid or post, that would only bring us closer to being with our Savior!! 

It breaks my heart that these same Christians believe that because of the color of his skin, he is incapable.  Whether he is or not is certainly not determined by his skin tone. 

We watched the inauguration at work, and I listened to people around me.  My heart was breaking for them, and yet, I admit, I got very angry.  It was idiocy, all this talk, these racist remarks, peppered with cries to God and sanctimonious whispered “prayers”.  I tried to remind myself to have the attitude of Christ (something which I am trying to remember on a continuous basis and struggling with).  I asked myself what He would say, what He thinks, and wondered what His thoughts are watching this inauguration. 

Jesus isn’t a political pawn to be taken out of a dusty box and used when people need ammunition to sway the religious right!  He isn’t a game piece to be played when you’re down and need to push opinion in your favor.  No matter who the president is, the Lord is still in control.  And Christ isn’t charmed by your “God bless his heart” while you comment on the size of his lips or his middle name. 

If we as Christians would spend as much time, energy and money on loving people – which you may recall is the first and greatest command – instead of pushing our political agendas and trying to mold our version of Christ into our version of government, then imagine the changes we could make in our world!  If we would embrace pregnant teenagers, homosexuals, homeless people, addicts, sluts, criminals, liars, cheats, thieves and politicians and love them, serve them, care for them and model Jesus, then we could stop pushing our opinions because people would see them.  We could stop picketing and putting our thoughts on signs, yelling from the streetcorner, because people would know what we believe by our actions. 

If I am becoming like Jesus, if I am letting Him live through me, in me, if I am one with Him, having His attitude, am I busy deriding the world leaders and disagreeing with their systems or points of view, or am I wrapped up in feeding hungry, clothing people, accepting people as they are and LIVING the gospel? 

If we’d stop being political Jesuses and start being who Jesus really IS, we could change the world. 

(end of rant… for now)