by Ann McMurray
Last year, a national Gallup poll showed the political divide in this country “drifting further and further apart,” concluding, “This confirms the fundamental foundation for any analysis of U.S. politics – the fact that individual’s political identity is highly correlated with their views of social and policy issues, resulting in substantial differences . . .”[i] When it comes to political identity, we are divided.
When it comes to national identity, the view is different. An Associated Press poll from April this year found there is significant agreement on what it means to be an American. Around 9 in 10 U.S. adults rallied around such fundamentals as the right to equal protection under the law, the right to vote, freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and freedom of religion.[ii] As we enter a contentious political season, as Americans, we have a choice – to focus on issues that divide us or focus on core values that unite us. As Christians, we have always had the same choice. I vote for uniting around core Christianity.
1 Corinthians 1:11-13
11My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[b]”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Just as none of the Corinthians were baptized in the name of Paul, none of us were baptized into the name of a political party. Just as none of the Corinthians were saved by adhering to a particular person, none of us were saved by adhering to a particular political ideology. Paul’s question to the Corinthians is still valid for us, as Christians: “Is Christ divided?”
Given our human capacity for division, it’s not surprising our Lord’s final prayer was for unity, fervently asking God “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:21).” Unity among believers is crucial for our witness to the world and becomes even more noticeable in the midst of collective, political strife.
So, how does unity work with such polarizing differences of opinion? A few suggestions are below:
- Stay in your lane.
Romans 14:3-4. 10 says, “The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand . . . You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
When it comes to personal political beliefs, let God be the judge.
- Gauge your temperature.
Proverbs 15:18 says, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Political discussions have a way of turning up the heat quickly; be aware of yourself first. You may not have the power to change the other’s mind, but you have the power to change the overall temperature of the exchange.
- Understand the wisdom of strategic retreat
Proverbs 17:14 says, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This is a touchy time for many people, with anger bubbling right under the surface – not just for them but, maybe, for you. If it gets too hot, drop it.
- Prioritize the law of second opinion.
James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, show to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Our righteousness comes from being like Christ. What God says should always come first; our opinions must take a distant second.
- Focus on forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
To have unity, forgiveness is essential because, as broken people, we break things.
Remember, this political season, too, shall pass. As citizens of heaven, our love for each other must remain – always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, always persevering.
[i] America’s political divides are getting deeper, Gallup poll says (axios.com)
[ii] Election 2024 Poll: Americans are divided, but agree on most core values | AP News
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