by Pat Bills
Someone asked my (late) friend Landon Saunders if he was afraid of dying. His response was classic: “If I am honest I am a little afraid of dying… but I wouldn’t mind missing the next election!” My hunch is if we took a poll in our churches many would feel the same way. Can we just skip the election and avoid all the political posturing and hubbub? And yet the churches that we lead have November in sight and our people are going to need some guidance and support. What do we say? Is there a helpful Christian posture we can encourage our churches to take? Allow me to give you two words as you consider what to say as a leader in the next few weeks and months: gospel conduct.
People are reading and watching. Our children are taking notes. Those who have no connection to a local church (or have lost connection to a local church) are observing how “church people” behave. I am reminded of Paul’s encouragement to the church in Philippi: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.” (1:27) Remember Philippians? It wasn’t just a book on Paul’s joy in prison. There were clearly some issues with folks not getting along and needing to work some stuff out. Paul’s guidance? Have the same attitude as Jesus. Gospel conduct is different from everyday-run-of-the-mill conduct. Paul reminds the church to “shine like stars” and not to “be anxious” about anything. How? Jesus. WWJD is not just a question you ask; it is a way to be in the midst of a world gone crazy.
So when we address our churches who are in need of some support and guidance, we remind ourselves of the responsibility of gospel conduct. When we are on social media (good grief, especially social media!), in conversations at the barber or the grocery store, at work, and in our home- we choose to remember two words: gospel conduct. May God help us all to “press on” and “shine like stars” while we live in the tensions of this election season.
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