This week, amidst a panoramic spread of balls, parties, media events and hype, we inaugurated the 44th president of the United States. Inaugurations are always historic events and never fail to stir the emotions and imaginations of a watching public. This event was even more memorable as we swore into office the first black president in our nation's history. If you watched the event, you know it was electric and filled with excitement. Regardless of your political preferences, inaugurations are always meaningful as they put the spotlight on one of the unique and profound characteristics of our democracy...a peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another. No bloody coup...no hostile takeover (in spite of acrimonious political rhetoric); only a dignified ceremony where one president steps aside and joins the rest of the nation in welcoming a new commander-in-chief.
Now...we're past the festivities and back into the trenches. The political battles will heat up again, sparks will fly and amazingly...our country will go on.
One of the dynamics I've noted in this election...and in other elections...is the tendency on the part of some to ascribe differences of political opinion as "evil." For example, I received an e-mail last week equating President Obama's bent toward big government as an example of a biblical evil. Listen...I am firmly against big government and socialism...but neither are evil or anti-scripture. They are simply philosphical differences.
Why is it important to remember this? If we ascribe the label of "evil" to that which is simply a difference of opinion, we risk losing our voice when it comes to addressing what is really evil. All too often, unnecessary issues are created out of differing opinions. This is so true in the political realm. I admire people who stay in the hunt to seek to bring their ideas to the floor. There is a lot to be said for tenacity and conviction. But again...let's not confuse personal conviction with ultimate truth. Let's not make differing opinions of others synonomous with evil.
I remind all of us, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians or whatever our alliance may be, what Ephesians 6:12,13 says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
There is such a thing as evil...the Bible is clear on it. But people aren't our ultimate enemy and they aren't the source of evil. Certainly people are sinners, misguided and do engage in evil behavior. That's what happens when we purposely or foolishly become pawns of Satan. But let's also remember that these same people are the objects of God's love. Christ died for each and every one of us. That merits attention...and that means people have hope.
Evil is emobdied in Satan...and he is hopeless. Holiness is emobodied in Christ and He is our hope. As the political wars heat up...let's be sure to extend hope and not hate. Let's distinguish between truth and opinion. Let's not hold fellow believers at bay over their politics, let's seek to lock arms with them in taking the gospel out to the world. There is something that really matters and possesses eternal consequences. That's what we need to defend. How's your supply of grace? If it's low...maybe you've disconnected yourself from the supplier of everlasting grace...Jesus Christ. It's time to reconnect.
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