A Personal Solution To Division

It is Monday and I purposely delayed writing this blog for two days. Two days ago, there was a shooting. That shouldn’t surprise anyone living in the US. There is a shooting pretty much every hour of the day. But this one is considered different because the target is a person running for President–Donald Trump. I waited two days to see what people would say about this, and whether people would take advantage of the obvious opportunity it presents.

For the most part, we haven’t.

So, may I share a few thoughts about this shooting? First, let me state clearly that I am not a Trump supporter and I am not a Biden supporter. I believe they are equally bad choices.

Second, I categorically condemn the use of violence of any kind against anyone in the political process. I honestly believe Mr. Trump is one of the worst things that has ever happened to this country, but I am truly grateful that he is ok, and I grieve for those who were killed (Yes, including the shooter!) and wounded. I join many others in praying for them.

Those things said, I have heard that we need to be united and we need to stop the rhetoric that leads to this (as though we have any idea what led to this specific shooting). The Republicans, of course, are referring to Democratic rhetoric. And the Democrats, not surprisingly, are referring to Republican rhetoric. And they are both right, if by “rhetoric” they are not referring to truth.

Here is what I am not hearing–even though literally millions of us in this country claim to follow the Christ. I am not hearing that this shooting was sin, carried out by a sinner, and caused by sin. I am not hearing that the solution is repentance. Not just the other guy repenting, but all of us admitting to God that we sometimes think violent thoughts (if you doubt the danger of this, read Matthew chapter 5) and we are not loving those with whom we disagree. I am not hearing people–not just politicians who feed off the feelings held by and things said by average people in this country, but those average people like you and me–I am not hearing these people say, “Wait a minute, let’s sit down and talk about why you hold these beliefs so extremely because I must be missing something.” I am not hearing anyone say, “Politically, you are my enemy, and as a disciple of Jesus that means I am commanded to love y0u. So, short of agreeing with you, how can I do that?”

The answer to the division in this country doesn’t lie with a political party, a candidate, an election to an office–or even that office. It doesn’t lie with saying words we all agree with (or claim to) like “Violence is never the answer.” It doesn’t lie with beliefs–even Christian beliefs.

It lies with the one in whom we believe. We are divisive–even violent people. Our history makes that clear. And Jesus accepts us just as we are. But He loves us too much to leave us that way! When we follow Him (this is an all or nothing thing–we can’t just agree with His teachings) He not only guides us, He changes us. That is how we will stop being violent. That is how people who are lost and somehow see the answer to their problems being to try to kill someone change their minds.  That is how a very divided group of people begin to be united.

This starts with those of us who belong to the Christ. He is already working in us and has commanded us to live in a such a way that precludes violence–or supporting violence–and instead shows the world a better way. Only when we are serious about following Him and are willing to approach those with whom we disagree and say “I am sorry, I have sinned in my thoughts about you. Are you willing to talk with me?” will the world see that there is a way to respond to the division and fear and even hatred that is threatening to become the norm. If you don’t know where to start, may I suggest you start with others who say they are following Jesus, but with whom you disagree. Tell them that, since you both belong to the King, you are both commanded to truly love one another–and to do so publicly!

Jesus gives His followers answers to the big questions we ask. So, will we listen to and obey Him?

Know Jesus and Be Faithful!

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