Our pastor addressed this “silly season” of politics this morning. I was touched by his humility and gracious heart! His challenge to us was straightforward: Our goal is not to win a debate or even the next election; our goal is to honor Christ and gain a hearing for the gospel.
It is so easy to get caught up in political discourse with such fervor as to imply that the next elected official can be, will be a “savior” of sorts. In the process we take sides, we label and bash, and we often judge others. 
Judging others is a precarious position at best according to the Scriptures. Even in the Sermon on the Mount we are reminded to avoid focusing on the “speck” in our neighbor’s eye while ignoring the “plank” in our own! In the midst of our political attention, we must remember our ultimate purpose … to honor Christ and share the gospel.
We concluded our worship singing Tomlin’s song, “All to Us.” The words of the song capture the essence of the challenge …
Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives
My prayer today … for conversation full of grace, words spoken with gentleness and respect, words that build others up … to honor Christ … and gain a hearing for the gospel!
