I’m not sure about you but 2020 has provided me a lot of opportunities to “grow” in my faith and contemplate my picture of God. I think it’s safe to say that no one has been completely spared from some sort of hardship due to the pandemic, and if I am being completely transparent, it doesn’t take much for me to feel depressed or overwhelmed by the amount of conflict, division, and opinion coming at me … and that’s by lunchtime!
It seems like every other day some sort of intense discussion happens. Whether the topic is on homeschool or hybrid, online church or physical church, Republican or Democrat (or Kanye West! 😂) … everything is up for grabs. And it seems like almost everyone has a “passionate” opinion they are ready and willing to share, even when they’re not asked.
But friends, we are not everyone. We are the children of God, the living breathing representation of the most loving King to ever exist in all time. So how we treat one another matters.
It’s easy to get consumed in the issues and division of this world, and consequently react to the pressure, but while these things are very important, they are not eternal.
The bigger questions we should be asking ourselves are: How do we respond to hate, opposition, and turmoil in a Godly way? How do we love our neighbors even when it feels impossible? After all, we may be the only Jesus-looking Christian our neighbors ever meet!
Paul offers invaluable wisdom on how to live Godly in a season of division and opposition in Titus Chapter 3. Almost the entire chapter focuses on how we are to filter information regarding people, politics, and turmoil.
“Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good, to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone” (Titus 3:1-3, AMP).
When we choose to humble ourselves and show gentle consideration by listening instead of being the loudest voice on social media, we vote for Jesus.
When we respond with grace to the very people who persecute us for our opinion, we vote for Jesus.
When we submit our mind, opinion, and judgements to the Ultimate Judge, we once again cast our vote for Jesus. And he will win every time.
That’s because the significance of the crucifixion is deeper than any division the darkness can release. It leaves us no longer separate and divided but one flesh in Christ as his children. This doesn’t mean we don’t vote or have opinions; it just means that our responses to those who disagree changes.
“But avoid foolish and ill-informed controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3: 9-10, AMP).
So today when you open your email, social media accounts, and/or the news, I encourage you to pause and intentionally submit yourself to God and actively engage in what Paul is saying. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you filter your comments to the perspective of Jesus. After all, is it more important that our opinion be heard or that the love of God be displayed?
So who will you vote for today … and everyday thereafter?
Journal / Reflection Questions
- Read through Titus 3 and ask God to reveal something new to you before Election Day.
- Is it harder for you to share your opinions, or harder to refrain from sharing them? Pray to God about why this may be.
- Commit to praying for someone you disagree with for 1-2 weeks. Journal your prayer experiences / insights so you can record what happens!
Esther “Annie” Rhoades is a mom to three, wild and free kids and has been happily married to her best friend, Jon, for over 10 years. Annie values experience over things and loves yoga with worship music, diving into the word, hosting, thrifting, making healthy goodies, and traveling.