Robert W. Odom, Ph.D.
We are at an exciting time in our country and the world. Of course, we are in a political season and inundated with political ads. Too often, these ads are more about what the other person has yet to do rather than what they have accomplished and will do if elected. And many times, their promises are vague. And, of course, we hear a stretching of truths and outright lies during this season.
While this is true, one thing that interests me during an election year is how quickly we judge the people around us who support a particular candidate, especially if it is not our candidate. I even know families that struggle during this time as they are on opposite ends of the spectrum regarding their candidates.
While we might support a particular candidate, political party, or issue this season, we must treat others respectfully and gracefully. One of the things that amazes me is how quickly we can reject others for their political views. I often wonder what Jesus would have done if he had been placed in this setting today. Based on what I know about Scripture, he would have acknowledged the differences but still respected the person he encountered.
The list is long. I think about the woman caught in adultery. She deserved death because that was the law of the time. But instead of condemning her, he loved her and comforted her in her time of transgression. Some believe that this was Mary Magdelene. While everyone else rejected Christ, she was at his side at the crucifixion.
I think of the Samaritan woman who was at the well. For Jesus to speak with her was political, religious, and cultural suicide. But he was more concerned about the person than about toeing the line of political, cultural, and religious correctness.
Look at the disciples, who were not high-ranking in the social culture of the day. They were fishermen, lawyers, and tax collectors. They were rough and tough. They were not the elite or a part of the in crowd, but He called them. In terms of cultural, social, or political standing, they were not qualified to be the head of the church, but they were. Despite their background, they served God and were promoted to lead the church.
I have friends who are Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, and liberals. Many of them do not see things the same politically as I do. But they are all believers with a dynamic faith that moves mountains for God. When we get to heaven, we will be surprised at who is in and who is not. I think God sees the bigger picture. We tend to be myopic and develop tunnel vision for our chosen candidate. But in the end, we are all part of a larger community united in our faith.
Let me share a couple of thoughts. I recognize that these thoughts may cause some unsettling, but we need to consider these things. My first thought is that I am concerned we equate a particular party with Christianity. This means that if I were to support someone not in that party, then I would be antichristian. How awkward that is.
I do not serve a political party; I serve Christ, who came to save the world, not just a particular party. Yes, I believe that America was founded on some sound Christian principles, but I also know that we often did not exhibit Christlike characteristics. We stole the Native American’s property because we did little to understand their culture. If we did, we would have understood that Indians do not own their property; it is communal property. Later, we continued to take their land and make promises we never intended to keep. For the black culture, we treated them inhumanely and treated them as property rather than respect them as humans created by God. We have similar treatment of Asians, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and other cultures. We have seen women abused and treated as objects rather than humans. Sexual abuse has been swept under the rug. Sadly, prominent Christian organizations have done this, not just corporations.
How different would our world be if we supported Christ and modeled his way of dealing with people? In the final analysis, every person deserves respect as a creation of God. I have had several conversations with someone who is living a different lifestyle. One day, their words shocked and challenged me. They stated that their view of God had changed because of the way Michelle and I have accepted them as human beings. They knew we disagreed, but we still respected them. Our conversations taught us much about what drives them and why they have certain beliefs.
Too often, we make people a project rather than a person. May we have a heart after God rather than a project. May we be moved with compassion and not a political preference? May we treat everyone as a creation of God, whom God loves! Let’s strive to understand and empathize with others, regardless of their political beliefs.
Too often, we develop an us-and-them mentality. We build our clubs, and you are either in or out. This happens on all sides of this discussion. Once again, I am reminded that Christ came to save the world, not just those who join my political party or see things my way.
We still need to pick and support our candidates as much as possible. Remember to engage in respectful discourse along the way—as Jesus would. Every voice is important, and every person deserves to be heard and respected.
Thank you for listening. I ask that you do nothing but consider these thoughts. Process how you react to others who disagree and see things from the same perspective. In the end, you might be surprised and find you have some friends who might challenge you and cause you to understand what you believe even more.
© Robert W. Odom 2024
Life on the edge 