COLOSSIANS 4:5-6

In light of the obvious outrage over the outcome of the recent national elections, and in light of some of the, shall we say, questionable responses by conservative Christians, I was led to remind myself and others of the Apostle Paul's words:  "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without (not like minded about political or spiritual things), redeeming the time (not wasting one's time in foolish or hate filled debate).  Let your speech be alway(s) with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col. 4:5-6 KJV - my thoughts in italics).
I have heard everything from "no born again believer could have voted Democrat," to "a coup sounds pretty good to me right now."  One would think that we conservatives want everything done by the strict letter of the U.S. Constitution until things don't go our way!  No wonder the lost world looks at Christians as hypocrites!  That being said, we followers of Jesus, supposedly wanting to always do the will of the Lord (W.W.J.D.), seem to forget His teaching on how to behave in the "heat of battle."  Here is how Jesus handled those who would disgrace Him, or, worse yet, trick Him into committing treason against Rome.  In Matthew 22:15-22, we read"

"Then went the Pharisees (religions leaders), and took counsel how they might entangle Him in His talk.  And they sent out unto Him their disciples with the Herodians (political leaders), saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest Thou for any man: for Thou regardest not the person of men (have favorites).  Tell us therefore, What thinkest Thou?  Is it lawful to give tribute (pay taxes) unto Caesar, or not?  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites?  Shew Me the tribute money.  And they brought unto him a penny.  And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?  They say unto Him, Caesar's. Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.  When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left Him, and went their way."

Notice that His enemies approached with flattery.  Notice that one's enemies tend to forget differences between them, and that they readily unite when they want to do us harm.  Notice that Jesus may have been the originator of the phrase "separation of Church and State."  Notice that Jesus practiced what He preached ("be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" - Mt. 10:16).

 

Do not forget the message that we are citizens of a much greater Kingdom!