Doug has worked with the Navigators for 28 years, the last 12 focused on advancing our calling on Capitol Hill with people from across the political spectrum. We asked him to give us a few tips on how to think well about politics.
Focus on, and enjoy, The King
Sometimes, when I enter the Capitol, I repeat Hebrews 12:28 to myself: “Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (ESV). This passage isn’t referring to any national realm (including America), but to the borderless government headed by Jesus, one that has “no end” (Is. 9:6-7). He is “The King,” not a mere “president.” His kingdom (where a believer’s truest citizenship resides) is unshakeable—even if America may feel (and truly be!) shaken now and/or in the future. Marinating in this truth (and asking God to help you believe it) is crucial (and reassuring) in the face of threatening political and societal uncertainty.
Recognize that God’s image is in everyone—even those I can’t stand
“We are not to reflect on the wickedness of men but to look to the image of God in them, an image which, covering and obliterating their faults, an image which, by its beauty and dignity, should allure us to love and embrace them.” –John Calvin
I am certainly not to the point Calvin describes, but that’s my goal, and I can say that begging God to see His image in others has definitely helped me.
James shows us that our words about people must reflect a respect for God’s image: “With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on” (James 3:9-10; MSG).
It’s helpful to remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Confess our planks
In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus commanded His followers to abandon arrogant judgmentalism: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (ESV)
Current political discourse (and human nature) trains us to be skilled log deniers and committed speck hunters: “I and my favored party do no wrong, or at least not much… but that person and the other party/politician sin excessively.”
But Christ doesn’t allow us proud self-justification. His truth and grace call us to bring our words, thoughts, and actions to Him (and others) for conviction and correction.
- “Lord, where are my sins in thoughts, words, and actions when it comes to politics?”
- “How might I pray for my ‘enemies’ (real or suspected) and practically bless those who curse me?” (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28)
When it comes to pointing out another’s political faults or sins, here’s a test I’ve (imperfectly) tried to adopt: Would I be willing to say to someone’s face what I say about them and their ideas when they aren’t in the room? Notice that this does not mean I make no judgments, but it guides what I judge (primarily ideas and actions, not motives), and how I communicate.
Resources
Doug recommends John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World and Learning to Disagree by John Inazu.
