“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility … and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Ephesians 2:14, 16
I’ve lost count of the number of times a congregant has attempted to engage me in a political conversation, assuming that I agree 100% with whatever topic or viewpoint they’re broaching, and with the same (or greater) amount of passion. It’s safe to assume that their pastor, and by extension, his wife, agrees with all of their politics, right?
Not quite. The truth is, I don’t enjoy political discussions in general, but even less when speaking with members of our church family. I don’t always agree with everyone else 100%, and certainly not at the same level of passion. I’m concerned that I will accidentally say something wrong and offend someone, or say something that will reflect badly on my husband. I also don’t want to use my position as a pastor’s wife to–unintentionally or even intentionally–bind someone’s conscience in a way that isn’t fair, making them feel guilty for something where they have different convictions.
It’s easy to think that, because we are united in Christ, we therefore all agree in every way about every political issue. Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy. We are united in Christ, yes; but the beauty of the Church is that it is wonderfully diverse! People from all walks of life and nationalities are brought together by what Christ did for us on the cross. We are united by what matters most–our devotion to Christ. This doesn’t erase the things that make us different, though. We are still different people who have had different experiences and come from different backgrounds.
Without Christ, the things that make us different would cause hostility and hatred towards one another. But Christ “is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Because of Christ, we can be different from one another without being hostile towards one another.
However, this often seems to go out the window when it comes to politics–especially in the USA during a presidential election year. These years are like hostility hotspots; hatred and vitriol seem to flourish and breed throughout the nation, even making their way into the church. Although we are united in Christ, and in our belief of Scripture, our differences can still cause us to approach political issues differently.
In their book How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? Jonathan Leeman and Andy Naselli say:
“No two sinful humans agree on absolutely everything–not even a godly husband and godly wife. We have different perspectives, backgrounds, personalities, preferences, thought processes, and levels of understanding of truth about God, his word, and his world. So it’s not surprising when fellow church members disagree about [political] judgments.”
So how can we, as pastors’ wives, strive to honor Christ in the midst of such hostility and disagreement? How can we represent Christ and His peace-bringing work on the cross?
Here are seven ways to do so:
- The first, most obvious way is to stand for truth. Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” We must look to Scripture to inform our political views, and stand firmly on what Scripture says. We must speak up for the truth of Scripture, even when it is unpopular.
- But how we stand matters, too. We must stand for truth in love. First Corinthians 16:13-14 says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” It is easy to stop reading after verse 13 and just focus on the standing firm part, and to get caught up in the passion and arguing that we see around us, forgetting that we are to do all that we do in love. In a political discussion, it is helpful to consider the question, “Am I showing love to this person?” before continuing. If we scream “the truth” at others in anger and hatred, are we truly representing the whole truth of Scripture?
- We must also be sure not to add to Scripture. Proverbs 30:6 says, “Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Remember that all of the political figures we might choose to follow–whether they are candidates, tv/radio show hosts, commentators, or even big-name pastors–are just people. Their voices are not Scripture and we must not blur the line between what they say and what Scripture says. The main voice we should be filling our hearts and souls with is Scripture.
- We must treat one another (even those with whom we disagree) with grace. Colossians 3:12 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” We need to recognize that we do have different experiences that shape who we are and even how we vote. We need to have compassion toward others who have experienced things we have not, humility to understand that we are all in different places in our walk with Christ and may therefore come to different conclusions, kindness when we come to those different conclusions, and patience throughout the whole process. We should be willing to hear from others and not quick to write off their experiences and convictions.
- We must also stay out of foolish arguments. Second Timothy 2:23 says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” Political disagreements often have a way of turning (quickly) into foolish arguments. This can happen in person, but it also happens frequently on social media. When we see or hear someone else picking a fight, we should steer clear–getting involved in foolish arguments won’t change their minds, and it won’t bring honor to Christ.
- We need to honor our governing authorities. Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” We can disagree with the policies or politics of people placed in authority over us in a respectful way, all while choosing not to engage in hateful speech or other forms of dishonoring those people.
- Lastly, we should pray for the whole political process. First Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Pray for the election, pray for the current leaders and candidates, pray for wisdom for all believers as they vote, pray for peace, pray for our nation to see its desperate need for God–just pray!
God is God, and no person, nation, or policy will ever change that. He reigns on high, always and forever, and we train our eyes on Him, knowing He has already won the victory.
For Further Thought:
Do you see an area for honoring Christ in politics that you would like to grow in? Pray and ask God to strengthen and equip you in that way!
