A Just Say No Election

Among millennials, mainline churches are often known more for what they are against than what they are.  Evangelical Christians are viewed as being anti same sex marriage and against cohabitation before marriage.  While both of the might run counter to God's plan from our perspective, it is not helpful to have that reputation.  As a result, we are viewed as being intolerant and out of touch with reality. 

Now a new poll from Pew Research seems to indicate that the American electorate might be viewed in the same way.  In the upcoming election it appears that more people are voting against a candidate, than they are for one. Those polled were asked the question, “in your words, what is the main reason you support _____?”  In the case of both the Republican and Democratic candidate the top response was “He is not Clinton” (33%) and “She is not Trump” (32%). For Donald Trump supporters the other top responses were “He is an outsider/will bring change” (27%) and “His issues/policy positions (26%).   For Clinton supporters the next favored responses were “Experience/get things done (32%) and “Her issues/policy positions (22%).

In my mind, it is a sad commentary that the church is viewed in such a negative way.  Jesus calls us to be his hands and feet.  We are to offer his grace to a lost and broken world.  Jesus was passionate in his love for the lost and broken.  He orders us to do the same.  We will have an opportunity to teach, instruct and guide once we have established a relationship.

In the case of our country, I would hope as voters we would seek to examine the candidates and vote for the one who comes closest to our desires.  That is a matter of conscience.  Beyond that we need to stop thinking and speaking negatively.  Even now, we are commanded to pray for and support those who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).  Once the election is history, we are called to “pray for those in authority.”  In doing so we are to bear testimony to the hope that we have in Christ Jesus.