A Christian above all, even politics

Sep 25, 2014

By Janelle Alberts
I feel incredible reverence for God. And I love the Bible. But let’s face it, someone could’ve made things a little clearer for us modern folks.

This is the moment where you move down the park bench away from me if we're sitting too close. Not that you believe in lightning striking but scoot, scoot, just in case. A few things I would like cleaned up?

Let’s start with this list:

How should I vote?

Parochial school or public?

Do I pray before meals in the drive-through or sit-down restaurants only?

Generally speaking, these decisions are handled according to our view of life, influenced by background, family and many other factors. Unfortunately, there is an unimaginably strong pull to believe that, even for Christians, there are only two choices: conservative or liberal.

We are enticed to commit to, and value, one of those inclinations at the expense of any inclination to the contrary. The enticement comes with proclamations cloaked in endearing wisdom and impressive critical thought.

The Bible’s revelation? People are not like that. They’re more complicated. And yet, they’re still Christians, and some are Christians we greatly admire.

Take Jacob’s son Joseph. After the business with the multicolored coat, then Potiphar’s wife and then the king’s cup-bearer who forgot about him for years, what some would consider a conservative and stalwart Joseph comes into one of the highest ranking offices, and does what?

Raises taxes. A lot.

Would some say he is a Bible hero who is a liberal Democrat?

In the Bible, we see protagonists similar to us, experiencing what we sometimes believe or experience. Even John the Baptist had his moment of doubt. Sitting in prison, he sent word to Jesus asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Really?

This, after eating bugs and prophesying on Jesus’ behalf? John asked the question, just to be super, super sure he hadn’t picked the wrong guy. Yes, our lives as Christians in a modern world might have been easier if certain views had been spelled out.

On the contrary, the protagonists in the Bible, like us, are all so multidimensional and real. David was what could be considered conservative — pro-arms, promoter of invasions on foreign soil — while also being capable of being called a bleeding heart where Saul was concerned. He said, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing ... to lay a hand on him.” (1 Sm 24:7).

If we were marionettes, we could easily parrot this or that, but life as a Christian is also complicated, and sometimes we want specifics. We want to get personal. What is certain is that we keep the reassurance that God gave John, the insight he gave Joseph.

When you feel forced into an either-or situation, consider that there may be a third option. And that option is to be loving, respectful and to love God above all.