Romans 12:9-16 … “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.” vs. 16
Paul was writing these words to the little Christian community in Rome. He intended them to be a guide for their church family relationships and based them on his image of life in Christ Jesus. They stand in sharp contrast to what we see displayed on social media or at a national political convention. Our political leaders have little interest in living in the ways suggested by Paul, though they would dearly love their constituents to think that they do. Some become quite adept at talking the talk, though there are frighteningly few who are actually walking the walk! But that’s okay! Paul wasn’t expecting the Emperor or the Imperial Court to behave as he suggested either–their actions were dictated by lust for power and personal vendettas. His words were directed to followers of Jesus. Among us there will be people of a variety of political convictions and our call is to associate with them all, not trying to win arguments but carefully listening. We are to love them from the heart, not putting them down but lifting them up, and putting the best construction on all that they say or do. Harmony in Christian communities is being tested big time in these weeks and months. It’s important to remember that we’re not being asked to elect a messiah this year, our Christ has already come and is living among us.
Thought for the Day: Where do we get our political convictions?
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