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"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"
(Amos 3:3)
Try to guess what time frame in which the following quote occurred: "There was simply no neat solution as a violent gulf yawned open between Democrats and Republicans." 2020, right? No. Actually, this quote from Ron Chernow, author of the biography of Ulysses S. Grant, refers to the year 1874 (p. 790 of Chernow's Grant). The more things change, the more they stay the same. The context for the quote is the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. The nation was still torn over the issue of equality with some determined to rule over others based on race and class. Our nation has come a long way, but we still have a way to go as far as race relations and political vitriol.
So, how are we as followers of Christ to respond to the contentious and acrimonious relations between political parties? First, we should keep in mind that we belong to the Kingdom of God before and above any party affiliation. Only Jesus is worthy of our worship and undying devotion. With this perspective, we will not feel too high when our candidates win or too low when they lose. Second, we should register to vote and let our voices be heard in the political arena. Christ is indeed above culture, and our allegiance is to Him first and foremost, but we should still align ourselves with the candidates and party that best line up with our biblical convictions. For example, because of the clear teachings of the Bible on the sanctity of human life (yes, even in the womb, according to Psalm 139), I could never vote for a candidate who believes that abortion is OK. Be that person a Republican, Democrat, other party, or independent, I simply could not vote for him or her. That is a nonnegotiable for me. Having said that, does that mean I hate those who are pro-choice? Not at all. I pray for them and show them kindness in personal interactions.
The prophet Amos records the words of God to Israel in our biblical text for today. The question is an indictment to the people of God who have turned away from the LORD. The key position for people to take on any issue is the biblical one. We do not want to walk in a direction the LORD is not walking or to hold positions that are clearly contrary to what the Bible teaches. Of course, this does not mean that we have any right to be mean or cruel toward those who hold beliefs and practices contrary to Scripture.
But what about those who live in your neighborhood or people you work with who are clearly at odds with what you believe and cherish? I think this is a great opportunity for the child of God to demonstrate kindness, abandon the spirit of combativeness, agree to disagree, and build friendly relations. Is this hard? Some might say it is impossible to be amicable toward the ungodly. But I disagree. Agree with what you can, disagree with grace where you differ, but most of all, show the love of Jesus to all. As Abraham Lincoln so memorably put it in 1865 at his Second Inaugural Address, "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds."
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