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“Let your light shine before others”

We are living in the most politically divisive time I can remember. According to Pew Research Center, the gap between Democrats and Republicans on ten key social measures has more than doubled since 1994. A recent study showed that Americans are divided far more widely by identity (our political affiliation) than by ideology (our stands on particular issues).

As the midterms loom and negative ads dominate our airwaves and social media, here’s a powerful way to stand out: stand down.

Refuse to participate in the vitriol of our day. Look for ways to be redemptive rather than reactive. Ask about every political thing you say and do: Will this glorify God?

Our Master’s imperative still stands: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). If Paul could glorify God in a prison cell (Acts 16:25), and John could worship on a prison island (Revelation 1:10), where can you and I not glorify our Lord?

How to be “blameless and innocent”

I am genuinely concerned about the animosity dominating our culture today. As I noted last Thursday, we have lost the unifying factors of consensual morality, trusted institutions, and external enemies. The partisan hostility we are seeing in the midterm cycle is likely to pale in comparison to the 2020 presidential election.

Here’s what our culture does not understand: our real enemy is “the god of this world” who “has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Our real battle is not political, but spiritual (Ephesians 6:12).

And you and I are on the front lines. If our candidates win tomorrow’s election but we lose our witness, we lose. If we demonstrate the character of Christ and fruit of the Spirit, no matter what happens tomorrow, we win.

Scripture is clear: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).

Will you be “blameless and innocent” today?