In an email exchange this week, one reader wondered why I
was encouraging this exercise in connecting our political discourse to
biblical, theological and ethical foundations; he expressed concern that
“talking politics” may be divisive. My response was that Jesus calls his
disciples salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14) – this is who we are! If we do not
preserve our community’s health, who will? If we do not shine light into the darkness,
God will raise up another. It is incumbent upon us Jesus followers, therefore,
to elevate the tone and content of our civil discourse.
Toward the goal of being who we are – salt and light – here
is how the Gilbert Presbyterian Young Adult Fellowship responded to this
invitation:
Proverbs
6:16-23 talks about how important it is to follow the 10 commandments. I would
want to pick a candidate who understands how living your life the way Christ
would is, in my opinion, the only way to lead a nation into peace and prosperity.
(Molly Russell)
1
Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as
indeed you are doing.”I have had a hard time with the election because of the
negativity. I would vote for a candidate who is concerned with the well-being
of others, and who wants to lift people up. I am interested in a candidate who
emphasizes a positive message for the future rather than a negative message
about all that is wrong with the world. (Chelsea Brooks)
Acts
10:44–45 describes the Holy Spirit’s reaching beyond Israel to include the
Gentiles. At Montlure this year we learned about having the courage to change.
To me this means keeping an open mind and learning and growing through
experiences. Personally, I would like to see a candidate who values the ability
to change and grow. (Maddie Russell)
Psalm
21:11 says, “If they plan evil against you, if they devise mischief, they will
not succeed.”I would vote for a candidate who can see through all the
dishonesty and chaos to what is really important. Someone who will not be
fooled by appearances. (Josh Humphreys)
Jeremiah
29:11 says, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans
for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”I want a candidate
who wants all to prosper and will work with and for all to make that happen.
(Pam Russell)
Ephesians
4:1-3 says, “…lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with
all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making
every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”Our next
president will lead by example. That example is for all—here and around the
world. (I wonder do I live by these same expectations I have for my new president?)”
(Jan Palmer)
1
Peter 1:13-16 says, “Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline
yourselves…be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You
shall be holy, for I am holy.’”I am drawn to candidates who have the strength
and integrity to maintain ethical standards under pressure; someone who holds
to certain principles (respect for human dignity, concern for the well-being of
all, justice, equality, and transparency) despite the temptation to sacrifice
them for expediency or personal gain. (Jen Fraser)
Next week a new topic…promise,
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