Harmless as Doves

In Mt. 10:16 Jesus says, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." In today's political climate I believe we have to be especially vigilant to apply the principles of this verse in our everyday lives. When looking at the news or social media concerning politics it seems to be all filled with hate and vitriol. We must be very careful to not get sucked into the same spirit that is running so rampantly throughout our nation right now. It is so easy to get pulled into an argument or sharing (pushing might be a more fitting word) our opinion on politics. Often we do these things without thinking things through or realizing that it's going public for everyone to see. My experience is that communicating in these ways usually doesn't bring people together but instead causes greater division and greater feelings of bitterness, disappointment, or even hatred. 

It seems like this is presently Satan's playground and he is ripping apart our nation, our communities, relationships, families, and even marriages through our political stances. Do we, as Christians really want to willingly jump in and take part in things that are causing so much division? We live in a time where people need support, encouragement, and love more then any other time I've seen in my lifetime here in America. We as Christians must measure our words and actions, whether they are in person or through social media. What spirit am I writing or saying it in? Is it in a spirit of love and affection to strengthen and encourage my brother or sister on their way? There is a time and a place to speak out, but even then it should be done very prayerfully and in meekness and humility. 

Something we often don't realize is that even within our church (SDA) here in the United States, roughly half of my fellow brothers and sisters disagree with me politically. That may come as a surprise to some, but whether you are a democrat or a republican almost 50% stand on the other side of the aisle concerning their political ties. We often make the mistake of assuming that everyone around me at my local church is in agreement with me on the issues. The odds are that's probably not the case. Paul told the Philippians, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you shine as lights in the world," (Phil. 2:14,15). May God help us to be blameless in our communications and interactions so that we might be lights in this ever increasing dark world.