Politics Jesus-Style

I'm learning what it means to live and let live, and also to love above all. To be fully convinced in my own mind and walk in obedience to my own convictions without having to convince secondary parties of the whys or wherefores or worse yet, judge their obedience to theirs. So it was great timing to read the "Kingdom" chapter in "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Yancey. To examine the type of Kingdom Christ actually proffered on one hand, and the type of response He had to the politics and polemics of His day on the other. In my own experiences of the past week, in little glimpses into the american political arena and certain exchanges between His followers that find themselves at odds of conviction.... the following words were like apples of gold, whetting my tastebuds, causing an emotional salivation of sorts, for more of His kind of politics which was (is) really so contrary to the polemics of our modern era.

"(Jesus) became known as a friend of tax collectors, a group clearly identified with the foreign exploiters, not the exploited. Though he denounced the religious system of his day, he treated a leader like Nicodemus with respect, and though he spoke against the dangers of money and of violence, he showed love and compassion toward a rich young ruler and a Roman centurion.

In short, Jesus honored the dignity of people, whether he agreed with them or not. He would not found his kingdom on the basis of race or class (or political leaning or denominational bent) or other such divisions. Anyone, even a half-breed with five husbands or a thief dying on a cross, was welcome to join his kingdom. The person was more important than any category or label.

I feel convicted by this quality of Jesus every time I get involved in a cause I strongly believe in. How easy it is to join the politics of polarization, to find myself shouting across the picket lines at the "enemy" on the other side. How hard it is to remember that the kingdom of God calls me to love the woman who has just emerged from the abortion clinic (and yes, even her doctor), the promiscuous person who is dying of AIDS, the wealthy landowner who is exploiting God's creation. If I cannot show love to such people, then I must question whether I have truly understood Jesus' gospel.

A political movement by nature draws lines, makes distinctions, pronounces judgment, in contrast, Jesus' love cuts across lines, transcends distinctions, and dispenses grace. Regardless of the merits of a given issue- whether a pro-life lobby out of the Right or a peace and justice lobby out of the Left- political movements risk pulling onto themselves the mantle of power that smothers love. From Jesus I learn that, whatever activism I get involved in, it must not drive out love and humility, or otherwise I betray the kingdom of heaven."

From "The Jesus I Never Knew"; Philip Yancey.