Every so often I get caught up in politics.

I know better, I can’t control it, it just happens.
It creeps up on me, and then it creeps me out.

I turn on the news and start absorbing the drama. Frustration quickly takes over. People from all perspectives quote only the statistics that support their view. At the same time, ignoring blatant facts disproving their own theories.

Finally I pull myself out of the mire and stay clean for months on end, until some current event drives me back to the same old shows, with the same old people, arguing the same old points.

I need help.

There is another thing that bothers me about the political realm. Christianity mixed with politics makes me uncomfortable. I’m not saying they should never overlap, but I’m sure that God’s grace is more powerful than our views. While I love my country, to me discipleship easily outweighs patriotism, and the flag (as much as I love it) ultimately bows to the cross.

I have my political views, you have yours. 
Let’s leave that alone.

But, I ask you to consider these next few thoughts.

Jesus most likely…

Made the conservatives upset because He spent a lot of time with the fringe of society.

Made the liberals uncomfortable because he raised the moral standard for everybody.

Made the libertarians uneasy because he gave up His rights for the good of others.

Made the moderates cringe every time He made a bold and clear stand.

Made the religious people angry because He broke the law and loved the outsiders.

Made the apathetic take notice by powerfully proclaiming His father loved everybody.

Made the powerful people uneasy because He said that love was the highest goal.

But most of all, His words pierced through all of their agendas.

His words will still do that today, if we are honest with ourselves.

Sometimes, we get too comfortable in our own ideas. Possibly, we define ourselves by our views too much. Often, our comfort zone of being right has become a barrier to serving those around us.

If we follow Jesus, we will be called to love, serve, and encourage all types of people from all walks of life, with many different views.

The more I think about it, if Jesus hasn’t made me uncomfortable recently, then I might not be following close enough.

If Jesus hasn’t made you uncomfortable recently, then you might not be following close enough.

If you are a Christ follower, make sure His message is preeminent over any earthly agenda.

Because, people are more important than politics.

-Tom Wise