Navigating Politics Through the Lens of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Menlo Church! We are coming off an incredible weekend where many people publicly declared their faith through baptisms. Whether you were baptized or not, I hope you felt that God wants to do something unique in your life. Here at Menlo Church, we believe that hope is for everyone, regardless of where you are in your faith journey. We aim to bring hope to everyone by living out our identity in Christ every day, not just during the school year but throughout the entire year. This is possible because of the generosity of those who support Menlo Church financially. If you want to automate your giving, you can sign up at menlo.church.com.
Before we dive into today's topic, let's pray. God, in a world that feels so divided and disorienting, we ask for your unity and guidance. Amen.
I want to share a story about an election cycle where both sides saw their opponents as existential threats to democracy. Friends and families were divided, and relationships were strained. After the election, the promises made were inconsistently delivered, and the division lingered, waiting for the next election season. This isn't just a fairy tale; it's a reality we face. In 2016, I waited too long to address these issues, and relationships were already damaged. This time, I want to address it earlier to help us approach this season with a more thoughtful perspective. We are not endorsing any candidates or handing out voter guides. Instead, we should view our politics through the lens of our faith, not the other way around.
Over the last 30 years, the rates of unfavorable views towards the opposing political party have tripled. How did we get here, and what do we do about it? Compartmentalizing our faith and politics is a common but dangerous practice. The Jewish people in the Hebrew scriptures struggled with the same issue. God gave them a central command to guide their lives: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might." This is the Shema, a core ethic that Jesus also emphasized, encapsulating it in what we call the Golden Rule: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, but it's also crucial for our political discourse. Love is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, and does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. This kind of love is difficult to practice, even with those we love, let alone our political adversaries. But the opposite of love isn't hate; it's fear. Fear drives us to reject patience and kindness and embrace envy and arrogance.
N.T. Wright, in his book "Jesus and the Powers," reminds us that Jesus is King, and His kingdom remains the object of the church's witness and work. If we don't intentionally decide to focus on this, we will divert ourselves into the kingdoms of this world. John Mark Comer, in "Live No Lies," highlights how the early church was multiracial, multiethnic, and spread across socioeconomic lines, caring for the poor and resisting infanticide and abortion. This vision of love is politically shaping, and we must ensure our politics are shaped by our faith, not the other way around.
As we navigate this election season, let's challenge ourselves to take in news that informs rather than infuriates us. Broadcast news has become a profit engine, driving us into extreme views. We must challenge our assumptions and find common ground with others. Paul gives us warning signs to watch for: impatience, unkindness, envy, arrogance, and more. These are produced by fear, not love.
Imagine a community where our political differences draw us into deeper conversations, fostering understanding and respect. Let's commit to being ambassadors of Christ's love, listening more, speaking less, and seeking common ground. Pray for our leaders, our nation, and our world. Let's be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope. Our ultimate allegiance is to an eternal kingdom with a risen King who commands us to love our enemies and be peacemakers. Let's rise to the challenge and be known for our love, not our political stances.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hope is for Everyone: At Menlo Church, we believe that hope is for everyone, regardless of where you are in your faith journey. This hope is not just for the school year but for the entire year, and it is made possible by the generosity of those who support the church financially. If you want to automate your giving, you can sign up at menlo.church.com. [26:28]
2. The Shema and the Golden Rule: The central command given to the Jewish people, known as the Shema, is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might. Jesus emphasized this by adding the Golden Rule: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This core ethic should guide our lives and our political views, ensuring that our faith shapes our politics, not the other way around. [32:41]
3. The Definition of Love: Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is crucial for our political discourse. Love is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, and does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. This kind of love is difficult to practice, even with those we love, let alone our political adversaries. [45:04]
4. The Opposite of Love is Fear: The opposite of love isn't hate; it's fear. Fear drives us to reject patience and kindness and embrace envy and arrogance. As we navigate this election season, let's challenge ourselves to take in news that informs rather than infuriates us. Broadcast news has become a profit engine, driving us into extreme views. We must challenge our assumptions and find common ground with others. [46:47]
5. Ambassadors of Christ's Love: Imagine a community where our political differences draw us into deeper conversations, fostering understanding and respect. Let's commit to being ambassadors of Christ's love, listening more, speaking less, and seeking common ground. Pray for our leaders, our nation, and our world. Let's be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope. Our ultimate allegiance is to an eternal kingdom with a risen King who commands us to love our enemies and be peacemakers. [55:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:28] - Hope is for Everyone
[28:02] - Opening Prayer
[29:39] - Election Cycle Story
[31:15] - Political Division
[32:41] - The Shema and the Golden Rule
[34:01] - Core Ethic of Following Jesus
[35:21] - Political Toxicity
[36:51] - The Opposite of Love is Fear
[38:08] - Politics as the New Religion
[39:41] - Four Different Americas
[42:20] - Overlapping Interests
[45:04] - Definition of Love
[46:47] - Fear and Political Discourse
[48:04] - Jesus is King
[49:34] - Early Church's Vision of Love
[51:00] - Consuming News Wisely
[52:13] - Warning Signs in Politics
[54:00] - Pursuing Love in a Divided Culture
[55:30] - Ambassadors of Christ's Love
[57:02] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV): "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV): "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
### Observation Questions
1. What is the Shema, and why is it significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions? ([32:41])
2. According to Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, what are the two greatest commandments, and how are they connected? ([34:01])
3. How does Paul define love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and why is this definition important for our political discourse? ([45:04])
4. What does the sermon suggest is the opposite of love, and how does this affect our interactions with others, especially in a political context? ([46:47])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) guide the lives of believers, and why is it important to love God with all your heart, soul, and might? ([32:41])
2. In what ways does Jesus' addition of "love your neighbor as yourself" expand the understanding of the Shema? ([34:01])
3. Why is Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 challenging to practice, especially with those who hold different political views? ([45:04])
4. How does fear manifest in our political discourse, and what are the warning signs that Paul gives us to watch for in our behavior? ([46:47])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own political views. How can you ensure that your faith shapes your politics rather than the other way around? ([31:15])
2. Think of a recent political discussion you had. How could you have applied Paul's definition of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) to that conversation? ([45:04])
3. Identify a news source you regularly consume. Is it designed to inform you or infuriate you? How can you adjust your media consumption to align with the principles of love and understanding? ([51:00])
4. Consider someone in your life with whom you have political disagreements. What steps can you take to foster deeper conversations, understanding, and respect with that person? ([55:30])
5. How can you be an ambassador of Christ's love in your community, especially during this election season? What specific actions can you take to listen more, speak less, and seek common ground? ([55:30])
6. Reflect on the idea that the opposite of love is fear. What fears do you need to address in your own life to better love others, especially those with different political views? ([46:47])
7. Pray for a political leader you did not vote for. How does this practice change your perspective and align you more closely with the teachings of Jesus? ([55:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope is for Everyone
At Menlo Church, the belief that hope is for everyone is a foundational principle. This hope transcends the boundaries of where one might be in their faith journey. It is not confined to specific times of the year but is a constant presence, available throughout the entire year. This enduring hope is made possible through the generosity of those who support the church financially. By automating your giving, you can contribute to this mission of spreading hope to all. This act of generosity not only supports the church but also fosters a community where hope is a shared experience, accessible to everyone.
[26:28]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: How can you contribute to spreading hope in your community today, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or financial support?
Day 2: The Shema and the Golden Rule
The Shema, a central command given to the Jewish people, instructs them to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Jesus emphasized this command by adding the Golden Rule: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This core ethic is meant to guide our lives and our political views, ensuring that our faith shapes our politics, not the other way around. By prioritizing love for God and neighbor, we can navigate political divisions with a perspective rooted in faith and compassion.
[32:41]
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your faith shapes your political views rather than allowing politics to shape your faith?
Day 3: The Definition of Love
Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is crucial for our political discourse. Love is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, and does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. This kind of love is difficult to practice, even with those we love, let alone our political adversaries. However, embodying this love in our interactions can transform our political conversations and foster a more compassionate and understanding community.
[45:04]
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV): "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Reflection: Think of a recent political conversation you had. How could you have applied Paul's definition of love to that interaction?
Day 4: The Opposite of Love is Fear
The opposite of love isn't hate; it's fear. Fear drives us to reject patience and kindness and embrace envy and arrogance. As we navigate this election season, it's important to challenge ourselves to take in news that informs rather than infuriates us. Broadcast news has become a profit engine, driving us into extreme views. By challenging our assumptions and finding common ground with others, we can overcome fear and foster a more loving and understanding community.
[46:47]
1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that the news you consume informs you rather than infuriates you? How can you challenge your assumptions and find common ground with others?
Day 5: Ambassadors of Christ's Love
Imagine a community where political differences draw us into deeper conversations, fostering understanding and respect. By committing to being ambassadors of Christ's love, we can listen more, speak less, and seek common ground. Praying for our leaders, our nation, and our world, we can be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope. Our ultimate allegiance is to an eternal kingdom with a risen King who commands us to love our enemies and be peacemakers. Let's rise to the challenge and be known for our love, not our political stances.
[55:30]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you act as an ambassador of Christ's love in your political conversations this week? What practical steps can you take to listen more and speak less?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "In case you don't know this, here at Menlo Church, we really do believe that hope is for everyone. Whether you would call yourself a follower of Jesus or not, whether you think God is mad at you, he's actually crazy about you, hope is for everyone. And because of that, we're really about bringing hope to everyone by living out our identity in Christ every single day." [26:28]
2. "Imagine a community where our political differences, they don't drive us apart, but instead draw us into deeper conversations, fostering understanding and respect. A place where our faith shapes our politics, not the other way around. This is the vision of love that Jesus sets before us. A love that is patient, kind, and unwavering, even in the face, maybe especially in the face, of disagreement and division." [55:30]
3. "Let's be a light in the darkness. I'm telling you, the good news is, a world that gets darker and darker, the light stands out more and more. We can be a beacon of hope in a world that so desperately needs it. If you're a follower of Jesus, remember, our ultimate allegiance is to an eternal kingdom with a risen king who commands us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, to be peacemakers in a world that often glorifies God." [55:30]
4. "If the opposite of love isn't hate, it's fear, what are the warning signs that we need to be aware of this election season, so that we can love people who will vote differently than us? We can find common ground with people who may disagree in critical areas. Well, the good news is that Paul gives us those warning signs, even in his definition of love." [52:13]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We should always view our politics through the lens of our faith and not the other way around. So that's what we're going to try and do together over the next few weeks. Democrats, Republicans, and whatever else you would classify yourself as at the foot of the cross together as we think about the problems of our world." [31:15]
2. "The reminder that God gave to the Israelites is actually still core to the way of Jesus today. Jesus simply ensures that we are also applying that love to other people as well, which was included throughout the Jewish law, but Jesus encapsulates it in what is often referred to as the golden rule, although I would challenge us to think of it as the platinum rule. It's actually even better." [32:41]
3. "Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice in wrongdoing. Love, cares all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures." [45:04]
4. "If your politics force you to overemphasize some of Jesus' ministry and priorities, ignoring other aspects of it, your politics are shaping your faith rather than the other way around. And this isn't new. In his book, Live No Lies, John Mark Comer highlights this countercultural nature of how the early church of Jesus' followers lived this out in this vision of love." [49:34]
5. "Over the course of the next few weeks, I hope that we will remember our bigger hope. More than voting the same, which we won't, we are all trying to pursue this picture of love in a culture that is full of terrified people. People who think that an imperfect leader can lead a kingdom without a king to some sort of perfect utopian outcome." [54:00]
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