Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
-Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Like all of you, I've been bombarded by political messages incessantly these last several weeks, and as I have, I have begun to seriously ask what my role as a citizen and a Christian at this time. It's in this present situation that God brought me to the study of this text (click here to listen to the sermon if you missed it).
Maybe you're like me and you haven't spent a lot of time on Romans 13:1, but since we take biblical discipleship seriously, I went on a fascinating journey with this passage. I can't share it all here, but I ended the sermon with two calls: (1) that submitting to our government means we should vote (generally, though there are a few exceptions), and (2) that though we don't vote monolithically (inevitably we have differing conclusions) or give one person a pulpit from which to tell people how to vote, we should lean into conversations with other Christians to discuss the pros and cons of different positions.
I've noticed that I often preach that or why we should do something. Sometimes I even talk about how, but I rarely give people a chance to experience what the Word is teaching. As the Holy Spirit has continued to journey with me since Sabbath, I've concluded I need to put my money where my mouth is. And so, I am inviting you to join me on Sunday, November 1, at 7 PM. I am going to host a Zoom conversation to give us a chance to practice civil discipleship. Even if you've already voted, it would still be great to have you.
Whether you join us in discussing the pros and cons of the measures below on Sunday, I hope you'll find a way to integrate the three guidelines we'll be using in our chat as you represent Jesus everywhere you go and with the people you talk with over the next week especially.
Principals for Talking about Politics Together
1-Respect. Assume the people you talk with are smart and kind, and speak and listen accordingly. (Even if what they say doesn't make sense to you.)
2-Honesty. When it's your turn, share what seems most loving to you and why.
3-Curiosity. What's one thing someone with a different perspective from you said that can help you love your neighbor better as you engage in the voting process?
Washington Items we may Discuss
Advisory Vote #32–Plastic Bags and Taxation
Advisory Vote #33–Heavy Equipment and Taxation
Constitutional Amendment #8212–Longterm Care Trust Act Management
— Jonny Moor