In English: Don’t be a Jerk
In Greek: Don’t Be a Jerk
In Latin: Jerkelous Donotus
Those are the words that my pastor preached last Sunday. We are but a couple days away from the election. Two months ago, Heather wrote “It’s going to get ugly, my friends, really ugly.”
I think we are going to reach the climax of that ugliness; this whole week is going to be really nasty regardless of who wins.
I am a strong believer that people should discuss their political views, it is a blessing to have that freedom in a democratic country. A freedom that is not shared by every country. I believe political dialog and discussion is beneficial for the parties involved. However, I believe that it is ONLY beneficial if all the parties involved are respectful, open to the discussion, kind, honest, and do not take someone’s political views as a personal attack.
Sadly, that is not the environment that we see.
Sometimes even when we are respectful, loving, and honest; we will still stir up hate from the opposite view; next thing we know we become angry, resentful, and a jerk.
At this point it might be best to turn off the TV, to turn off the media outlets. At this point there is probably very little you can say or do that will change someone’s mind, so maybe remain silent. It’s a great time to do a social media fast.
Go out and vote, but do not add to the hate, do not add to the name-calling, do not add to the lies, do not add to the toxicity.
During this time of chaos keep still, and keep the following scriptures close to your heart:
- James 1:19: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
- Thessalonians 4:11-12: and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
- Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Proverbs 13:3: Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
- Amos 5:13-14: Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said.
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
- Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- 1 Peter 4:8: Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Waiting for all of this to be over,
Milo
