It is certainly obvious to anyone with a pulse how politically divided we are as a nation. Even within the Christian community there is certainly no shortage of disagreements when it comes to our elected officials and their policies, agendas, and personalities.
As Christians (those who believe in and try to follow God’s Word), we understand that any election, no matter our political party, is a choice between the lesser of two evils and a choice necessary precisely because of the fallen nature of humankind. James Madison is credited with saying, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
Finding common ground is not as difficult as one might think. There is also an opportunity to bring to mind something foundational to The Gospel message, which is the brokenness of the human condition. In fact, I would assert that political viewpoints are, by and large, driven by a desire to address the consequences of that brokenness. Starvation, sexual abuse, murder, selfishness, theft, and just about every other consequence of sin in the world either has a law or a policy designed to remedy it (or, as we unfortunately see today, to promote it—but that’s a separate discussion) and this is done, at least in a free society, through the efforts of elected officials.
So as we discuss politics and the state of the world with friends, family and acquaintances who may not yet believe in The Lord, let’s not forget that acknowledging the brokenness of the human heart is often the first step toward the realization that one needs a Savior.