Do you hate Najib Razak? Lim Kit Siang? How about Donald Trump? Hillary Clinton? Many followers of Jesus I know, both in my part of the world and around the globe, have strong political convictions. This is a good thing. I believe that the ultimate solution to humankind’s problems is the gospel of Jesus Christ. However the salt and light mandate must surely include a call to maximise good and minimise evil wherever we can and this must surely include our participation in the political process especially in countries that practice some form of democracy.
Unfortunately the political process is often adversarial and competitive, with political contests that decide winners and losers. It is quite easy to end up hating political leaders that we deem unsuitable especially in the rhetoric of an election year or where major issues of public interest are at stake.
Many in Malaysia believe our Prime Minister has broken any number of laws in how he has handled public monies. And because he has been able to work the system, he has escaped all attempts to bring him to account. Many therefore are infuriated by both the fact that he has gotten away with wrongdoing and the fact that he is continuing to thumb his nose at the system. It is easy to end up hating him. I wonder if I am guilty of that to some degree. I wonder if other Malaysian followers of Jesus are also guilty of a similar hatred.
As for the U.S. we are now treated to the once-in-four-years circus, the presidential elections. I am an observer from far away with no direct knowledge of the things that happen in the U.S. apart from what I read. I have long decided that American culture is very adversarial, where folks quickly lock themselves into an us-versus-them mentality, dividing people into good guys and bad guys with little love lost between those from different sides.
My concern is for those who call themselves followers of Jesus. Here are some truths from God’s Word.
1. Our battle is not with people but with the malevolent spiritual realities behind them (Ephesians 6:12).
2. Our lives are not to be marked by hatred but by the twin loves of God and neighbour (Mark 12:28–31).
3. We are called to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48).
I am not saying that we should not speak up for what we believe to be right. I am not saying we shouldn’t be calling out those who have violated the law or have exhibited behaviour that disqualifies them for public office. But as followers of Jesus we do not have the luxury of hatred. We love God. We love righteousness and mercy. We are lovers not haters. We must be different from those who do not know Jesus. Indeed it is only as we demonstrate this “God difference” — holding and fighting for convictions without hating people — that we are able to point people to the ultimate source of hope, Jesus.
So God help us. Lent is a good time to reflect on my own failures, my own weaknesses, and my own need for grace. May we exhibit again the qualities of a Christ who is willing to suffer for what is right, who hates unrighteousness and sin, but who loves people. And knowing how some people are, there is a miracle right there.
*Stock image courtesy of jesadaphorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net