Friday, October 14, 2016

That We Should Listen to Pope Francis

It seems to me that Jesus wants us to be united, not necessarily politically but in our love for Him, for the Father and for each other. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
(John 17:20-21)



 We are far from united.  We are in an ugly, escalating war of words with each other.  Jesus said, …every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” ( Matthew 12:25)

There has been division between Christians for centuries, but it certainly looks like the current political warfare is widening the division among us, and among all the people of this nation. It's unanimous that this is the nastiest presidential campaign in recent history.  There is so little attention given to the very serious issues facing our country and the world, and so much effort, on both sides, to destroy the other candidate’s reputation.  There have been threats to imprison the other candidate and thinly disguised suggestions that the opposing candidate could be permanently eliminated. What is this country coming to? 

And it seems to me that instead of demanding that the candidates focus on the issues, the citizenry is jumping on the “destroy the other guy” bandwagon and spreading whatever dirt they can dig up on the candidate they are opposed to, with little effort to discern whether or not it’s based on truth.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)
Jesus did not condemn individuals.  Even though He was the Messiah promised to the House of Israel, He recognized all people who turned to him in faith; and He declared, I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16).
How can we hear His voice if we’re all shouting at each other?

It seems to me that, as followers of Christ, neither should we be condemning. Rather we should follow the advice of Pope Francis to, "Study the proposals well, pray and choose in conscience.” each of us according to our own conscience which, as we have been taught, is the ultimate guide to human conduct.


Please feel free to comment but not about the candidates.  I am not looking for a political response with regard to the current election.