It’s March and Americans are already waist deep in election year. As I write this, I can hear TV footage of presidential candidates trading insults in front of millions of people. The rhetoric is rude, some of it is off-color, and as I listen I’m grateful I’m not responsible for explaining the dialogue to a child. The presidential candidates aren’t the only ones exchanging barbs. Social media is jammed with crude comments, name calling, and meme’s that mock the candidates and their supporters.
When we are born into this world we are soon confronted with a variety of things that are out of our control. For instance, we didn’t choose our parents or siblings, hereditary conditions, height, IQ, physical appearance, or personality temperament. These factors influence who we are, and we can manage them to some degree, but we didn’t choose them. The good news is we get to choose what kind of character we possess. Our dignity, integrity, and manners are up to us. We have a choice as to how we’ll respond in a heated election year and we’ll choose how we act all the days of our life. To decide what type of character we want to possess we need to ask ourselves some questions:
- Will I do what is convenient or will I be a man/woman of my word?
- Will I be dishonest when it benefits me or am I committed to honesty even when its costly?
- Will I allow myself to criticize and insult people I disagree with or will I do my best to speak well of people or remain silent?
- Would I rather talk and be heard or listen and learn?
- Will I attempt to force my views on other’s or communicate with compassion and respect?
- Will I be rude when provoked or respond in kindness regardless of the situation?
The Bible has a lot to say about about Christian character. Let me provide a few examples:
- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
- “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked with be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
- “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
To be sure, elections are important and there’s a lot at stake. But let’s not sacrifice our character on the altar of politics. Integrity, respect, and good manners still matter. We can be kind and show respect even when we disagree. We can’t control the current political climate or how other people act. But we can control our response. As Christians, we’re called to model Christ’s character. Let’s remember that His followers have never blended in with society.
