To the candidates for President of the United States, greetings.
I believe most (or is it all?) of you each declare yourself to be Christian. (My opinion of your profession is of no consequence for this post, if at all.)
On the basis of your own declaration, I appeal to you in the name of Christ, the Master:
“Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren” (James 4:11).
“As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).
“Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13).
“Ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
You can’t campaign or govern while abiding by such standards?
Hmmm.
You would rather campaign or rule than follow Jesus? 😯
Are you waiting for one of your brethren to break the ice in exhibiting Christian character in this race?
If so, what kind of leader are you?!
More importantly, what manner of Christianity does that demonstrate?
No, you aren’t running for Theologian-in-Chief. What of it? If you are a Christian, you are a Christian, no matter what you’re doing. So live it out.
I also urge upon you something I wrote back in 2009: Polishing Politics. You really ought to read that, Messrs. Gingerich, Obama, Paul, Romney, and Santorum.
PS to Mark Roth and all other Christian non-candidates: You’re not off the hook.
PS Jr: I am not politically active but I might consider being a write-in candidate.
As always you are right on. I clicked over to the post “Polishing Politics” and like that one as well. Thanks for saying what needs to be said to all of us inside or outside of politics.
Thank you, Iain. Now to keep on polishing my own Christian conduct…