Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD, keep watch over the door of my lips! Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not share in their feasting! (Psalm 141:3-4)
Candidate bashing seems to be the major recreational activity these days. Name calling, dismissive character generalizations, and highlighting the gaffs and embarrassing details of those running for office seems like a delicious indulgence for many, fueled by all sorts of media. It’s easy to get swept up in this; easy to forget that no matter how badly politicians comport themselves, our call as followers of Jesus Christ is to remember that they have been created in the image of God (no matter how veiled that image might be) and to pray for them whether we like them or not. We are to pray especially for them when they stand as enemies of God’s laws, for that is the command given to us by Jesus himself: love your enemies and pray for them.
We are of course to examine the fruit of the candidates’ lives and make the least detrimental choices in our voting. And we are to actively make our voices heard in whatever constructive ways God leads each of us to do.
But mocking and criticizing are not accomplishing anything. The appeal of this activity is perhaps an attempt to make ourselves feel less helpless in the face of a corrupt political culture. Distancing ourselves from those politicians who make bad choices and speak ungodly things feels like a kind of protection. However none of this is real.
Prayer is the real lifeline to actual power and actual safety. There is power in the Name of Jesus and we are safe in his most Sacred Heart of Love.
Help us, Lord, to find our satisfaction in you and not in joining in with the crowd that feasts on criticism and character assassination!
Lessons From Love School 
We as human beings love to degrade and vilify others for the sake of looking good ourselves when comparisons are made. It reminds me of the parable from Luke 18:9-14 of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Many take on the attitude of the Pharisee who is glad he is not like that tax collector. The Pharisee by definition sees himself as the holy and acceptable one compared to the tax collector, the scum of the earth. Politics brings out that same attitude in people. The sad part is such an attitude has infected the church to the point where some believers will label their fellow brothers and sisters as heretics if they associate with a particular political party. Those judgmental believers need to take another look at Matthew 7:1-5. Lest we forget, the comparison is never between us and others but us and a holy God, and in that case we all fall short.
LikeLike
Excellent comment, Rev Sheree. Thank you once again.
LikeLike