Facebook. The social network wherein people connect with each other. It’s also a platform from which people share their political convictions via the safety of technological distance.
After the October 11th Vice Presidential debate, I observed an onslaught of judgment on VP Joe Biden from various FB pages that proclaim Christ. Some professing believers compared him to the Joker and/or applied Scripture to evaluate Biden’s behavior.
“Who showed up tonight? This rude and disrespectful joker.” Those words accompanied a picture of Biden juxtaposed with a photo of Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the famous Batman character.
“When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” (Proverbs 29:9) More frequent than the Joker reference was this verse superimposed over various photos of Mr. Biden. Some pictures showed him laughing wildly, others with him wide-eyed, raising his hands in the air above his head. None of the photographs chosen displayed a becoming image of the man.
Numerous FB posts flooded the newsfeed with this condemnation of a person created in God’s image, one who professes to be a Christian. Only twice did I see the following expression: “No matter who is President, Jesus is King.”
We’d all do well to read—and live—Jesus’ words below from Matthew 5.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
As believers, we should desire above all things that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect the love of Christ and glorify God. Isn’t the beauty of the redeemed believer best observed through a life that exhibits spiritual fruit in the face of suffering—whether perceived or real—out of reverence for their Savior?
Jesus himself is our peace, and we should likewise extend that peace to others—even to those with whom we disagree. We fail in this regard when we defame others with snarky humor and callous chiding. Malicious mockery dims the light that we’re commanded to shine.
Well said, Shema…
Politics is a dirty game, and I don’t see how to be involved in it without getting a little dirty. There have been plenty of Obama joker pictures around as well, and the constant equating of Obama with the antichrist disturbs me. Funny thing is, the exact same stuff occurs from the other side of the fence. I wonder whose side God is on…no, I don’t actually.
An excellent reminder for all Christians. Romans 13: 1-3 clearly teaches that all authority is instituted by God. Proverbs 21:1 says “The King’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord, he turns it wherever he will”. If we are in disagreement with those in authority we should pray for them, not mock them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5: 44-45 to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. All Christians should be brothers and sisters in Christ, not divided by world systems. I don’t recall Jesus ever endorsing joining the Pharisee or Sadducee party. Called them both broods of vipers I believe…
Thanks for replying, rebecca, and with relevant Scripture at that!
MS, those antichrist comparisons troubled my heart as well…You are correct and objective in pointing out comments from the other side, too, and have underscored what I view as a misguided focus. Are we, generally speaking, posturing as God’s chosen ones to acquire that which our eyes desire or are we living by the spirit as those called to a higher purpose?
Shema,
From what I’ve seen far too often, I think it may be worse: perhaps we posture to beat down that which our eyes detest.
MS,
I know I’m guilty of that same behavior at times, and when I’m convicted of it, I try to think about the eyes through which Jesus looked at others. He looked on sin that he detested yet responded with love, love to the point of death on a cross. What prevents us from loving like that knowing that his love has redeemed us?