Politics #6 - Love Over This

Look at the earth from outer space
Everyone must find a place
Give me time and give me space
Give me real don’t give me fake
Give me strength, reserve control
Give me heart and give me soul
Give me time, give us a kiss
Tell me your own politik

And open up your eyes,open up your eyes,open up your eyes, open up your eyes

Give me one ’cause one is best In confusion, confidence
Give me peace of mind and trust
Don’t forget the rest us
Give me strength, reserve control
Give me heart and give me soul
Wounds that heal and cracks that fix
Tell me your own politik

And open up your eyes,open up your eyes,open up your eyes, open up your eyes

Just open up your eyes.But give me love over, love over, love over this …

“Politik,” Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head“

A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.”

Edward R. Murrow

A

s Dr. Campbell has already said on theRubicon “politics happens.”

There are so many images and words that come to mind when we hear the word “politics.” Besides religion, there is no more polarizing or explosive topic for thought and conversation. Everyone, informed and uninformed (I like to think I fall in the middle, but admittedly a little closer to uninformed), has something to say and share about politics.

Politics has to do with people. Therefore, in countries, cities and towns, offices, classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, churches, and anywhere else people come together, “politics happens.”  Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad; when “politics happens”  in the church and among believers in communities of faith, most of the time it’s bad.

The political action and drama we see during election season in Canada and the United States has no place in the church and among believers, but we do it. We engage in character assassination, we tell lies and half-truths, we distribute misinformation and spin information to suit our stories and points of view, etc.

Being politically engaged and informed is important (I need to be more informed and engaged). Murrow’s above sentiment is true. The church needs to engage in the social and political issues of our day and be a clear voice for justice and the rights of all humankind. All citizens, regardless of faith, should not allow the wool to be pulled over their eyes.

When “politics happens” in the church and among believers let me suggest we look to our Triune God for a political theology of the Trinity for a political theology for the church.

God the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit do not engage in any of the negative political action and drama we have suggested or that comes to mind when we hear the word “politics.”  The three persons in the Godhead are “undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.” Love rules over politics in the community of our Triune God. Our Triune God works together to bring about salvation, holiness, the forgiveness of sins and is the power behind and the guiding force for the church, us, the body of Christ on earth. The community of the Trinity works together for the betterment of others. There is no competition among the Trinity. There is no animosity and belittling among the Trinity. There is no character assassination among the Trinity.

Love should rule over the politics in the community of believers. We should be undivided in essence and we are all equal in our need for the love, grace, and guidance found in our Triune God. Let me reiterate the great closing thought from Dr. Campbell: “it’s all level ground before the cross.” We should be working together for the betterment of others.

So, let love rule over when “politics happens.”

 

Writer: Mark Braye and his wife Nancy are officers in Essex, Ontario, Canada. They have two children, pictured above, Hannah and Micah. The four of them love to play and watch Sesame Street.

No comments yet.

Leave a comment