Read: Ephesians 2:14, Galatians 3:28
The big competition every year in my elementary school field day was the tug of war between students and teachers. They won every year, but it was still fun to be part of. Tug of war was the best growing up. Two sides, both pulling with all their strength, convinced that victory was within their grasp. Neither side wanted to give an inch, and the harder they pulled, the tighter the rope got, with tension building in the middle.
It’s easy to feel like we’re living in that constant tension regarding politics—everyone pulling in opposite directions. Unlike tug of war, it’s not fun. But Jesus calls us to something radically different. He doesn’t just ask us to pick a side; He invites us to lay down the rope altogether and find unity in Him, where the divisions of this world lose their power.
Our world is deeply divided, and politics often amplifies that division. In Jesus’ day, there were multiple political factions, each with their own agenda. Yet, Jesus brought together people from all sides and made them one in Him. His disciples included a tax collector, who worked for the Roman government, and a zealot, who wanted to overthrow it. Despite their political differences, they found unity in Christ.
As Christians, we are called to a higher allegiance. Our identity is not found in a political party, but in Christ. This doesn’t mean we all agree on everything, but it does mean we should strive for unity and peace within the body of Christ. We can disagree on policies while still loving one another deeply, because our ultimate hope is in Jesus, not in politics.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you maintain unity with fellow believers who hold different political views?
- In what ways can you prioritize your identity in Christ over your political identity?
- How can the church be a model of unity in a divided world?