by A. South

Created on: February 27, 2008

What Would Jesus Do? That phrase became popular for bracelets and key chains to remind us to do the right thing. Recently, though, it made me think: today, if Jesus were physically on this earth of political corruption, war, moral degradation and social unrest, what would He do? Furthermore what would He ask me to do?

As the election nears, I can ask an even more specific question: how would Jesus vote? Republican or Democrat.

If Jesus were on earth today, I am confident that He would do exactly what He did when He was on earth over 2,000 years ago. In those days there were plenty of political and social problems. What He did in the face of those problems is exactly what I think we should do today: He loved people.

He didn't run for office, get involved in politics, argue in the town square or try to take over Nazareth with His ideas about taxes or international trade. Instead of just trying to fix the government He fixed people's hearts.

Clearly, becoming involved in politics isn't an inherently anti-Christian thing to do, nor does the Bible preach against political involvement. In the midst of activism though if your goal becomes to figure out who's wrong and who's right, you've lost sight of God's true purpose and his main message.

Instead of protesting abortion, Jesus would care for mothers who don't have anywhere else to turn and give orphans a home. Budget points wouldn't be important, giving to the poor would. And you would never hear Jesus debating the war in Iraq. No, the battle in our hearts against sin would be much more compelling.

If Jesus had five minutes to share His opinion about the upcoming election or to tell us how to vote, I believe He would use that time to remind us to love other people. I think He would remind us that He is the only thing that matters in the world in eternity.

Even when things seem like they are out of control Jesus is a reminder that laws and wars don't change the fact that He is in control and that He loves us very much. Jesus's vote matters much less than the truth that He has a plan for the world, just like He has a plan for each of us.

Stop worrying about our life, about the status of the economy and politics, and start loving others in His name and doing His work.

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