Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18
Remember the classic toy, “Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots?”
Two plastic robots in a boxing ring? One red, one blue, each trying to knock each other’s heads off?
Well, that toy paints a pretty good picture of election season in America. The Red and Blue are having quite a knock-down, drag-out fight this year. Are you getting tired of seeing the divisive political ads on TV or hearing them on the radio during your commute? Me, too.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the hostility and become like those boxing robots, trying to clobber anyone who has opposing political views.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
There is another way. It’s the way of wisdom.
And really, to walk in wisdom is to walk in the ways of Jesus, for in Him are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
So much of the wisdom in the book of Proverbs pertains to how we speak to one another. Solomon repeatedly counsels us to watch what we say. Take a moment to let some of his wisdom wash over your words:
“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the tongue of the wicked is of little value.” Proverbs 10:20
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” Proverbs 15:28
Clearly, Solomon wants us to grasp that our words matter. Our words can hurt or heal, build up or tear down. The bottom line? We’re to exercise wisdom in what we say. After all, wisdom isn’t academic or theoretical. It’s practical. Wisdom, or the lack thereof, is manifested in our everyday conversations, situations, and relationships.
Yes, this includes political conversations, too.
Take today’s key verse, for example:
Imagine a world where we don’t use “reckless words” on social media. A world where we disagree with respect. A world where Christians model how to treat those who vote differently from us.
Hard to imagine, isn’t it?
Sadly, politics doesn’t always bring out the best in us. We don’t necessarily demonstrate a lot of wisdom in our interactions in the political arena. It’s shocking how Christians often use the same kind of hateful rhetoric as non-believers. We wield words as weapons. Cutting here. Stabbing there. Swinging our swords around as if trying to deliver a once-and-for-all knock-out blow.
That’s Rock ‘em Sock ‘em politics for ya.
But the goal isn’t to defeat our opponent and win the fight.
The goal is to point people to Jesus.
You see, if Jesus is our Lord, then we are to reflect His lordship in every area of our lives. I’m reminded of the words of pastor, Derwin Gray, “Don’t let elephants or donkeys make you forget that you belong to the Lamb.”
If you are a true son or daughter of the King, your ultimate allegiance isn’t to a political party. It’s not even to this country. It’s to the Lamb of God who laid down His life for you.
Please don’t misunderstand. We must hold to our convictions and stand for the Truth. I’m simply pointing out that wisdom implores us to be mindful of how we stand for the Truth.
So, in what’s left of this election season, will you have the courage to follow the wisdom of Jesus and watch what you say?
DIG DEEPER
Read “Your Words Can Alter Someone’s Life” by George Wright
