Everywhere I go, it follows me. People I barely know feel compelled to tell me how they feel about certain candidates and their families—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
And honestly? I’m tired of it.
As a Christian who doesn’t always fit the mold politically, or in any other way for that matter, I find myself feeling awkward and uncomfortable when conversations inevitably turn to politics.
It’s a good reminder to me to guard my words—not just about politics, but about everything. Even if something is true, do I need to say it? Right now? To this person? How can I be an encouragement to the people around me whose beliefs and life experiences are vastly different from my own?
I recently read the book unChristian by David Kinnaman. (Which I highly recommend by the way.) The statistics in this book will make you stop and think. The one I keep coming back to? Three percent of outsiders (or nonchristians) have a positive perception of evangelical christians.
Three percent.
Something to think about.
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9 comments:
Amen. :)
I feel ya, llama.
Wow 3 percent, that is pathetic.
I've heard of this book, Unchristian--but haven't read it yet. (I think there's a video too.) I don't talk politics w/ non-Christians... or much outside our own family, for that matter. Politics really can be very divisive.
That said, I've enjoyed "getting to know" Sarah Palin. Enough.
Blessings!
Yes, I've had my fill, also. The good news is that November 4 will be here before we know it; the bad news is that winter will soon be following.
Great point about it not being necessary to say all we think, or all we think we know. Good words for me, who can be either too silent or too wordy.
I sound dismissive, and I know politics has its place, but really, I'm afraid we put stock and confidence and hope in the process and in people at times, which borders on, or becomes idolatrous. I've been there, done that. And I want to avoid it, while still being responsible in praying and trying to discern what I should or should not do. And gladly accepting the reality that Christians who are just as committed and intelligent will see things differently than I.
Ted, I am with you on the "Too Silent" or "Too Wordy".
Llama Moma, last Friday I went with ten guys and ten women to dinner and to a Mariners game, against the Yankees, Mariners won.
At dinner I sat toward the middle, so I can meet more people. Politics came up and the four people around me gave their opinions and observations. After about five minutes I got up and went down to the end of the table and talked with others.
When I came back to my original seat the woman next to me asked me why I moved away. Initially I thought I was being too passive by leaving.
Now I am glad I left, met some new people and had a wonderful time.
stacey -- thanks for stopping by!
elaine -- I'm sure you've experienced this in your neck of the woods too! ;-)
Kelsey -- makes you think, doesn't it??
e-mom -- me too. It's mostly the christians I'm frustrated with, actually.
Ted -- Great point about intelligent people seeing things differently. It's true about so many things, not just politics.
Oho -- Sounds like a fun dinner! :-)
I just found your blog through Chrysalis. Great points you make here. I always run that thought process through my head before I say anything. Even though I am right, do I really need to make a point here and now? Usually I analyze the possible positive and negative results of what I say and then decide if I want to speak up or remain quiet. When it comes to politics I find it is best in most cases to keep quiet. My little opinion isn't going to change someone's mind so why cause friction.
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