The Watchman's Diary

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Congregational leaders and Christian influencers of our time have done well to convince the masses that a vote for one party or the other makes one more righteous in God’s sight—more or less likely to go to heaven. It’s as if we’ve taken salvation into our own hands. Since when has a political affiliation, a vote, or viewpoint the measure of ones’ salvation and who are we to think we have the authority to save or destroy souls? The unfortunate reality is that those we harm the most with these teachings are fellow believers in Messiah (Christ).

Yeshua (Jesus) told his disciples, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Yet we have divided the body of Messiah based on political affiliation. Yeshua rebuked the religious leaders of His day not based on their sect, but on their teachings. Preachers often point to Yeshau’s rebuke of the Pharisees and Sadducees, almost with a sense of glee. We rightfully point out His even-handed approach to holding them accountable and His priority of carrying out the commands of God. Yet we so often fail to heed those same warnings. We go on to act like modern day Pharisees and Sadducees.

It is time to put away the division of politics from our midst and fulfill the command to love one another. How can we possibly bring people into the kingdom of God when we continually fail to obey Yeshua’s command to love each other. This is the basis upon which others will know that we are His disciples. We are failing, big time! Just consider all the different denominations, the racial make-up of congregations, the company you keep most often, and the thoughts that come to mind when you consider those who don’t vote the way you do.

It is time we get back to preaching and teaching the word of God, without inserting our own. We are doing great harm to the Gospel for the sake of a cause or virtue. If you find yourself thinking or saying another person is unrighteous, remember that “our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (Jeremiah 64:6). Let us instead focus our energy on loving God and our neighbor!