Political elections are ongoing, especially in Chicago where I live. With all the negative ad campaigns and trash-talking politicos, it may seem easier to crawl under a rock than get involved. But I don’t want to be political, you say.
Do you balk when asked to sign a petition or to call your elected officials? Do you think people involved in politics are just plain smarter than you? Perhaps you don’t think God cares about who is president and the church should just do what it’s good at and leave the politics to the politicians? Or maybe you’ve been to a rally or two, carried signs and been involved in getting the attention of elected leaders.
As eager as we are to help in times of crises, we may not be the first in line to become active in advocacy and politics. Martin Luther wrote much on this topic. He believed that God’s ultimate intent for the universe is that it be freed from oppression and evil. The kingdom of God, ushered in by Jesus, embodies an ethic of wholeness, justice, and fullness of life, which is God’s will for the universe. We live in constant conflict, however, with evil forces that keep us from experiencing that wholeness. Our involvement can make a difference.
Tomorrow: Being God’s partner in promoting justice.
Today we remember Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria (373). This message was adapted from the “Called to Be Political” resource written by the Rev. Thomas Strieter and available for free download from the Women of the ELCA.
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