Love Your Neighbor: White Hot Christians, Lukewarm Partisans

In a world filled with chaos and division, the call for believers to embody the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—has never been more crucial. As we approach significant moments in our nation, such as elections, it’s essential to reflect on how we, as followers of Christ, can influence the culture around us rather than be influenced by it.

Galations 5:22-25

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5, reminds us that our lives should reflect the God we serve. We are not merely products of our environment; we are called to be thermostats, setting the temperature of our surroundings rather than thermometers that simply measure it. This distinction is vital as we navigate the complexities of our time.

As we stand at the crossroads of decision-making, particularly in the political realm, we must remember that our identity in Christ should take precedence over our political affiliations. We are called to be "white hot disciples"—passionate about our faith and the message of Jesus—while avoiding the trap of becoming "lukewarm partisans" who prioritize political loyalty over our commitment to the Gospel.

The question posed by Jesus in Matthew 16, “Who do you say that I am?” is foundational. Our understanding of Christ shapes how we respond to the challenges we face. It’s not enough to have a surface-level knowledge of Jesus; we must know Him deeply and personally. This knowledge equips us to stand firm in our beliefs, especially when the world around us seems uncertain.

Matthew 16:15-20

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e]loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyonethat he was the Messiah.

In times of division, it’s easy to retreat into echo chambers where our beliefs are reinforced. However, true clarity comes from engaging with a diverse community of believers and seeking God’s wisdom together. We must not allow our understanding of Jesus to be contingent upon our surroundings; instead, we should draw strength from our faith and the truth of Scripture.

As we approach the upcoming elections, it’s essential to remember that we are voting for leaders, not spiritual guides. Our focus should be on how our choices align with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. We must engage in the political process with a heart for righteousness and compassion, advocating for both the marginalized and the moral standards that reflect God’s character.

Colossians 1:15-20

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

Ultimately, our hope lies not in political outcomes but in the transformative power of Jesus. As we navigate the complexities of our society, let us be beacons of hope, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ in every interaction. The world needs to see a different way—a way that transcends political divides and embodies the heart of God.

In this season of uncertainty, let us commit to being white hot disciples, passionately pursuing Jesus and reflecting His love in all we do. As we lift our voices in worship and prayer, may we declare, “All hail King Jesus,” knowing that He alone holds the keys to life, hope, and healing in our broken world.