While I am aware of what is going on in the national political scene, it is not something I follow closely. I know that those in the same party who vilify one another during the primaries often times end up being on the same ticket for the election in November. I would guess that I am like of lot of people in that I don’t think either candidate from the two main political parties is a good choice. People have differing opinions about these matters, and sometimes the disagreements become heated and even violent. We end up treating each other as enemies, forgetting that we are all citizens of the same country.

That carries over into the spiritual realm as well. Often times followers of Jesus Christ from different “tribes” or “denominations” treat each other with contempt and ridicule, forgetting that we all put our faith in the same Savior. I know that disagreements will abound because of sin in this world, but disagreeing with someone does not justify hurtful words or malicious behavior. After all, by virtue of our faith in Jesus, we are all part of the same family. John 17 records the prayer Jesus offered before He was betrayed and tried and crucified. In that prayer, he asked repeatedly that His followers be united, like we read in v.11: Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.

Unity in the body of Christ is what we need here on earth. As we face political posturing and proclamations that continue to attack our beliefs and values as followers of Jesus, we need to remember this: Our Lord and Savior has already defeated sin, death and the power of the devil through His death and resurrection, and He is still in control no matter what is going on in this world.

For many years I have heard peoplwe bemoan the fact that we are no longer a “Christian nation.” I would maintain that being a Christian nation has nothing to do with the person sitting in the White House and everything to do with the people who are followers of Jesus living out their Christian faith and beliefs and values. That pertains to the way we treat one another (John 13:35) and the way we treat those who are outside the body of Christ (Colossians 4:5-6).

John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Colossians 4:5–6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

As this Easter season draws to a close, we should not forget that the one whose resurrection we celebrate is still alive and still in control.

…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15