Over the past few months, it has been increasingly obvious that the divide that is been plaguing our country is also impacting the influence of church leadership. As a networking leader, the church NEEDS you!
In fact, you may feel completely alone as a person in pursuit of the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:16-21), but be assured that you that you are not alone. You may feel as if peacemaking is no longer possible, but I would propose to you that this has always been a unique work of the Holy Spirit. We are currently more aware of the hurdles, and now, more than ever, we need to rest and depend on the power of the resurrection in an effort to make kingdom-focused movement a reality.
If you are feeling like SOMETHING needs to be done, it may be the Holy Spirit urging you today. Don't wait! Here are several things I'd like you to encourage you to do to bridge the gap.
1) Thy kingdom come. Jesus surrendered to the will of the Father. We cannot assume that our human perspective of politics is God's. If Jesus had to remind himself of a greater kingdom, how much more do we need to remind ourselves, "Not my will, but yours alone"? If this heart check is a struggle, don't forget: Jesus agonized to align himself with the Father's will. You're in good company!
2) Check-in, with compassion, on a political "foe." During this election season, very few people disciplined themselves to limit the sharing of their political perspective on social media. Now may be a good time to check in on those people whom you may have muted, unfollowed, or unfriended.
3) Care about their personal perspective. Every person has a story. Listen to why your friend has hopes and dreams from a different political perspective. Don't try to fix their story; just listen.
4) Take a few minutes to pray for the peace of God over your friend.
Peacemaking is a risky task. It involves stepping into war and bringing parties together. Peacemakers are entering risky spaces filled with tension in an effort to open the door for the ministry of reconciliation to work in all embattled participants. Success will only happen if God transforms both individuals.
It starts with one phone call, one text message, one conversation. The gap in our country is obvious. The gap in the church is also evident. Will you step in the gap today?