I've been thinking a little bit lately about how much we judge a book by its cover in many areas of life - especially when it comes to judging people. We try to stuff a person into a box as if they are only one dimensional in their personality, character, looks, beliefs. Oh he's a conservative that must mean that he has no appreciation for preserving nature, no inclination to reach out to the poor and needy assisting in any way possible. Or that liberal must not be a Christian based on their beliefs.
I remember in 2008 when Obama was running against McCain I watched a debate that was mediated by Rick Warren. One of the points of hosting the event, Warren explained, was to engage people in a civilized debate - a debate that would pave the way for understanding rather then "demonizing" the other side. And aren't we really good at that - demonizing the "other side".
But you know what when I think about it I really don't fit every stereotype that one might label me as a Conservative Republican. I do care about the environment. I don't believe the rich should get richer while the poor get poorer. I think it's important to be socially responsible to all people regardless of creed, color, or beliefs.
Some might say that if God were on earth he would be a republican. But really, really do we think that God takes sides when it comes to politics? Personally, I don't think he does. Rather, I believe that He's above the fray, the debates, the indignation that some feel towards the other party.
You might wonder why I came to that conclusion. Well, part of it stems from how Jesus responded to "politics" when he walked on the earth. Over and over again he told the people that his kingdom is not of this world. Rather it is an eternal one. It is a kingdom of people not of politics. It's about individuals - individuals he loves and would die to save - people he would sacrifice anything for to bring back home.
There's a story in the old testament that intrigues me when it comes to this idea of taking sides. It's the story of when the Israelites were getting ready to march into the promised land. They know that to inherit the land they will have to defeat many of the peoples who have established civilizations there. Joshua is to be the leader of the armies of God. So before they enter one such city - Jericho, Joshua scouts out the land and the city itself to make a battle plan. On his way to do this he comes across a "man" who is brandishing a sword. Here's what happenes:
Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," [the angel] replied "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." (NIV)
What?! He's not going to take sides? The Israelites are God's chosen people. The ones he led out of Egypt and guided through the wilderness to bring them to the land he promised to their ancestors. He's made a covenant with them; He is their God, they are his people. When I read this verse out of the book of Joshua, I was stunned by the angel's response. If he was sent by God wouldn't you expect him to say something like, "I'm all for ya brother, cmon on lets go kick some Jericho butt." But he didn't answer that way. So the question is if God doesn't pick sides then who are we really fighting against in this battle of life?
Ephesions 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Who are we really fighting against when we take sides, snub our noses at, or put others in boxes? It's Satan, the liar, the one who loves to create division among people, particularly God's people. So maybe the next time you feel tempted to put someone in a box, or look at them in a one dimensional way you should remember who the real enemy is. Reach out and try to understand the person you despise, disgust, loathe - the one you consider your enemy. Rather than creating more division maybe we can learn to civilly disagree, and in that understanding live without demonizing the other person or side.
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