“US sanctions Iran after missile test”, “Shooting incident at Louvre in Paris”, “Zimbabwe protest pastor to remain in jail, judge decides.”, “Will China step up as global leader?”

Classic newspapers or news feeds from twitter or facebook… all seems bad news. As we wake up and read the morning titles, you feel like you’re still stuck in a bad dream that is just out of control.

And if only this bad news referred to a country or two far away… But, today’s local news seems to make for scary international headlines. Our family lives in Romania.

Here’s how we became famous the last few days: “Romanian PM refuses to withdraw corruption pardon despite protest” The Guardian,  “Romania anti-government protests are biggest since communism fell.” The Japan Times, “Romania’s rich and powerful who may benefit from graft law.” Fox News, “Romanians protest new corruption law.” CNN

 

Thousands of Romanians are responding with solidarity to Romanian’s political crisis over a new decree passed a few days ago that may benefit powerful people like politicians and businessmen  convicted of corruption.

We already feel overwhelmed by our own personal problems, yet we are burdened and scared for the political turnouts around the globe. One country sneezes and the rest of the countries catch the cold. Recently, it seems like all the countries are sneezing one way or another.

Terrorist attacks, unhappy voters, government corruption, dealing with refugees. Some people are more vocal about these issues than others on mass media or private conversations. But, each one of us will have a very subjective view.

Looking a little bit on facebook, I’ve noticed that even us as Christians blend with everyone else and react the same way. Here’s a few key principles to keep in mind.

 

Be respectful and speak with kindness even with those you disagree.

It’s not worth dividing over things that are subjective to each one of us. Don’t mistake Politics for Gospel. If you need to share your view, you’ll never go wrong in speaking with gentleness. If a certain issue angers you to the point that you’re not sure you can refrain from strong- hurtful words, it’s best to keep quiet and abstain from sharing your view. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

 

Crisis makes room for opportunities to shine.

We live in a dark world where people decide on their own what’s wrong and right. As Christ-followers, we have the Bible as our source to find out God’s definition for good and evil. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.” Isaiah 5:20-23

For example, we know what the Bible says about abortion, how each life is precious in God’s sight. But, do we really think we shine better by camping in front of an abortion clinic, yelling our beliefs with our banners high? Or, isn’t it more loving to volunteer that time to go reach out to women without hope?

 

PRAY for your leaders, pray for the nation.

The most powerful tool we have as believers is to unite in prayer just as the scriptures encourage us to do. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1Timothy 2:1-4So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

 

Don’t sit on the side line and complain.

Each one of us needs to be diligent with our responsibilities as a citizen. When the opportunity to vote comes, go vote. When taxes need to be paid, don’t take short cuts. When you need to keep your government accountable because they abuse power, speak up. But, do it respectfully.  “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “

 

Don’t react as if your hope is found in your government.

Bad news, be it personal or political, triggers fear. Fear results in panic. Panic displays desperation and lack of hope. As believers, we have hope, and ours is found in Christ. In times like this, we need to live out our faith in very tangible ways. Find ways to encourage and speak about the hope you do have in your Saviour.  “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15

 

Don’t ruin relationships over politics.

We need to agree to disagree once in awhile. Sometimes it is more clear what’s wrong and right. Other times, our view will be coloured based on our personal experience, our family view, or based on the source of information. News reporters are supposed to bring neutral- accurate information, but we need to remember that just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, news is in the eye of the reporter.  

Two Christians may share similar beliefs, hopes, and principles, but they may judge the exact same news totally different, based on the perspective in which the information was presented to that person.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:14-18

 

Things I need to work on:

• Pray for authorities and for my nation, and other nations
• Be respectful in sharing my views
• Don’t ruin relationships over politics
• Shine Christ’s light into a dark world