The Party CrasherПримерок

COME TO THE TABLE

More than theological differences, it is political and cultural differ­ences that are fracturing the contemporary church. We are fac­ing a crisis of political discipleship, in which we need Christians equipped to love each other amid di­verse political leanings. Resist the partisan pull. Stay at the table.

Remember that our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are a good thing. Jesus gathers us intentionally. He’s creating a reconciled community, calling all types of people to himself.

As Paul wrote, “In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female” (Galatians 3:28). Jesus breaks down barriers of ethnicity (“Jew nor Gentile”), class (“slave nor free”), sex (“male and female”), and—I would add—political party (Democrat and Republican).

Why? Paul continued: “For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus died to reconcile a (politically) diverse people. We’re stronger together.

You may have strong convictions, but you don’t need to fit into the world’s boxes. Healthy political discipleship means your relationships will cross party lines. After all, Jesus didn’t die so you could hang out with your like-minded buddies. He died to gather all types of people to himself and to one another. Jesus didn’t give his life to make the church an echo chamber; he did it to inaugurate a reconciling kingdom. To establish a com­munity of male and female, slave and free, rich and poor, weak and strong, every nation, tribe, and tongue—and yes, Democrats and Republicans.

We’re all hungry for a better world. Yet the “religion” of politics will leave us empty. Jesus invites us to bring our hunger to him. He’s the only One who can meet our deepest longings in a way that idols and ideologies can’t. He sets a common table in a con­flicted world and calls us to come and feast with him.

At the Lord’s Supper, the King of the universe feeds us with himself, the bread of his body given and wine of his blood shed, offering communion as the Lamb, who was slain for our redemption. So bring your hunger for a better world, and come to the table of the King.

When have you experienced strained relationships due to political differences? How have you navigated these con­flicts? What step could you take to help repair a broken relationship?

We hope this plan encouraged you. Learn more about The Party Crasher by Joshua Ryan Butler here.