Politics for People Who Hate PoliticsSample

In their book Designed to Lead, authors Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck write that the church “is uniquely set apart to develop and deploy leaders for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.” Christians are called to lead. Leaders don’t wait for others to act; they charge directly into dicey situations while everyone else stands on the sidelines to gauge whether or not it’s safe to follow. Leaders always go first, even when they stand alone.

Geiger and Peck remind us that leadership failures are often rooted in passivity. Sins of omission grieve God’s heart as much as sins of commission. They use Adam to make this point: Adam’s failure in the garden was passivity, not aggression. He failed to cultivate the garden and keep weeds out, and his passivity changed humanity’s relationship with God forever.

As leaders, we must not only initiate unity but also cultivate our nation in such a way that we keep the weeds of division out. That can look like speaking truth to put a stop to the political spin cycle, refusing to denigrate politicians on the other side of the aisle, or initiating respectful conversations about your differences with others.

There are myriad ways to go first, but if you can’t think of one, ask God to help. And be prepared, because when you do, you’ll be flooded with opportunities to lead.

Reflection: Take a moment to ask God to reveal where passivity may be limiting your ability to influence and lead. What is one proactive way you can cultivate a culture of peace and respect?

This plan has been adapted from the book Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage Without Losing Your Friends or Selling Your Soul by cable news political commentator, D.C. Insider and faith author, Denise Grace Gitsham. A free group book study guide is available at denisegracegitsham.com/study. Follow Denise on social media at @denisegracegitsham.