Getting Political
Help Darryl navigate some dangerous political waters.
| Topics: | Cliques, Conflict, Controversy, Disagreements, Division, Fighting, Grudges, Politics, Reconciliation |
| Filters: | Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead |
| Purpose: | Discipleship |
| Date Added: | November 10, 2008 |
Darryl's small group decided not to avoid political topics during the recent election cycle. Things got a little heated a few times, but for the most part the group engaged in several quality discussions on relevant issues. Now that the election is over, however, Darryl has a new problem to deal with.
The couple who hosts the group meeting each week are big supporters of the new President, and they would like to throw a small "election celebration" during the fellowship time of the next meeting. Darryl is afraid they will take the opportunity to gloat. Several other group members supported the losing candidate, and Darryl knows that they have a lot of pent up frustration about the election results. Darryl is afraid that the situation is a powder keg that might erupt into people saying things that will be hard to take back.
What should Darryl do to keep the peace?
A celebration at this point is meaningless. However this could be a good opportunity for the host couple to show "good sportsmanship" and extend an olive branch by focussing on constructive ideas and how we all can work together to face the inevitable rough times ahead. Regardless of how the election tuned out, we are still the same country, we are still the same people, and we have deal with the same issues, it would be so much easier to be able to address them together rather than separately. The Enemy would like nothing better than to devide us on even the most trivial issue.
The leader should sit down with the host couple and discuss the ramifications of the party and see if the focus couldn't be broadened to include the concerns of all the participants - - focusing on God and being submitted to his purposes and praying for the success of the new presidency.
Darryl, as leader, should strongly suggest to the hosts of the election celebration that there should be a prayer time for the success of the new president along with the cake and coffee! It is vital that scriptures regarding authority, and how we support our elected officials be presented. It's hard to argue with God's Word and He is very clear on Christian responsibility regarding our elected officials.
Darrell’s group should focus on that which binds Christ's church together- specifically His word and the love of Christ. Paul clearly states that "if eating meat causes my brother to stumble, I will by no means eat meat". The kingdom of heaven is "not eating or drinking, (or political celebrations), but righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit". Darrell and his group should thank God that He is in control of the US government, and move on to the eternal truths that will stand long after the US has ceased to exist
I am sure that God is in control of our lives and our government.If we trust God then we must trust him all the way,even with the outcome of an election. Join the celebration it will help you to close that chapter and deal with your loss and move on.Take your feelings to God in prayer and you may be suprised to find yourself enyoying the party. The key here is trusting God .Doing the right but difficult thing is not about us,but about Jesus
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