3 Steps for Navigating Polictial Issues

I remember when I was in college (a very, VERY liberal college in a VERY liberal degree) how difficult it was to navigate through social and political issues. My professors would say one thing, with all my classmates agreeing full-heartedly. Then I would go to my campus ministry events, where my leaders would be saying the complete opposite. Add on top of that what I would see on Facebook, on the news, magazines at the grocery store… they all seemed to have the real truth – the answer to questions that were going through my mind. But they seemed to all contradict! What was the truth? How was I suppose to navigate through all this information (or misinformation) to make an informed decision to glorify my Savior?

The other day I had a discipleship appointment with another gal who was wrestling through a lot of the same issues when it came to social issues. As I share what helped me, I realized God gave me 3 different steps to help me understand and come to conclusions to honor Christ.

1. Go to the source of all truth
Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Also, we have been given the Holy Spirit, who is known as the Counselor and the Spirit of truth. One of His jobs in your life is to teach you all things, and remind you of what Jesus has said in scripture (John 14:17, 26). This is easy access for you now – Goggle has nothing on God Himself living in you!! Jesus also commanded you to ask for wisdom (Matthew 7:7, James 1:5), so talk to HIM first before reading the news, talking to friend etc. when searching for truth. Make sure Christ is on the throne BEFORE you go into these scenarios, so then HE can guide you and lead you into all truth (John 16:13)

2. Be saturated in scripture and use it as your filter
Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Bible should be our main source for learning about God and His heart so that we can then apply His truth into our lives. Hebrews 4:12 talks about how God’s word is living, active, effective – judging the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Listening and applying scripture is far better for us than coming to conclusions based off of what others tell us or what our emotions want to make us believe.

3. Look at the roots and the fruit of the issue
Matthew 7:15-20 speaks about knowing whether to trust someone by seeing the fruit in their lives – because a good tree can only bear good fruit and bad tree bad fruit. What kind of actions does this issue produce? Does it point people to Jesus? Does it produce other to love and protect each other? Does it value what Christ values? It’s also important to look at how this issue came around in the first place. Did it emerge for selfish reasons? Was it established to bring change for the good of people or for the good of our flesh?

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to navigate through this life! Wow! How sin has penetrated and changed so much in our world, but how great is Jesus! Thank you for giving us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3) – I ask that I may use the tools you’ve given me to make decisions and take stands that not only honor you but reflects your heart to the world I live in. In Your Name I pray…

About Leah

Leah works with Master Plan Ministries at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Other than watching college students' lives change, she enjoys getting her mind blown by God and His Word, watching sci fi, baking cupcakes, and spending time with her hunky husband.

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