Are there any Christian politicians?

I am beginning to think the answer is “no.” I say that because being a Christian is about being a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ. And Jesus’ command to us cannot be any clearer:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:12-14

“Love” is hardly the stuff of American politics these days. In fact, the conventional wisdom is that you win political campaigns by “going negative.” And going negative doesn’t stop with your opponent’s record—it goes right to the heart of the person. Communicating what you have done or intend to do in office is not the ticket to getting reelected. Getting down and dirty negative, and slinging mud, is the way politics is played today. Politics has always been nasty business but today it has reached new lows of nastiness.

Unfortunately, “going negative” becomes “staying negative” once in office. That is why Congress simply cannot get anything done. There is much more “venom” than love in the halls of Congress. I say that from knowledge, walking those halls way too often.

So, where are the Christians? Is this the way Jesus would behave if he was running for office? It’s amazing that so many politicians tout their Christianity when they act completely un-Christian. What must American non-Christians think Christianity is all about?

I know—I am on very shaky ground here because God is pretty clear in his Word about not judging…

There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

and…

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2

However, I can’t help think that “going negative” is not right; certainly, not in the best interests of this country. And you and I can do something about it because “going negative” works because we listen. So, stop listening. And tell every politician that you want to hear what they will do and what they are about as a person. Hold the self-proclaimed “Christian” politicians to a higher standard—the standard that Jesus Christ established for us when he walked this earth.

Sounds far fetched? You won’t know until you try and things won’t change until you try. Jesus said and did the tough things. If you are a follower—a Christian—do the same!