If 100 people were asked right now, “Would you like to see more political ads and social media posts,” how many would say yes? I think the number would be none, zero, zilch, nil, nada!
I think all of us are ready for this election cycle to be over and yet we still have a week and a half.
However, I want to throw out a challenge. Turn all this political conversation into an opportunity to evangelize.
Often, we meet disciples who are willing and have a desire to share their Faith, but they do not want to bring it up. They would rather wait for the other person. I completely understand that.
Whether you believe me yet or not, our current political climate is an opportunity, a window wide open to bring the Gospel in. Just follow me for a little bit…
How often is it asked or brought up in conversation, “Why are you voting for this or that candidate.” (Today it might come out angrily as “How could you vote for that person.”)
I answer that question in this way, “My Faith is the single most important factor. I identify as a Catholic, as a Son of God first and foremost above all other things.
“Let me give another example in normal life. I am married, I am a husband. That marriage has also given me children, making me a father. I am a husband and father. Just about every decision I make today, or any day, is driven by those two realities.
“My relationship with other people, men or women, my job, my vacation, my free time, what I watch of TV, what I drive….everything is shaped by my being a husband and father. I have to make decisions and sacrifices for my wife and children.
“For me, being a husband and father is a fundamental, primary identity. However, even more fundamental is my identity as a Catholic, as a Son of God. It truly shapes every decision.
“It means that when I go to the polling booth, I may not be voting for the person who would bring me the most personal gain (or promise of). I might have to make sacrifices for the greatest good for my family and country.
“My Faith forms me to defend life against abortion and euthanasia. It forms me to defend marriage between one man and one woman. It forms me to defend religious liberty. These are non-negotiable, issues above all other issues for me.
“Why does my Faith form me in this way? Because Jesus died on a cross for me and rose from the dead. I want to identify myself in Him, as His disciple. Therefore, it must shape every part of my life.”
There you go, I just introduced the Gospel into a conversation about politics. At that point, either the conversation will end or hopefully, by the Grace of the Holy Spirit, we can continue to talk about the Faith and why it should be the center of everyone's life.
I have a great Hope for our country. That Hope goes by the name of Jesus Christ. I will continue to follow Him, trust Him and pray to Him for the welfare of the United States of America.