The Cynic

A few days ago, a friend sent me an article written by a Christian Conservative Erick Erickson entitled “Reconsidering My Opposition to Trump” which I read twice and was immediately angered by. She was surprised by my reaction. Apparently the article was looking at both candidates in relation to the Christian faith and not showing bias or favor and was not actually supporting Trump, though I did not exactly read it in that light so to speak. Now, it is important to note that when it comes to our political ideals, I fall on the left and she falls on the right, so there was bound to be a difference in opinion, but the way in which we read the article was with a completely different attitude and tone with which we gave the author. It was fascinating. But the comment my sweet friend made to me that has stuck with over these passed few days was “Sydney, I’m sad you feel so cynical about humanity”.

I will not argue with that statement. I do feel cynical about humanity. And I believe that I have every right to feel this way. Does this mean that I believe that there is no hope left in the world? Well, kind of, at least, not of this world. I believe that My Savior has won already. But I do not believe in humanity. I see people love the money in their pockets as much as addicts loves their heroine. I not only see billionaires divided from poor, the sick and the hurting but I see my friends divided. I see those with special needs cast aside and separated from their peers, a barrier of miscommunication between them. I see a misogynist in a position of power with followers flanking his sides, standing in his shadow, defending his actions. I see people claiming to love God but renouncing morality and people claiming to love God and clinging to condemnation. I see my friends post videos of a twenty-four year old woman sitting in her comfy studio in her cute stylish dresses speaking bold words as sharp knives who has no right to more than half of her fire-spewed opinions who truly believes that her volatile “righteous” anger” is necessary and the truth. Perhaps she even believes it is a call from God. Children are dying, people are hurting, the black community is crying in pain for those who are being lost, police officers and their families are buckling under the stress and strain of the eyes that are on them. And so much more goes on that we do not even see. These words are only grazing the surface of the deep brokenness and fissures of pains that crack through this world. So much evil, so much division and dissension.

When God looks down and sees the actions of his creations, what do you think He thinks? Seriously? When he sees us cower in fear of Islamophobia and not care for our brothers and sisters, what do you think God thinks? When we repost videos of Tomi Lahren spewing her hate-fire, do you think God is re-chanting her words and fist-pumping along with the rhythm of her angry voice? Jesus knows when to get angry. Remember when He was flipping shit over in the temple when humanity was literally doing exactly what we are doing currently to the earth- taking something Holy and making it our our own personal flea-market-dumpster-combo. Jesus knows the difference between righteous anger and the need to hear your own voice. That Tomi Lahren character does not.
Are we reflecting the character of Jesus Christ in all that we are doing? Would He look at some of these tv personalities and say, “I know you. You fed me when I was hungry and clothed me when I was naked and visited me when I was in prison and gave me water when I was thirsty.” Would He look at us and be able to say, "I know you"?

If you cannot separate your relationship and your identity in the Lord Jesus Christ from your political affiliation, if you use your political party as an identity at all, that is a problem. Somewhere in your mind, the world has a grasp on you. Because Jesus Christ is not a Conservative or Democrat or Libertarian or Green Party Activist. He is the Son of God, make no mistake.

I just don’t understand sometimes friends. I get that we have different opinions on the small stuff, but on these bigger issues, there is just no getting around it. Are you with Jesus, or are you with the World? The choice is truly one or the other. It is not simply, it is just direct. Make a choice. If you are with Him, stop the hate. Do not live in your cocoon of indecisiveness, of inaction, of intolerance, or of ignorance. Do not pretend that reality has no part in your life. If you claim Jesus, then in the name of God and His Son, stand up and live as Jesus tells you to live and put your selfish fear away. You will not be alone. God is with you. There are others moving. Lay down your weapons and swords and trust in His lead. #ImwithHim