Jesus was NOT a Republican

He wasn't. And he wasn't a democrat either. How do I know this? Because Jesus wasn't an American. Why am I pointing out this VERY obvious fact? Because it seems that Christians often forget that Jesus was apolitical. In fact, he didn't care who was running the government. He didn't concern himself with borders or tax laws or who had the majority in Congress. He didn't care who was in charge of the country, because He was too busy campaigning for the One who created the world. He wasn't too concerned with who sat on the throne or in the oval office.

Truth: Political affiliation does not guarantee or deny entrance into heaven.

This is a time in America when our political parties have become increasingly polarized and prejudiced. The attitude of our political system is like that of a spoiled teenager: embarrassing and childish. I even find myself increasingly embarrassed by Christians. Yes. Christians - those who add to the tension and division by trying to link and legitimize their politics with their religion. Christians who assume that anyone who sits on the left can't possibly be a true Christian. I CANNOT stand hearing "the radical Evangelicals on the far right." I guess I would be considered an evangelical Christian; I mean really, all Christians should be evangelical, right? Based on Mark 16:15, which quotes Jesus as saying, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." However, maybe you are not evangelical if your Bible has the "short ending" of Mark? I don't know the historical facts on why some manuscripts of the Bible include the short version and some include the longer ending. . . But I digress. My point is that Christian does not equal Republican nor does it equal crazy, radical extremist. I am a Bible thumping Christian, but politically, I am not radical, nor do I sit on the far right of many issues. And, Democrat does not equal demon. All democratic policies are not evil nor are the people who hold them.

Jesus did not sit on the right or the left. He hung in the middle.

But, for a moment, let's pretend that Jesus was American, and he was headed down to the local school or Veteran's Lodge to vote. How would HE vote on certain issues? WWJD? Let's not guess at this. Let's not assume that what we (politically) believe is what Christ actually taught. Let's use scriptural evidence to draw our conclusions by looking at he top political issues right now. 

Immigration. God addresses the plight of immigrants in the Bible as early as Exodus 22:21 "You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt."

In response to the question, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" (Matthew 22:36), "Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 37-40)

Love your neighbor as yourself. 

But where should we draw the neighborly line? 

As a child, I often wondered why I am ME. I mean why was I born in Jacksonville, FL to Bob and Diane Boyer and not to people in a different country? Am I the only one who has crazy thoughts like this?

I headed into the world in a military hospital as an American citizen - a white child in a Christian, middle class family, who never had a need that wasn't met. I had a father and a mother. I never went hungry. When I was sick, my mother took me to the doctor. I had more than enough dolls to play with, a swimming pool, and a big backyard. I received a decent, public education. I was given a scholarship to a private university. But why? Why me? Was I more deserving of a privileged American life than any other child?

Why wasn't I born a beautiful Ethiopian with HIV?

Photo credit: DAI

Or to a migrant worker, struggling to carry me along with all her possessions? 

Photo via Express.co.uk

Or as this daughter, who was shot for her determination to get an education?

Who is my neighbor? Where exactly do you draw the border on caring for another human being? Why is it so easy for Christian Republicans to support missionaries, organize fundraisers to send their kids to Haiti, or donate funds to Help the Children; yet so hard for them to accept immigration policies to help the children of immigrants in our country. Why do we have an US / THEM mentality? Did Christ not heal the Gentile as well as the Jew? "Jesus asked, 'Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?'. . ."Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!'" (Matthew 12:48-50).

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that we open our borders for all to enter. We DO need to be selective of who it is we welcome into our country. Immigrants should be coming to the USA for the right reasons and through the correct channels. They should abide by our laws and pay taxes. However, the channels should be welcoming, kind, and NOT corrupt. And the spoiled citizens of America should not want to shut out our neighbors because they might take "our" jobs. Because THEY are our brothers and sisters and neighbors. They are fellow HUMANS, and Christ died for them too.

To Be Continued. . .

P.S. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not an elephant. Just stating facts.

Love,

Ashley in the Middle

Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do." Come join me in the middle. Let's do the work and spread the word of Christ. Leave the corrupt political parties to themselves and think with the mind of Christ, not the mind of a Democrat or a Republican or a Tea Partier. Do your own research on the issues that you care about; don't blindly follow and share the view of political or even Christian organizations.