Don’t Take the Bait

Oh how tempting it is. Politics is the low hanging fruit you need to avoid.

Everything over the next four months is going to be a contentious political issue. You and I will not be able to consume any media without seeing an overt political message (particularly with the rise of superPAC’s). People in our congregations will be swept up into the debates and will exercise their civic duty and right by becoming involved.

As a pastor you have to avoid this.

You can have your opinions as a citizen and even get involved, but as a pastor don’t take the bait and get involved.

Not because of the tax issue. Or because you might alienate some in your community who are voting for the other party.

You have to avoid this because the political debate we will be subject to in the next four months is a distraction. Even the noblest and greatest political act is a distraction to the Gospel.

So don’t make the jokes or the side comments and definitely don’t endorse a candidate during your sermon because when you do you become more about something other than the Gospel.