Addendum
Meditating on Titus 2 Throughout This Reflection
There have been several times in my life when I've gained biblical wisdom and had to repent. I believe that's a healthy part of our spiritual walk. As I've been writing this post, I've been meditating on Titus 2, striving to align my thoughts with sound doctrine and the teachings of Scripture. I often wish I were more receptive to receiving wisdom from God's Word, even when I don't initially grasp the tone or sentiment in which that wisdom is delivered to me.
Desire for Unity Amidst Diversity
I've received feedback suggesting that my earlier comments may have come across as partisan or unbalanced. However, my intention has never been to antagonize but to foster unity. I'm not writing to gain fame in the blog world or to create a viral moment; nor am I addressing anyone outside our church community here in Wichita Falls. This post (and my last post) is intended specifically for our Covenant Partners at Redeemer Church as of October 2024.
As the great Michael Scott once said in The Office, a classic line at Phyllis and Bob Vance's wedding: "The fusing of two metals with a hot torch." If you know, you know. I knew my words might generate some heat, but my hope was not to spark disagreement. Instead, I intended to ignite meaningful conversations within our congregation, helping us reflect together on what's important during this election season for our church family.
True unity is impossible without honest communication. That's why I want to reaffirm my invitation to open dialogue within our church family as we approach November 5. I hope these discussions will lead us to greater love, understanding, and clarity of conscience before God.
As believers, "love hopes all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). My deepest hope is for our unity—not for the sake of partisanship but for a shared love that reflects Christ.
My desire is for our minds to be renewed in the way described in Romans 12:1-2. I want the Holy Spirit—not Fox News—to transform our minds. I want the Holy Spirit—not CNN—to capture our hearts. I want the Holy Spirit—not The Joe Rogan Experience—to earn our trust. I want the Holy Spirit—not The Young Turks—to embolden us.
As we seek the Holy Spirit's transformation over worldly influences, we may still find it challenging to remain united as a family in Christ, especially when we hold differing views on the state of our nation and the direction of our culture. If anyone feels that I was promoting partisanship in my previous post, I encourage you to read it again—perhaps even aloud to a friend—and engage with it as a message from your pastor who loves and cherishes you. Please trust that my words carry no hidden agenda; I meant what I said and was as careful and thoughtful in my theological reasoning as possible. My only desire is for us to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Embracing Unity Within a Diverse Congregation
Our church is blessed with a congregation that spans various stages of life. This diversity is a precious gift from God and an answer to prayer. Naturally, we will think differently on many issues, as we are shaped by our experiences, upbringings, and now the influence of social media. However, we must resist the urge to categorize or dismiss each other based on assumptions. We are the people of Jesus—the people of the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). We affirm that there are not multiple ways to God and everlasting life, but one.
Proverbs 18:17 reminds us: "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." This calls us to listen carefully, speak the truth in love, and respect one another, even when discussions become uncomfortable.
Striving for Unity and Maturity in Christ
We are called to engage with every aspect of life—including politics—through the lens of Christ-centered ethics. While politics may not hold eternal significance, it plays a crucial role in shaping our cultural moment. Some are captivated by it, while others feel weary from its demands. Ignoring this area would mean neglecting an essential part of our shared experience and missing an opportunity to engage authentically with one another.
In every conversation, our goal is unity and maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Let's be intentional about fostering respectful dialogue, recognizing that our unity as a church family is a reflection of the one Spirit who binds us together (Ephesians 4:3-4).
Embracing Civic Engagement Through a Biblical Lens
As I mentioned earlier, our decisions rooted in our devotion extend far beyond the ballot box. However, our political engagement serves as a reflection of how we view the world, process ethical dilemmas, and apply God's Word to real-life situations. I believe that God is silent on nothing—His Word speaks into every area of life, illuminating even the complexities of civic engagement.
As your pastor, my goal in inviting these conversations is not to sow division but to cultivate unity, mutual understanding, and harmony in love. I recognize that many are uncomfortable with political discussions because they fear conflict. Yet, all healthy relationships—including marriages—require moments of loving confrontation. Such confrontation helps us align, gain clarity, and grow toward unity. God designed us to challenge one another lovingly so that we might walk together in truth.
Understanding God's Preceptive and Decretive Will
When election results are final, they will reveal God's decretive will for the next season. However, today our responsibility lies in obeying His preceptive will—His commands and teachings that apply to all circumstances. This is why I want to emphasize unity through obedience to God's preceptive will, even in our political involvement. In a sense, our votes are partnerships with a platform.
I stand firmly by my earlier assertion: supporting platforms that promote values contrary to God's Word conflicts with His preceptive will. This conviction does not imply that individuals who have voted differently in the past were not faithful Christians. Contexts and challenges shift with each election. For example, my great grandmother, a devout and godly woman, consistently voted "Blue no matter who" based on her conscience and the circumstances of her time. Each election presents unique challenges, and our call is to discern and obey God's will in the present moment. In doing so, we honor God's Word and the responsibilities He has entrusted to us—both in our personal lives and in the public square.
Historical Context and Liberty of Conscience
In past elections, there were times when faithful Christians could, in good conscience, support candidates from either major party. For example:
1960: There could have been wise and well-organized debates among Christians about voting for John F. Kennedy or Richard Nixon, each evaluating the candidates based on their understanding of biblical principles.
1976: Believers might have thoughtfully considered whether to support Gerald Ford or Jimmy Carter, each weighing the policies in light of their faith.
2004: Christians could have engaged in meaningful discussions about voting for George W. Bush or John Kerry, carefully assessing how the platforms aligned with their values.
Each election cycle brings new circumstances and issues to consider. However, this year, I stand by my earlier statement: the 2024 Democratic Party platform contains policies that are fundamentally at odds with core Christian values. As Christians, we cannot align ourselves with any platform that promotes values contrary to God's Word. Until there is genuine repentance from these positions that conflict with our faith, we cannot, in good conscience, partner with them. I urge us to call for a return to principles that honor God's definitions of humanity and life. The Democratic Party must repent and accurately define humanity according to Scripture, submit to God's teachings, and commit to protecting life at all costs.
My assumption is that there has been a growing sense of despair regarding trust in the government, leading some to desire using governmental resources to promote justice in certain areas of our culture. This is why I wanted to establish my third point in my original post: God orders the institutions He has established. He is, after all, the ruler of kings on earth after the Resurrection (Revelation 1:5; Psalm 2:8-10).
Beloved church, please receive this for pastoral consideration: we do not honor the Lord when we bestow power upon an administration or political platform that seeks authority or jurisdiction outside the boundaries God has provided for them. If you disagree and wish to discuss this, I warmly invite you to do so.
Understanding Our Reluctance to Discuss Politics
I understand that for many of us, politics isn't a primary focus, and perhaps this is the first time you've heard these concerns expressed. It might seem more comfortable to avoid discussing such topics altogether. However, my intention in bringing this up is to encourage us to open our hearts and lives more fully to one another within our church. By engaging in these conversations, we can deepen our relationships and strengthen our unity in Christ.
Protecting Our Sphere of Influence
At Redeemer, we often reflect on the profound impact of our sphere of influence, which begins within our own church family. As Romans 12 reminds us, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function," so God has uniquely gifted each one of us. I want to especially acknowledge and express my deep gratitude to those of you who possess the gift of mercy—a compassionate calling to care for those who are hurting or in need. Your cheerful and selfless service not only brings glory to God but also enriches our community in profound ways. You are the hands and feet of Christ, and your influence shines brightest within your Gospel Community and among the brothers and sisters with whom you worship every Sunday.
When we wholeheartedly support each other in exercising these gifts, we enhance our collective ability to promote church unity and invite those within our sphere of influence to meaningfully belong to the household of God here at Redeemer. Recognizing that those with the gift of mercy often find political engagement as a significant outlet for expressing their care for others, we deeply appreciate your dedication and involvement. By faithfully pooling our resources and standing alongside one another, we ensure that everyone in our church body can exercise their God-given gifts to serve the common good, especially by caring for those in need within North Texas.
Understanding the significance of your sphere of influence may be challenging at times, but please know that each one of you holds a vital role in our church family. Your choices and actions have a profound impact on the entire community of Redeemer and the future of the next generation. Even if the full extent of your influence isn't immediately apparent, remember that your contributions are essential to the spiritual health and growth of our church. We deeply appreciate your commitment and encourage you to continue making decisions that uplift and strengthen our shared faith journey.
With that said, let me share some insights into how parents typically think. When I first saw my little girl, I knew there was nothing in the world that would keep me from protecting her. Parents and grandparents at Redeemer deeply resonate with this God-given desire to safeguard their children. While not everyone in our congregation is heavily involved in politics, we nearly all share a commitment to protect the next generation. We long for communities that reflect God’s love and truth—communities that not only proclaim these truths but also live them out, embodying what Christ died to redeem.
When we vote or engage in civic responsibilities, we must carefully consider the far-reaching implications of our actions—particularly how they impact the children within our church family. Our decisions should go beyond immediate concerns. They should aim to cultivate an environment where the next generation can grow and thrive in Christ. When you step into the voting booth, picture the future you desire for the children in Redeemer Kids. Let your choices be driven not merely by political motivations but by a commitment to nurture and protect these young lives, honoring the sacred trust God has placed in us.
This focus on our sphere of influence underscores my earlier critique of the Democratic Party platform for 2024. I boldly assert that the future they advocate is not aligned with the future we, as followers of Christ, should desire. However, we must also recognize that the Republican platform, while aligning more closely with certain Christian values, falls short in other areas. Both parties reflect a fallen world, and neither offers a fully biblical vision for society.
Consider each party's platform and reflect on this: if their policies are successfully implemented, will we become a more holy culture aligned with God's preceptive will, or will we be raising children in a culture more confused about the basic fundamentals of God's desired will for humanity? As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:15, "What accord has Christ with Belial?" While the Democratic platform promotes ideas that conflict directly with biblical values, we must also remain vigilant that no party—Republican or Democrat—fully embodies God’s righteousness. Aligning too closely with any platform risks compromising the Gospel and could harm the very souls we are called to raise and protect within our church and families.
Our task, then, is to engage politically with wisdom and discernment, always ensuring that our actions align with God’s truth and not merely with party ideologies. Our political and civic engagement must reflect our devotion to Jesus, longing for a future in our nation where the next generation will thrive in Christ. Every action we take should align with God’s truth and the mission of Redeemer Church, ensuring we cultivate a future that promotes flourishing and glorifies the Lord through the children under our care.
Promoting Unity Through Conversation
The ultimate goal of these discussions is to foster unity, harmony, and deeper understanding within our church family. The way we engage politically should build up one another in love, not create rivalries or division. As we open our lives to these conversations, let us always aim to love one another earnestly and promote peace within our church (1 Peter 1:22).
In this spirit, whether you choose to vote or not, let’s be intentional about creating a space for respectful dialogue that honors God and reflects the grace we have received. With that said, here is a more robust critique of the two-party platforms that hold some of my convictions as a disciple of Christ.
Observations on the Republican Party Platform
Here's how I view their platform:
Pro-Life Stance: The Republican Party states that it is pro-life, advocating for the protection of unborn children.
However, I believe they need to be more proactive and consistent in their efforts to defend life at all stages (Conception to Natural death.)
Marriage Laws: The Republican Party has been relatively silent on marriage laws in recent years—not overtly opposing what God has decreed, but perhaps exhibiting a lack of courage.
Only leaders like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas have courageously affirmed that marriage is defined as a covenant between one man and one woman. As a pioneering justice, I admire and support his unwavering commitment to this foundational biblical principle and encourage you to honor courageous leaders like him. (He virtually stands alone.)
We should pray for the reconsideration of Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. May God lead us in restoring the biblical design for marriage, promoting the flourishing of families as He intended.
Gender Identity and Family: The Republican Party opposes medical transitions for minors, supporting parental rights and the well-being of children. They need to stand more firmly on the biblical understanding of male and female, as outlined in Genesis 1:27.
Freedom of Speech: This year, they advocate for freedom of speech and oppose hate speech laws that could restrict religious expression.
Historically, I recognize that freedom of speech was mitigated mostly by the Republican Party in the early 2000s through the Patriot Act.
Limited Government: The party claims to support small government. There is a need for them to commit more fully to reducing government overreach and respecting the roles of families, churches, and local communities.
Concerns with the Democratic Party Platform
I have specific concerns about policies supported by the Democratic Party that I believe are fundamentally at odds with core Christian values:
Sanctity of Life: The Democratic Party supports abortion, including the use of federal funds for abortions. They have pledged to ensure that decisions like Roe v. Wade remain influential in legislation. This stance conflicts with God’s truth that every life is precious from conception (Psalm 139:13-16).
Definition of Marriage and Gender: The platform advocates for definitions of marriage and gender that differ from biblical teachings. Scripture defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24) and affirms the creation of humans as male and female (Genesis 1:27).
Parental Rights in Medical Decisions: There is support for transgender surgeries and medical interventions for minors without requiring parental consent. This raises concerns about undermining parental authority and the well-being of children.
Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression: The Democratic Party has shown support for hate speech laws, which could potentially limit freedom of speech and criminalize preaching certain biblical passages. This could hinder the church's ability to share God's truth without fear of state persecution.
Government Overreach: There is an emphasis on expanding government roles into areas traditionally managed by families, churches, and local communities. While caring for the widow, orphan, and sojourner is crucial, Scripture assigns these responsibilities primarily to individuals and the church, not the government. Romans 13:1-7 outlines the role of government as God's servant for justice, not as the provider of all needs.
Call to Thoughtful Engagement
I'm urging us to critically assess these issues—not out of a spirit of condemnation, but out of a desire to align our choices with God’s preceptive will. We must be cautious of being manipulated by rhetoric from any party. While the Democratic Party's platform contains elements that I believe are contrary to Christian values, the Republican Party also needs to go further in upholding those values. Our allegiance is to Christ above all else.
You can explore these platforms directly on the Presidency Project:
Clarity of Conscience and Encouragement for Dialogue
It’s essential to approach political decisions with a clear conscience before God (Romans 14:5). If you feel conflicted about supporting a candidate or platform, don’t feel pressured to default to the other color (rather blue or red) just to align with the winning side. Writing someone in and participating in the process with a protest vote is wise. Friends, seek God’s wisdom, pray, and consider the implications of your choices carefully.
Fostering Dialogue Within the Church
We must approach political conversations with hearts of unity, understanding, and love—seeking to avoid the frustrations, anger, and divisions that often accompany these topics. Meaningful dialogue within Redeemer Church should aim to build harmony, deepen relationships, and reflect Christ-like love, as 1 Peter 1:22 encourages us to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart."
Here are three key principles to guide us as we engage thoughtfully:
1) Be Informed
Proverbs 14:15 teaches us, "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." This wisdom encourages us to thoughtfully research candidates, policies, and platforms. By knowing who and what we are voting for, we can make decisions rooted in truth and discernment.
2) Seek Wisdom
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." It is crucial to discuss our thoughts with faithful and wise members of the church. These conversations foster growth, challenge assumptions, and lead to well-rounded decisions.
3) Align with Biblical Principles
Our choices must respect the God-ordained roles for government, the church, and families. Aligning our political engagement with God's design for justice, care, and responsibility ensures that we reflect His will in society. This alignment is wise and contributes to our growth and maturity in Christ.
Conclusion with Titus 2:1-8 (ESV)
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
In Christ,
Pastor Cody
