In the World–March 31, 2019

Download “In the World” for March 31 here.

FOLLOWING THE PARTY LINE . . .

 In May 2017, Robert Mueller was named special counsel in a widely publicized US investigation. A summary of Mueller’s report was made public last Sunday. The report found no collusion between Russia and the 2016 Trump election campaign. This outcome infuriated some and delighted others. Reactions pretty well followed political party lines. Even well-meaning Christians are divided over whether the investigation was a political “witch hunt” or a coverup of possibly illegal deeds.

. . . OR FOLLOWING JESUS?

When Jesus called the four fishermen of Galilee to follow Him, His call was divisive too. He asked these two sets of brothers to leave their families, their jobs, and their homes and throw in with this itinerant rabbi. It’s possible that the families didn’t appreciate having their primary wage-earners taken away from their work. Evidently, these men were able to resolve at least some of the dissension and became followers of Christ (see Mark 1:29). No matter where we stand politically, Christians can be united in making Jesus our highest priority and seeking to love at all times.

1. How can Christians avoid creating dissension in the church (or online) over political hot topics, such as the Mueller investigation?
2. Why do you think Matthew places Jesus’ call to repentance (4:17) in the same context as His call to follow Him (4:19)?
3. Does the way in which you discuss political and social issues indicate that you are a follower of Jesus? If yes, in what way? If not, what do you need to change?