Our ideological foes may be in the wrong, but let us remember that they are also privy to our very human (fallen) foibles and failures.  Why should we further engage in behavior and dialogue that only prolongs their resistance to the triumph of the Prince of Peace.  Rather, let us show the moderation of temper that makes the laying down of arms easier.  After all, for those in rebellion against God, theirs truly is, a hopeless cause.

I just got off the phone with a close relative, who in the process of discussing his health made a sideways remark that “I think I know my own body better than that idiot, Fauci”; referring to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Disease. This was coming from a person (Christian) who I had known my entire life, and who had always been a model of tact and moderation.  By no means a skeptic, he was far too intellectually independent to ever succumb to the temptation to engage in the verbal bomb-throwing that has come to define public discourse in recent years.  And yet like so many others during this campaign season, I’ve grown so accustomed to the language of disdain and insult that it takes an uncharacteristic comment like the one above to bring home just how truly deranged civil discourse has become.  I’ve lived through enough contentious political contests to know the difference between standard pre-election jitters, and this deep dark abyss that we now stare into.

As an ordained elder in a conservative Reformed denomination, and a stout advocate of Westminsterian doctrine and piety, I make no bones about having a dog in this fight over the soul and future of our country.  The threat to our religious liberty from those on the left is real and must be resisted with all that is in us.  The good news is that we can do that without sinning.  “Be angry, and sin not” is the command that the Spirit gives without an ounce of irony in his voice.  He can command this because He knows things about the future, things He’s shared with us, things we sometime forget and need to be reminded of.  That victory is ultimately ours.  Not probably, not conditionally, but absolutely.  Surely, “the knowledge of God will cover the earth.”  One of the most unique characteristics of the faith is that we war, vigorously and ferociously if necessary, but not against flesh and blood.  This is why Christians are not known by their affecting to not have enemies, but rather by their sincere love for enemies that are openly acknowledged.

Speak the truth.  Speak it boldly, unapologetically, and without equivocation; and then with equal resolve, prepare to turn the other cheek when the enemy lashes out.  Not only is this admonition often ignored by Christians, but many have so demonstrated their lack of faith that they seem to almost advocate a pre-emptive slap!  This is ultimately where comments like the one referenced earlier come from.  Fear and faithlessness.  The world’s wisdom says, “A good offense is the best defense.”  That’s often true, but when you are enveloped in the love and protection of an omnipotent God, you have a defense that can’t be improved upon.

Our wounds always heal.

Our casualties are never permanent.

Our ideological foes may be in the wrong but let us remember that they are also privy to our very human (fallen) foibles and failures.  Why should we further engage in behavior and dialogue that only prolongs their resistance to the triumph of the Prince of Peace.  Rather, let us show the moderation of temper that makes the laying down of arms easier.  After all, for those in rebellion against God, theirs truly is, a hopeless cause.

Matthew Kirkham is an ordained elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.