What Will Your Enemies Say About You?

For the first time on this blog, I am going to spend a little time discussing recent political events in the U.S. and how I see they apply to the Christian in business. I am not really interested in digging deep into the actual politics of the now-complete election, but I do want to offer practical advice for all of us to follow – especially regarding how we are seen by our enemies.

Enemies?

When I first had thoughts about what to say in this post, I thought the word “enemies” might be too strong. However, after reading some of the online reactions of supporters from both sides of this election, I realize the word may actually fit very well.

There is no doubt to most of us that this recent election has brought out the worst in both sides. Words and actions have appeared to go deeper into the mud than ever before. I have not personally heard either side outright declare supporters of the other side to be their enemies, but you can choose to read comments on any forum and get the sense that many do indeed see the opposite side as such.

Now that it is over and Trump’s supporters are celebrating victory, I think it is appropriate to consider what is next – for both sides. I wish I was an expert on the actual politics and what we can expect from our government in the future. Unfortunately, that is not my strength. What I can offer is advice for believers on both sides of the aisle.

Look Back From The End

Regardless of our political preferences, as followers of Jesus, we have responsibilities that rise above the political firestorm we have experienced. Not only are we children of God, but we are also leaders in the marketplace. This position comes with greater responsibility and accountability. We do not have the luxury of ignoring this reality.

Sometimes it helps for us to go to the end of the road and look back in an effort to best see the path we should take to get there. In light of that, I want you to read these verses from Mark 15:

But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. Then the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “This man really was God’s Son!”
Mark 15:37-39

Our Ultimate Goal

I believe these verses give us an extremely clear picture of our ultimate goal as believers. Our goal should be to act in such a way as to have our enemies look at us at the end of our lives and declare that we really were the followers of Jesus that we claimed to be. Whether we always agree with others or not, our actions should never point them away from our God…no matter what we feel in the moment.

In the aftermath of this election and regardless of our political position, we should act and speak in a way that is consistent with this goal. Here is how Paul explained it:

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Colossians 4:5-6

How Will Your Enemies See You?

The same is true for us as we operate in the marketplace. We have the same responsibilities and accountabilities as Christian leaders in business. We all need to stop and think about how our business “enemies” see us today. Ask yourself how they will speak of you when you are gone.

Are you living and operating your business or team in such a way as to lead these “enemies” to describe as genuine your desire to follow Jesus? While they may not agree with your perspectives, do they respect the way you live them out? When you finish and breathe your last, will they admit that you lived true to your beliefs?

Present Opportunity!

We must also take advantage of the opportunity we have in the wake of this election. We cannot afford to gloat or mope to the point that anyone, even supporters of the “other side”, are pushed even further from God. It is our duty to do our best to draw them closer, pointing them to the ultimate truth. Pray about this and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will not lead you astray.

If your life were to end today, what would your enemies say about you?

Are you prepared to “finish well” in their eyes, pointing them to God?

What needs to change for this to be possible?

Photo by Matthew Jones/iStock