choosing sides
There is currently a lie circulating about. It says that you must choose sides. It says there are only two options, and even if one option is evil, it must be chosen because the other option is more evil. It then says once you’ve selected a side, that the side you’ve selected has no flaws and must be defended at all costs.
We see this in many ideologies and systems at work in our society. From opinions about immigration to sexuality to race to economics to religion, people believe there are only two options. This is confirmed by the rhetoric of news outlets blasting biased information that affirms one side and fundamentally denies the other.
As I look to the Super Bowl this weekend, I see this exact thing happening. As Bad Bunny will perform the halftime show, many conservative American Christians will tune into the “All American Halftime” show hosted by Turning Point USA. The headliner for that show is Kid Rock. In a sign of protest to the NFL’s halftime show and the lack of morality and values of Bad Bunny, they have chosen their side and selected Kid Rock. Interestingly enough, I would ask for people to consider the morals and values of his music and career as well.
Or currently, there are many speaking out in outrage against the actions of ICE, forming protests and marches. As much as they want to speak against the harmful actions they see, they are doing it with violent rhetoric, disgusting signs, and threats against the lives of ICE agents and the DHS. Perhaps, in taking a “side” there is a replacement of disgusting language and behaviors for disgusting language and behaviors.
Because of this, many believe that they cannot be believers in US law, the Constitution, and secure borders while simultaneously being against the aggressive enforcement and tactics of ICE. Because of this, many believe that they cannot believe Black Lives Matter while also believing that Blue Lives Matter. Because of this, many believe that if one speaks out against a racist video from the President’s social media account they also cannot stand for historical conservative political values. Because of this, many believe that if one votes for a democratic candidate they also cannot be a member of the National Rifle Association. Ultimately, because of this, we are seeing the continuous splitting and fracturing of sides and the ever-spreading lie that we must choose one of those sides.
Although this is incredibly concerning as a whole for our nation, what I find most concerning is that those who claim to be followers of Jesus have given into this lie opting for one side and defending its rhetoric, actions, and outlooks at all costs. Not only is this incredibly divisive and damaging, it is unscriptural and antithetical to the teachings, commands, and life of Jesus.
In fact, when we look to the Scriptures, we see many compelling calls not about choosing a side, but rather about following the Lamb.
In Joshua 5, right before the Israelites go to Jericho for battle, Joshua has an encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army. The account states:
“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies? “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.” Joshua 5:13-15 (NIV)
In other words, Joshua asks which side this heavenly figure is on and the commander of God’s army tells Joshua that his viewpoints on “sides” are wrong. Rather than choosing a side, the figure calls Joshua and the people of God to recognize that God is set apart from any side and they must revere His holiness and commit to His leadership. This callback to the encounter Moses had with God at the burning bush shows Joshua and the Israelites that it was not about their side, but rather about their willingness to yield to God’s guidance, deliverance, and strength.
Or take, for example, the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Notice that Jesus did not say which side to pick but rather called His followers away from serving any master that was not God. Whether it be money, politics, politicians, or any other idol, we must recognize which master we are serving and choose to follow Jesus.
Even when Jesus gives warnings and woes to the religious leaders, or other New Testament authors write to the church concerning the government or relationships, it’s never about simply choosing sides, but choosing to follow the Messiah’s ways. I would even go as far to say that when “sides” choose selected passages to prove their points, they miss the actual purpose of those early church writings calling God’s people not to select sides, but to stand firm in the ways of Christ.
Romans 13:1 is one of these proof texts and in it Paul wrote, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
The point of this passage is not to wield it as a weapon for your side against the other side, but rather to call God’s people to recognize that if God establishes in His authority, we must yield to God’s authority. This doesn’t mean we have to agree with every politician or political choice and it definitely doesn’t mean we have to choose the side that uses this verse for their argument. It means that we can trust that if God establishes in authority and we stay faithful to follow the ways of Jesus doing what is right, our witness of Christ and His love will be seen and God will bring about what is true, just, and righteous in His power.
It is of the utmost importance of all of us, and specifically followers of Jesus in the American context, to not give into the lie of choosing sides. Jesus did not call His followers to follow Him by becoming a republican or democrat. Jesus did not call His disciples to choose the left or the right, but rather said we cannot serve two masters, and we should serve God. The book of Revelation doesn’t depict a donkey or elephant on the throne, but rather the slain and worthy Lamb of God.
The teachings of Jesus and the story of the Scriptures will reveal certain truths, morals, and values. We may see some of them on a side, but we will never see all of them on one side. Why? Because the current sides are not the answer. When we give into the lie that we must choose one side over the other, we have chosen the wrong answer.
There is a choice before us, and it’s not about a side, it’s about who we will serve. It’s not about a party, it’s about a King and His Kingdom. It’s not about following the donkey or elephant, it’s about following the Lamb. As for me and my house, we will follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Rev. 14:4).
In closing, I want to leave you with some important words that were spoken by the prophet Isaiah to the people of God. This is in the same chapter that Isaiah tells them a promised one would come to set them free from their exile and captivity, but Isaiah gives a profound warning: do not trust in that figure, but trust and put your hope in God alone. Isaiah prophesied:
18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? 19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. 20 A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:18-31 (NIV)
To whom will you compare the Lord? Who is His equal? We do not trust in princes or rulers, we do not trust in our strength or thoughts, we trust in God alone. In other words, this isn’t about sides: it’s about following the Lord.
People of God, it’s time to come back to what matters most, not what side we’re on, but who we are choosing to follow. Let us be those who follow the Lamb, not choosing the sides of the day, but staying faithful to God’s ways. Amen.
