The Elephant, the Donkey, or the Dove
During election season people often forget that regardless of what political party they endorse, their allegiance is always to Christ above anything.
In a sermon leading up to the 2024 election Pastor Mike Signorelli shared about “The Dove's Way: True Freedom Explained.” His sermon emphasized the importance of identity and true freedom through Christ, beyond political affiliations.
1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 encourages Christians to carry themselves in a manner that requires being a solution to societal issues rather than just getting up in arms and picking a side. The scripture encourages living a quiet life, minding personal affairs, and working diligently. Pastor Mike urges believers to be the solution to societal issues.
Blood Was Spilled
This political climate is a war over identity, Christians must not be seduced by a political party that may give you a sense of identity but will not give you salvation. V1 Church, a diverse congregation with people who are both Democrat and Republican, Pastor Mike said he would not tell people who to vote for lest that be too controlling. However, he did encourage people to rightly divide the scriptures when making their choice. The Pastor stresses that his role is to guide spiritual formation, not political choices.
Many people lost their lives and much blood was shed fighting for everyone's freedom to vote and that blood must not be in vain. That being said, believers must hold on to the truth that real freedom only comes through Christ, not a constitution or a government. “There is no United States in Heaven but there should be Heaven in the United States,” the minister declared. Can Christians live a quiet life amidst political noise? Can we focus on doing our part to make the world better in Christ?
Christians have sadly been caught up in the rhetoric of criticizing politicians for their policies when the scripture calls us to be an example to this world (1 Timothy 4:12). Hatefully arguing with those on the opposite political side of you on social media is not what we were instructed to do in the Bible. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away but God will never pass away. The body of Christ must focus on our mission in Him, rather than getting swept away in gossip or distractions. People are trying to vote politicians in to do things the Christians are supposed to do. Believers are the hands and feet of Jesus not just those only in places of governing power.
Pastor Mike shared that he believed there are righteous people in America and it is the reason God has not destroyed the country.
Faithfulness is Needed
Followers of Jesus are to be faithful: Trustworthy and reliable. Luke 16:10 says: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Faithfulness should be practiced in small matters of life, so that one can maintain their integrity in the larger ones. The Greek word 'pistos' for faithfulness is exemplified by God and Jesus' actions. Believers are to model faithfulness and remain committed despite one's challenges.
There is a gap between generations when it comes to faithfulness. In modern times there is a decline in certain spiritual practices among younger generations. The secret to success is not in becoming the world's greatest influencer, it is showing the world true faithfulness in Christ and service.
Not The Donkey/The Elephant, it’s the Dove
In the 2024 election, Pastor Mike encouraged voters to reflect the dove's identity. Instead of spending time online and watching the media, spend time in your prayer closet with Jesus, asking him to transform your political identity into your Identity in Christ which reflects His true nature. We are to surrender to Jesus and embrace the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will cause us to walk in God’s ways and not in our flesh.
Christians are to be known for love and unity, beyond political and racial divides. The dove, a representation of the Holy Spirit in scripture, calls for peace and faithfulness. The unity and love of the church does transcend political divisions. It is the church's responsibility to attract outsiders through genuine love and community. In these times we are to pray fervently for the nation, and God's ongoing work. Pastors, however, should not only share one scripture during a sermon and then go on to use the entire sermon to share about Kamala and Trump.
Modern church trends need to cease from choosing entertainment over faithfulness. There needs to be a real commitment to Christ and His ways across generations. If you have found that you are caught up in a political identity, pray now and ask God to help you embrace the dove's identity which symbolizes peace and true identity in Christ.
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
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