How Would Jesus Treat Obama?

How would Jesus treat Obama? The only way to really find out is to look at how Jesus treated the governing leaders of his day. How did Jesus respond to Herod, Pilate, and others who led his nation?

A quick summary reveals some mundane yet significant highlights:

1. Jesus paid taxes.
2. Jesus obeyed the law.
3. Jesus never mocked or made fun of his nation's leaders.
4. Jesus showed love to all without favoritism.

The first two (taxes and obeying the law) are usually understood by those who claim to follow Jesus (excluding music piracy and a few other so-called acceptable exceptions).

Number three, not ridiculing national leaders, has been a tough one for the Christian community. At some point along the way, I think Christians forgot that the President, Speaker of House, and others who serve in Washington are people who Christ died for as well.

Here's how I prove this point: When people think of Christians and politics, what comes to mind? Is it, "So many Christians are praying for our nation's leaders and have a high respect for their governing authorities. We should all strive to be more like them."? Unfortunately, this has not been my experience.

Christians+Politics usually ends up meaning conservative, white, Republican, talk-show loving, socialist-hating, Obama-administration bashing, rednecks and neanderthals (or worse). This stinks, but is too often true.

What can be done? Number four would be a great place to start: showing love to all without favoritism. If my Senator or President of Vice-President had a recording of your conversations for past two weeks about them, how excited would you be about meeting together face-to-face? I'm all for healthy debate on faith issues, but the basis for meaningful conversations with governing authorities, according to the example of Jesus, is prayer and love.

I'm planning to keep praying for and showing respect to my nation's leaders. If you want to laugh at late-night TV spoofs or spread gossip about your national leaders, please reconsider. There are plenty of people already doing that. Be like Christ. Pray for your leaders. Show some respect.