Cultivating Beauty in the Midst of Exile
From an early age, many of us were taught, “Don’t talk about politics or religion.” Yet followers of Jesus don’t have that luxury. Scripture speaks into our political moment—not with partisan talking points, but with a radically different way of being human.
1 Peter 2 calls Christians “foreigners and exiles” and a “holy nation.” That means our primary citizenship isn’t American, or any other nationality—it’s the kingdom of God. Our hope is not in saving a country, but in faithfully representing a King.
Peter gives a surprising political vision:
- Abstain from sinful desires that “wage war against your soul.”
Before we ever try to fix “out there,” we must tend the garden of our own hearts. Greed, bitterness, lust for power, and constant outrage choke out the beauty of Jesus in us.
- Live such good lives that unbelievers see your good deeds and glorify God.
The world doesn’t ultimately need more Christian rants; it needs more Christian beauty. Tangible love for neighbors. Sacrificial generosity. Showing up in places of pain and cultivating small “gardens” of hope—mentoring a kid, serving the poor, supporting vulnerable families, investing in local schools.
- Submit to governing authorities and honor everyone—even unjust leaders.
We obey the government unless we are commanded to sin. We can protest, advocate, and vote our convictions. But we are never permitted to slander. Mocking slogans and dehumanizing labels may be normal in our culture; they are not normal for the people of Jesus.
We fear God alone. Because of that, we can honor everyone, listen carefully, speak truth without venom, and refuse to let politics disciple us more than Scripture.
In a polarized age, Christians are called to faithful presence—not hiding from the world, not copying the world, not screaming at the world—but shining the beauty of Jesus in the middle of it.
This article used generative AI via Pulpit AI to transform one of Chris' sermons into this article. The content is original to CDM, with some help from Pulpit AI adapting it into article form.