“First do no harm.” – Hippocratic Oath
For around 2400 years, medical professionals have taken a solemn oath to uphold specific ethical standards. These include maintaining confidentiality and non-malfeasance, which means refraining from all intentional wrongdoing and harm to their patients. Though many substantial advances have taken place in medical theory and practice in two and a half millennia (blood-letting, anyone?), these foundational principles have stood the test of time.
As we enter the final months of a highly charged election season, I believe that we Christians would do well to consider something similar for how we comport ourselves on political matters. Adopting a “Do no harm” approach as we visit with friends, post on social media, talk with co-workers, engage in the community, interact with students, and share with our children (of whatever age) could go a long way toward reducing the destructive political talk we’ve seen over the past several years.
What might a “Do no harm” approach look like for followers of Jesus in the fall of 2024? Here are a few ideas I’d offer for your consideration. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts as well.
1) Resist getting sucked into ugly public debates. You’ve seen them before—both sides assume the worst of the other, refuse to engage in good faith, and repeat slogans that fail to advance any thoughtful discourse. Thoughtful conversations that include listening, patient curiosity, and genuine attempts to understand would serve us so much better.
2) Refuse to “cancel” those with whom you disagree, even strongly, when it comes to their electoral choices. This doesn’t mean you can’t set up healthy boundaries when it comes to talking about politics; but it does mean you value the relationship despite the disagreement. During any election season, differences in preferences are inevitable; however, divisions are a choice. Remember Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
3) Refrain from speaking spitefully toward (or behind the back of) those you disagree with. In his book Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk, Eugene Cho writes, “When Christians—regardless of political leanings—behave like jerks and justify our behavior at all costs because of our ideological convictions, we bear false witness to Jesus Christ.” This doesn’t mean that disagreeing is wrong; but the manner in which we disagree will show the world whose Kingdom we are seeking first.
Whatever we do before (and after!) this November 5, let us do no harm to the blessed name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as we speak and act as Christians living in our sin-sick world that yet is still beloved of God.
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