Positively Politic 

By Reverend Lonnie C. Crowe

As we move closer to the midterm elections,  we need to  examine our motivations in light of our manners and in light of our vocabularies.  Please note that politic, politician and polite all stem from “Middle English politik, pollitique "of spiritual or secular governance, political, sagacious, prudent," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French politique "of the state, political, of the regulation of social behavior".

In simple English: Tactful and Diplomatic: Acting with smart care and good judgment when dealing with people.

Expedient: Well-judged and appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

However, it has also come to mean: Crafty or Cunning: unscrupulous.

We must remember the Psalmist’s admonition. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

Remembering also Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order. May we strive to be politic in the positive sense.