Using 20/20 hindsight, it seems that it would have been so easy for Great Britain to avoid the war of American Independence. If George Washington had been given a commission in the regular army…if Ben Franklin had been given a coronet…if the colonies had been granted the smallest token of representation in parliament… if the crown had listened to anything Edmond Burke was advising…if the smallest gesture of accommodation had been made the war would likely have been avoided. But George III, on the advice of his closest advisors, would not make that smallest gesture of accommodation.  Our founding fathers asserted that the people are sovereign. George III insisted that he was sovereign. These differences became irreconcilable.

            George III and George Washington did find some common ground, however.  They both subscribed to the same magazine.

            Arthur Young, son of a clergyman, sought elusive success as a journalist, then as a writer of novels.  He spent a decade as a successful farm manager, then as a seed merchant.  In 1784 he began a popular journal/catalogue The Annals of Agriculture.  George III, an avid gardener, and George Washington, himself a successful farmer were enthusiastic readers. George III submitted articles to The Annalsunder the alias Ralph Robinson. Young sought manuscripts from Washington as well, with whom he corresponded.  He admired the American’s foresight in moving from a one crop (tobacco) enterprise to diversified farming.  Washington declined, writing “I never possessed skill in the art, and 9 years of total inattention to it has added nothing to my knowledge.”*

            One might think the two Georges could have found a way to settle their differences by building upon this common ground, sharing conversation on horseback as they surveyed cultivated fields, or perhaps sharing prized cuttings of exotic fruit trees. It would be pretty to think so. One could also think of the two Georges riding pink unicorns to a reunion concert of the Beatles.  It would be about as likely.

            Some common ground, even on subjects about which we are passionate, will not necessarily provide a foundation upon which to bridge a divide.

            It is an election year, so I feel compelled to remind us all that those with whom we agree politically are not necessarily friends of the cross.  A person may share exactly my views on abortion, same-sex marriage, education, health-care, prayer in schools, and root for the Steelers to boot – and yet – this person holds views about Jesus and salvation that are unbiblical. I have scant common ground with that person. My primary responsibility to him is to share the gospel, not help him organize for the cause. Politics and football do not trump theology (not even together).

            Our energy, our urgency, our effort – our heart, soul, strength, and mind – belong to the Lord, not to the Tea Party, the Green Party, the Dallas Cowboys, or even the Washington Redskins.

            Seek the Kingdom of God first and these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6.33)

            Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. (Colossians 3.2)

            For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3.20).

            Before we start jumping on Bandwagons, organizing marches, and attending rallies, let us remember the solid ground we stand upon – and let us refuse to abdicate it.