PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as a Congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

Perhaps it should not be surprising that, once in awhile, a Sunday sermon contains a solid message for today’s political environment.

That was the case recently at our church home, Salem Alliance, where the lead pastor, Steve Fowler, used three points to drive home his message about what he said should be virtues of being a real Christian.

For me, the three points also could – even should – apply to politics today where the discourse contains mainly criticisms, insults and barbs.

Here are the three points:

1. Listen with a purpose to understand

Consider this principle in both worlds – being a Christian and being involved in politics, as I was, first, at Salem Alliance where I served for 12 years as chair of the Elder Board, and, second, in Oregon politics where I was a lobbyist for 25 years.

At the church, I tried to listen first and encourage others on the Board to do. And, as lobbyist, I often reminded myself to listen, a virtue when the temptation would be to talk first. If Mr. Fowler’s admonition, to “listen with a purpose to understand” would occur more often in politics, just think of the result. We’d have saner politics and much less talking over someone to try to gain an advantage.   Then, when campaigning was over, we also would have better government.

2. Embrace a convictional kindness

Again, sometimes in Christianity and often in politics, we emphasize our convictions over relationships. If someone doesn’t agree with us, well, then, they are wrong.

As a lobbyist, one phrase that entered my mind often was this: What you see depends on where you sit. So, though I was not always successful, I tried to see issues from perspectives other than my own.

If all of us – in Christian life or in political life – would embrace kindness, with our convictions, then we all would be better for it.

3. Ask is this wise, not just is this right or wrong

It’s easy to ask about right or wrong and come up with an answer, but the black or white doesn’t deal with shades of gray. Asking what is wise does.

I was struck last Sunday by the intersection of Christianity and politics, not because Mr. Fowler brought up that subject – he didn’t – but, rather, because that’s where my mind went.

Beyond these three principles in your Christian life, just consider the improvements they would make in our political life. A lot!