Christians/Politics

Phil. 2:1-4 (ESV)  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We’re having an election in a couple of days in the United State, and some tempers are running a bit high.  How we as Christians present ourselves to others reflects on our Lord.  While we may disagree on important topics, we need to remember people are why Jesus came, people are why Jesus died, people are now our mission field not politics.  Shouting matches burn bridges that may never be rebuilt.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” still stands as the second commandment Jesus gave us and is equal to loving our Lord.  In fact, I think how we love our neighbors tells others how much we love the Lord.

God is in control of our elections, of government, of the people in charge.  Some governments are put in place as a consequence of that  nation’s attitude toward God. No matter the government, our job is the same:

Titus 3:1-3 (ESV)  Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

The other day, I watched a video by Greg Laurie about elections.  He is concerned so many Christians are deciding not to participate in our electoral process.  He can see no biblical reason. 

Some don’t realize Separation of Church and State isn’t in the Bible but in a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptists telling them there is a wall of separation but by government from the church not the other way around.  Christians in America are not taking advantage of the power God has given them to bring safety and justice to all Americans through the ballot box.

There are no perfect politicians just as there are no perfect plumbers, architects, or bloggers for that matter.  We as Christians can only do what God has offered us to do and vote for those who would further the kingdom of God or, at least slow the descent into a less godly nation.  It is up to Christians often to exercise this power to change.

Why is this important?

A lot of Christians see participation in the electoral process as a sort of endorsement of a corrupt system and, thus, refuse to vote or have anything to do at all with politics.  They see the world as separate, that “we should be in the world but not of it.”

Looking at nations where Christians have taken this step back from influencing their government, we can see countries where great cathedrals lay empty, where Christianity is seldom mentioned except in history books or it is taken as a sort of club where the Vicar is an occupation much like the village sweep  or city councilman.  Faith has been replaced by religion.

Many of the barriers Christians face in society are the result of poor Christian influence in government.  Our schools now teach things diametrically opposed to the Bible’s teachings.  Abortion is seen as a normal and permissible act, evolution is taught as fact, premarital sex has become just a stop along the path of coming of age.  All this may be traced to the Christian failing to seek public offices such as school board members, city council, and even Christians in teaching roles.  Our desertion of these positions has had grave effect.

I believe much of the blame comes from the church giving up its role in the community and turning over such duties as charity to the government.  Churches often become fortresses where individuals never meet with community members outside in a faith productive environment.

The local churches in America used to be the centers of local social life.  They are now passed by by most people on their way to Sunday morning breakfast, soccer, football, or just home for the game.

Unless the Christians take a more active role in our local communities, a generation or so from now, our churches will become museums and art galleries as are the great churches of Europe.  The next best thing to a lost soul is an inactive and sterile Christian. Vote!