Study – Grow – Know

Christian and Politics Bringing Out the Worst in You

January 23, 2015 at 2:11 PM 8 comments

The title of this article elicits a good question and one I need to answer for myself. Beyond that, maybe you should take the time to think on it and try to answer it honestly, if you’re also a Christian. Christian and politics may not be the best combination.

Ultimately, aren’t Christians required to be a light to a dark world? How can that happen when we respond to situations, events, or people as the world does? I’ve been guilty of calling people “idiots,” “morons,” and other things besides. I’ve justified using those types of labels by stating that the apostle Paul was sarcastic at times, called people some choice names, and by the way, so did Jesus.

The problem though is that when Christians act or react like the world does to another person or situation, we are essentially being no better than the world. Therefore, why should the world ask us anything about salvation?

If people in the world are lost – and most are – what about my character, my choice of words, the way I handle myself in a debate, etc., – will win them to Christ? If I’m honest, I’d have to say that “not much.” I can stand on principle all I want and make excuses for the way I speak/write, but in the end, does my conversation glorify Jesus? If I’m merely a “conservative” and not a “Christian,” then I don’t need to be concerned about that, do I? Such is not the case for me though along with hundreds of thousands of individuals who call themselves conservatives, patriots, and Christians.

Is it better for me to sin and repent or not sin? Which will impress the world more? For me, if I cannot control my tongue, if I cannot discuss something political without resorting to name-calling, then what good is my involvement in a conversation? Not only is it not good, but it is counter-productive.

“When the church takes a stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing, it always diverts energy and resources away from evangelization. Such an antagonistic position toward the established secular culture invariably leads believers to feel hostile not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture – neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for and share the gospel with. To me it is unthinkable that we become enemies of the very people we seek to win to Christ, our potential brothers and sisters in the Lord.” (Dr. John MacArthur, Current, Vol 20, No 2, p. 5)

I must be honest with myself and admit that I have felt ill will toward those who oppose conservative values. I have called them names, I have wished they would go away. Conversely, I have not prayed for their salvation. I have not wished them well. I have ultimately not seen them as though through the eyes of Jesus. I have allowed politics to become the motivating factor in my discussions with them. In essence, I have failed.

Maybe you’re different. Maybe you can go head to head with people in the political realm with whom you disagree and feel no sense of ill will. Maybe you are never tempted to call them terrible names. Maybe you never have visions of them falling into deep dark pits and covered with horse excrement. Maybe to you, your involvement in the political realm is not divorced from your focus on the need of your opponents to know Jesus.

The truth is that this is not the case for me and frankly, I do not want to “learn” how to do it. I’d much prefer to preach Christ and Him crucified than try to explain to someone why their political beliefs are a major harm to America. Let’s say I wind up “converting” someone to my side of the political aisle. Have they actually won anything? No. It’s after they are converted to the truth about Jesus do they actually gain everything.

Jesus had some choice names for the pharisees, the religious leaders of the time. He didn’t extend that to the political leaders of the time. While He referred to Herod as “that fox,” (and it was not a compliment), Jesus did so on religious grounds, not political ones.

Jesus did not demand change in society. He did not instruct His followers to demand change in society, even through peaceful means. Of course, Jews then were far more limited in Roman society than we are today in America. Yet, if we are going to be more concerned about overturning Roe v. Wade than fulfilling the Great Commission, I believe there is a problem. Why are we not that concerned for people’s salvation?

For myself, I really don’t want to revisit this subject again, except maybe to remind myself of the pitfalls of being involved in the political realm. I want to understand that my limitations keep me from acting out my Christianity in the political forum. This does not mean that I can no longer comment on it or point out the way things are going in society and where it will all end. I can and should do that. In fact, I believe I have an obligation to do that, but working to change society?

What I must refrain from doing is enter into pointless conversations about politics that not only win no friends, but push them away from any possible discussion about Jesus and their need for salvation.

A number of years ago, I wrote a book about how apologetics really cannot save people. I wrote it because I believed then (and still do now) that debate often gets to a point where people simply dig in their heels in opposition. Too many times, I’ve seen normal conversation with opposing views turn into apologetic diatribes where “combatants” beat each other over the head with Scripture and their beliefs.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that I can become too easily embroiled in such a ridiculous display of arrogance and lack of humility. Christians must avoid this at all costs and we must certainly avoid this type of asinine display in the political realm as well where our debates are not even that important when compared with eternity.

“We can’t protect or expand the cause of Christ by human political and social activism, no matter how great or sincere our efforts. Ours is a spiritual battle waged against worldly ideologies and dogmas arrayed against God, and we achieve victory over them only with the weapon of Scripture.” (Ibid, p. 5)

Too many Christians (myself included) tend to separate politics from our Christianity. Yet, we seem to forget that God is in control of all things, including the direction of every nation, for His purposes (Psalms 2)

Dominion theology has, unfortunately, played a large role in causing Christians to think that we can remake this world for Christ. That’s not what the Bible teaches at all and those who think it does are – in my opinion – sincerely mistaken.

If you cannot – as a Christian – be involved in politics without hating your opponent, then I suggest you cannot be involved in politics. Stick with just being a Christian and allow Him to work in and through you so that you become a true beacon of light to those in this world – even other conservatives – who are dying without Him.

Eternity is infinitely more important than the short length of our lives here on earth. Just something to consider.

Entry filed under: Life in America, Religious - Christian - End Times, Religious - Christian - Prophecy, Religious - Christian - Theology, salvation.