Why do some Christians think they need to be so largely influenced by politics? I remember during my earlier years as and adult, I felt such an importance to stand a certain way politically and to let my voice be heard. After all, I was told that it is every Christian’s duty to do so. As I’ve gotten older, I don’t feel quite the same way anymore. Please don’t get me wrong; I do think it is a privilege to vote and to prayerfully consider whom you should vote for (not vote because of a certain party either). I’m grateful that we have these rights in our country. I just don’t believe as Christians, that our political convictions and ideas should shape our attitudes and ways of thinking. Yet I think some believe that is of utmost importance. Maybe that’s why I’ve been so troubled the past few weeks as I’ve read comments made by some of my brothers and sisters on Facebook. To be completely honest, I’ve been very disappointed.
I would like to address the treatment of our president. There is a group of Christians out there that are bashing the president, saying very harsh and hateful things. It’s not just on Facebook either; it’s in the media and even in some churches. It makes me sad especially when it comes from those I love. I think some feel justified because they view the president as ungodly and lets be honest, some even because he is a democrat. Listen, it cannot be justified. Whether you voted for him or not, whether you agree with him or not, whether you like him or not, it is wrong! God is very clear in 1 Peter 2:13 that we are to submit ourselves for God's sake to EVERY authority instituted by man. He doesn't say just the ones we love or the "godly" ones, He says EVERY! Paul even warns us in Romans 13, that he who rebels against this authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and brings judgment on one’s self.
So how do we submit to our leaders especially those, we may not care for or agree with? I think first we need to realize that God is behind it all. Romans 13:1 says, “For there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. “ I actually find that very comforting. It tells me that no matter who is “governing”, God is the one in control. Listen, if you don’t like President Obama or if you didn’t like President Bush, rest assured that God isn’t panicked by who the president is. He is in control and when all is said and done He will get the glory due Him.
Secondly as believers, we need to take a look at the life of Jesus. If we are truly His follower’s lets do as He did. Not once did Jesus ever bash, put down or attack the government or leaders of His day (and they were far from godly). In fact, he was quick to remind them that all authority that had been given was actually granted by God. The Kingdom of Heaven is not of this world, although it is definitely for it. Jesus’ political end game was the establishment of God’s Kingdom, not to endorse any man made system. His purpose for being here was an entirely a different matter even though many Jews were waiting for the Messiah to come in and over throw the government. He could’ve easily overthrown the government and He most definitely could’ve judged it’s leadership, but it wasn’t the timing for that. His purpose was much greater. Our purpose is much greater.
I would really like to encourage my brothers and sisters to stay focused on God’s activity and engage in it. We want to bring Glory to our God that has done so much for us. If there has ever been a time for God’s people to be a light here in America, it is now! Our country and our world desperately need the LORD. We will not do this by bashing the president or anyone else. We are called to be respectful citizens. May God’s grace and love radiate through us. I encourage you to read Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2; this is how God wants us to stand when it comes to government. Lets pray and submit so God will be glorified through us!
I'll have to say that it took a lot of courage to post a blog of this nature, so kuddos on that. I agree that we NEED to submit ourselves to authority, but do our opinions of leadership keep us from doing that? Think about it like this....I've served in the United States Air Force for 9 years running. I've seen a lot of things, both good and bad from both Bush and Obama but rest assured that their wasn't one day that I wouldn't have answered the call if given by either President. Honestly I think its much worse for the "Christians" of this country to celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden than to have an opinion of our President. Let me pose this question, if we don't need to be influenced by politics, is it wrong for us to influence politics?
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteGreat points. Your last point is the most interesting, because I think it's where this issue gets a bit more complex. I can't answer for Tera, necessarily, but this is an issue that both of us have talked about quite a bit. Is it wrong to have an opinion about the president? Of course not. My guess is that one reason both Paul and Peter gave reminders to the church to pray, submit and contribute as good citizens may have had something to do with their own attitudes about their particular government. However, I think most people actually allow their attitudes about politics to shape what or how they pray. In addition, we should all ask the question, what influences our opinions? While you and I would agree that we are all entitled to our points of view, we'd have no issue in identifying those opinions that are informed solely by one's own bias, experience, and preferences without consideration to why someone else may think otherwise. So, when someone says, "I don't respect Obama." or "I think he's an idiot" or "Socialist" or "He's really a Muslim" or "He's not a Christian", we are simply offering statements that aren't really helpful at all. Would we allow for someone who thinks differently then us religiously to simply dismiss our point of view as idiotic or small-minded? I would hope we'd appeal to a higher level of interaction and dialogue. Is it wrong for Christians to influence politics? Of course not. However, that doesn't mean that the Christian should think that a particular party in preferable. After all, when Jesus establishes God's Kingdom once and for all, it will not be in a republic or democracy. Although those systems may be preferable for the moment and although I think it is right to ask the LORD to be present to guide and lead us in our stewardship of power, we only do so knowing that until he returns, it will always be less than ideal. One last thing, I don't have an issue with Christian's who are passionate and informed about politics, as long as they don't confuse their allegiance and commitment to Jesus as expressing itself solely in the way they view their politics. In fact, I think the church in America would do well to exercise her prophetic voice more if we'd be less willing to jump on the political bandwagon and truly express the things that matter most in God's economy. Sorry, just my thoughts. Tera may express it differently, but I thought you raised a good question and i wanted to jump in.
Michael, I'm glad you commented. This has been an issue that I've wrestled with for quiet sometime. I think it first started when Obama was voted in as president. I remember that day quite well. Some of my Christian friends were posting dooms day type stuff all over facebook, completely terrified. I wasn't sure what to think about it. Mostly because I know God's desire for His children is to not fear but trust in Him fully. And over the last year, I’ve heard conversations both in person as well as on Facebook about the president, not very nice ones. Again, not really sure what to think or do with any of it. So I started praying and reading and in that, I was really challenged and convicted on my own views and stands I’ve taken both politically and otherwise. I started asking God what really matters to Him? How did Jesus handle these things? And how are we to handle them? I’ve come to feel real differently about a lot as I’ve done that.
ReplyDeleteMy whole hope when writing this blog was to challenge others to rethink the way we as Christians should engage when it comes to politics, just as I’ve been challenged myself.
I feel like a big group of Christians here in America have done a very poor job representing Christ while taking a political stance. I know I have in the past. Our commitment and allegiance first needs to be to the LORD and His purposes.
You asked the question, do our opinions of leadership keep us from submitting to authority? I think it really depends on whom you talk to. Having an opinion about someone or something is okay but what we do with it is entirely different. We need to be wise when sharing our opinions, who we share them with and where we share it. Is it done in an attitude that really reflects our LORD? Can we be a light as we do? We need to be mindful of these things.
About Bin Laden, I do think there is definitely a problem for believers to celebrate his death. That’s a tough one though. All though I don’t feel it is right, I didn’t personally have a loved one die from the horrific attacks he was behind. If I had, I’m sure in my heartache and pain would be celebrating. I’m really careful to touch that one because I’m not sure what I’d even say. To big for me! I do know this, God is judge of all and He is just.
Finally to your last question, “If we don’t need to be influenced by politics, is it wrong for us to influence politics?” No! I think we should be influence all areas of life. Our influence should be that of faith, hope and love. I hope that our influence will bring others to a place of seeking truth.
Thanks again for your questions and thoughts. Yours too Honey! I love talking about this kind of stuff.