The Church and Politics Controversy

“When the government issues laws that stands opposite what God says then we have an obligation to wisely and courageously refuse.”

For one pastor, every Sunday it sounds like she is giving the talking points of her preferred political party, rather than teaching the Bible. And another pastor once said to his elders, “Our pulpit will not be used to opine on social issues, or the Sunday service turned into a political rally. We are people of the Word, and we will not become political.”  (Photo by The Rio Times)

Church and politics is about as controversial a topic you can have. There are good-hearted pastors and Christians on both side of the issue.

The Oxford dictionary provides a definition of political as, “Relating to the government or public affairs of a country.” What is the role of the church relating to government? The Bible has much to say. Let me share eight biblical truths that can be applied regardless of the form of government, time and culture.

1. Obey the government. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1) It does not matter if we like or do not like certain laws or policies, God calls us to willingly submit ourselves to them.

2. Obey God over government. “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) When the government issues laws that stands opposite what God says (versus one’s personal convictions) then we have an obligation to wisely and courageously refuse.

3. Address sin. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) When evil and corrupt laws are enshrined in our legal code, we are to address them that our rulers might change their ways, and others might be spared from the harm they will bring.

4. Provide a moral foundation for society. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) The church is to teach about God’s moral commands like not lying, stealing, harming others, being sexually immoral, or forgiving one’s enemies as a way of loving others. When the church is faithful in doing so, and believers walk in holiness before those outside the church, it becomes a witness that can affect the morals of an entire community or nation, including government. And when the church does this, it provides the framework for a civil and just society.  

5. Do good works. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works.” (Titus 2:7) When the church ministers to the poor and needy in the name of Jesus, within its own congregation and in the community, it takes the burden off government and becomes a blessing to it.

6. Serve. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus demonstrated that His followers are not to serve themselves, but others. This means the church has a duty to offer itself to government saying, “How can we serve?” Believers can serve through voting, running for public office, or even by meeting various practical needs government has through good works.

7. Pray. “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) When the church regularly prays for those in authority, it has the potential to transform their souls and how they govern.

8. Share the gospel. “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mk. 16:15) When the church proclaims the good news of Christ in the public arena, it brings light into darkest of cultures and can transform both Kings and common men. 

Through the death and resurrection of Christ believers are citizens of two worlds: their own nation and of God’s Kingdom. And in this world, you are to be salt and light no matter the cost, even unto death. Therefore, by faith let your light boldly shine!  

A prayer for you – Lord God, bring understanding into the role of the church in politics. Protect us from trying to appease those in power. Instead, help us to courageously stand for truth, be servants of all and live with the highest character before a watching world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tyrant versus a Servant

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

(Philippians 2:3)

The president of a South American country forced private oil businesses to cede control of their operations to the government. The head of a large company utilized “knockout men” to go and intimidate stores from selling his competitors products. A wife reported how her husband would secretly monitor her phone calls, including those to her parents. A pastor promised a poverty-stricken congregation God’s financial blessing if they gave to the church, so fearing the loss of heaven’s blessing, they gave while watching the pastor’s lavish lifestyle grow.  (Photo by The Rio Times)

What is one word that sums up all these? Tyranny. It is the exercise of power over others in a cruel and severe manner. When someone is in a position of power and uses that role to oppress or demean others; that is injustice.

Jesus once said to his followers, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45) 

Jesus is not communicating that power, influence, fame, position or wealth is wrong. Rather, He is saying that it is immoral and inexcusable when someone uses them in a cruel or deceitful way, to enrich or benefit themselves through taking advantage of others.   

Jesus is introducing a new form of leadership. He is teaching people to lead with the heart of a servant, that puts the needs of other above themselves. His teaching is a value statement, where God and people are more important than position or power. It reflects who is most important in our life; either God or ourselves. Do you feel justified in mistreating others to achieve your ends, or do you put the interests of God and others first, seeking to do what is morally right no matter the outcome? 

 

Who is an example of this kind of living? Jesus. During His short ministry career, He quickly became the most powerful figure in Israel, drawing crowds in the thousands and influencing the nation with His teachings. All this gave Him position and power, which the public was wanting Him to use to free Israel from the Roman Empire. But most importantly; Jesus was Almighty God in human form. He was Creator of heaven and earth, possessor of all wisdom and knowledge.  

Yet, what did He do with all this power? The Bible records the humble mindset of Jesus, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:3-11)

Jesus calls all people to live this way. However, we cannot do it because we have selfish tendencies. 

It requires Jesus to change us. We must confess our failure to live Gods way and call upon Him to transform us, and He will do it.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we admit we have taken advantage of others. We have used people for our own ends. Forgive us O Lord! Give us new hearts that will put your ways above our own. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When a Nation Rejects God

“What we are seeing unfold across our country is the tragic effect of the choices we have made as a nation.”

After 95-year-old Theresa DeLucia passed away, the family met to review her will. It was revealed that she required her home to be put up for sale, and all her assets be distributed equally among her children. However, this meant that Joseph, one of her adult children who lived in the home, had to move out. The news so enraged him that he left the meeting in search of a gun then returned and shot each family member in cold blood, killing his two sisters, brother and a niece. Afterwards, realizing what he had done, he then turned the gun on himself. Absolutely horrific! (Photo by waggtime from Pixabay.)

Such a tragedy like this is not isolated. We are seeing brutal murders and unthinkable abuse on a growing scale. In many urban and suburban cities rising crime is causing increased fear among citizens. The Bible speaks of times like this saying “…because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Why is this happening? What we are seeing unfold across our country is the tragic effect of the choices we have made as a nation. Our culture is changing. And all this is communicating a spiritual message and warning. If we listen to this message, we will understand and begin to reverse this dangerous course.

What is the message? Return to God. Why? Because without Him we cannot have a civil and just society.

Have you heard of the Golden Rule? Jesus coined it, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matt. 7:12) This is a rule for all people to live by. It is also an umbrella statement that encompasses a whole set of behaviors in how we are to engage with one another. It includes teachings from the Ten Commandments, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and others from the Bible. They talk about things like children honoring their parents and parents disciplining and instructing their children. Not lying, stealing or harming one another. And additional commands dealing with divorce and adultery. All these and more have an ethical foundation to them. It is not treating one another based on our personal feelings or emotions, nor is it about just giving someone what they want; feeding their own passions. It is loving one another in a just, wise and good way.

Where does this idea of treating people like this come from? God.

I quoted the Golden Rule from Jesus, which is based on the Great Commandment. It has two parts that work together, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37-39)

The two commands work together. One cannot genuinely love God without loving others, and one cannot effectively love others without loving God.

The foundation for treating others in a way that is good and right comes from the character of God. That is who He is, so when someone loves Him with all their being, then they naturally display that in their treatment of others.

What does this mean? For a society to be civil and just, it requires the Lord God. Its laws, policies, leaders and overall values must reflect the character of God. Then when you have this permeating society, people will treat one another with honor and dignity. However, when we reject God and His ways, we will no longer love our neighbor. Instead, anarchy will persist as people will seek their own interests above others, and hearts will become hardened toward what is good and just.

How can this be reversed? We must return to God. Look around and see how we have wandered. Let us admit this, then humble ourselves and come back to our Creator.

To change a nation, it starts with one. Be the one.

A prayer for you – Lord God, search us as a country. Let us see how we left you. Humble us, open our eyes and bring us to see our need to return to you. Bring a great move of your Spirit upon our land, O Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.