I hesitate to write a post like this, because I know this will be a serious bee in some people’s bonnets. But my hope is that we can think through some of the things we believe about politics.
I also realize this is a rather emotional issue for many. For that reason, realize, I’m not trying to anger anyone. In fact, I believe I’m writing this from a place of love both for my fellow Christians and for those who have felt marginalized by the Christian approach to politics.
So without further ado, here are five lies I believe Christians have embraced when it comes to politics.
1. That one party is “God’s party”
It’s comforting to believe that God is on our side. That He’s pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-Republican. But to be honest, it’s a dangerous thing when we try shove God into our political and social movements. The truth is, God is on His side. We need to determine whether or not we align with Him. (Joshua 5:13-14)
That’s why it’s dangerous when we try to simplify God to one political party or social movement. Let’s make sure our allegiance is to God first and foremost…and not to those social or political movements.
2. It’s Christian duty to love your country
Don’t get me wrong. I love my country. I’ve never wanted to escape to Canada or Europe when I don’t like a political decision. I can’t imagine leaving this amazing land.
But at the same time, the United States isn’t really my country. The Bible calls me a traveling, migrant nomad. Right now I live in this country, but my true allegiance is to another nation. What type of citizen of Heaven would I be if I began to love this country more than my true home? It’s my duty to pray for my leaders…but I’m not to find my real home here. (1 Timothy 2:2)
3. That we need to make our nation a “Christian nation”
Weirdly enough, things haven’t gone well for the Church historically when there’s a “Christian nation”. Conversely, Christianity seems to thrive most when a nation is at its most depraved. The Early Church exploded in one of those most anti-God regimes…the very regime that crucified Christ.
Yes, the US was founded as a Christian nation…but we also embraced slavery and a host of other embarrassing things. Just because our nation becomes a “Christian nation” doesn’t mean the Kingdom of Heaven will advance.
Of course, that also doesn’t mean we need to pray for ungodliness to prevail. But perhaps we shouldn’t worry so much about solving our country’s problems through politics.
4. That politics or morality can lead people to Christ
Quite simply, morality will never lead people to Christ. However, Christ will lead people to morality. The problem for every issue in humanity is people’s hearts. We can try to change them from the outside all we want, but unless people’s hearts change, their outsides won’t be fixed.
We can vote for moral issues in our country. But no matter how illegal we make things, it doesn’t fix our true problem—the heart. The promise in Psalm 33:12 of a blessing to the nation whose God is the Lord doesn’t just apply to an “in God we trust” insignia on our money. It’s only when God is the God of people’s hearts that we get that blessing.
5. That one candidate is good and the other evil
To be honest, no matter who they are, both candidates are probably evil. But no more evil than you or me.
We’re all massively flawed and in need of a savior. And no matter what someone’s political affiliation, God can use them to accomplish His purposes. If all authority is established by God, we can’t afford to “hate” one politician or another. Again, we’re simply called to pray for them and even to submit to their authority.
I know, folks. Those are tough pills to swallow. Even tough for me. But it’s important we have a proper perspective on our place as citizens and ultimately citizens of Heaven.
So what would you add to the list? What would you remove? Keep the comments civil and let’s discuss.
Great article! This really helps put things in perspective.
Also, from a communications point of view, I wanted to ask for your thoughts on sharing political ideas on social media? Especially from preachers and worship leaders?
I’m experiencing this problem in my church right now. Well, we don’t have ranting and shouting honest opinions, but the temptation is evident. Instead though, people tend to share articles that claim to give facts instead of opinion, to help inform people of the truth.
As a communicator, I’m honestly bothered by this. I know this has a bearing on the organization, especially that it’s coming from people on the platform.
What do you think is the extent preachers and worship leaders should post on this matter? Or should they just veer away from political topics?
That’s a toughy. My take would probably be this, though: I’d encourage your team to share only positive articles. Meaning, I wouldn’t share anything that speaks against one side or the other. I see believers having a much better impact when we share what we’re for rather than what we’re against. So stories of redemption, stories of selflessness, stories of love, of risk for God… If you check out my “things Christians should stop doing on social media post” you’ll see a bit more of what I’m talking about.
Might be helpful to share that post with your team.
Thanks! I’ll check the post out.
Sharing what we’re for instead of what we’re against makes a good point, and I think this would be pivotal to addressing my team’s issue.
Awesome! Hope it helps!