We have heard “politics and religion don’t mix”. Many try to divorce the two. I read an interesting article recently by Jonathan Leeman, “Every government is a deeply religious battleground of gods. No one separates their politics and religion—not the Christian, not the agnostic, not the secular progressive. It’s impossible.” Each person has one mind, and that mind demands our beliefs and actions are harmonious. Religion defines politics. Each persons’ belief in the human condition directly defines how they believe society is to be structured.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done.” Where is God’s Kingdom? If it is anyplace it is supposed to be in the Church. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:15, “the church of the living God (is) the pillar and foundation of the truth.” “The local church should be a model political community for the world” (Leeman).
How is our belief system working out in our lives?
•Are we pro-life? How have we supported the single parent, promoted adoption, supported pro-life organizations?
•Are we for more civil society? How have we reached out to others in our neighborhood?
•Do we desire more cultural harmony? (I do not believe in the concept of different races) Do all of our friends look like us?
•Do we support traditional family? Do we love all our family members sacrificially?
•Do we desire support for the poor and our freedom to earn? How are we individually, lifting the needy in our cities?
James 2:14-19; “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (NASB)
The call of God to us is first, to make room for God’s Kingdom in our hearts; then we make room for that Kingdom to come into our homes, neighborhoods, cities, nation, and world, through our obedience and transformed life! Our politics cannot be separated from our beliefs! It may be painful to judge ourselves by our actions, or lack thereof!
You’re right, Eric. Jesus din’t bring a religion to earth, He brought a government. If we receive His governance over our lives how do we then stop His Zeal from spreading its influence beyond our front door. Christians have made a big mistake aiming all their eternal aspirations at Heaven. Our stint in Heaven will be temporary. But the Earth is our eternal home.
Is. 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.