Our Participation in Politics
November 2, 2010
Dear Friends,
Today are the mid-term elections here in the United States and, as such, provides an excellent backdrop for a few thoughts on politics.
It is my observation that brethren in Christ today are becoming more and more involved with worldly politics. It is not unusual to hear brethren talking in partisan terms. More disturbingly, it is not uncommon to hear brethren speak in disparaging terms about our rulers despite the clear commands in Scripture not to do so. Sadly, I have even noticed on Facebook that some brethren under the heading of “political views” have a political party listed.
This trend is not surprising. Politics are in vogue now. Here in the US, extremes are begetting extremes and, as a result, people are getting more strident in their political views and less tolerant of any opposing view. The political dialog is heated and often uncivil. Like trends in fashion, it is natural for trends in secular society to influence the brotherhood.
I suggest to you that the most supportable Biblical reason not to participate in worldly politics is because we are strangers and sojourners in the countries in which we live. Wherever we may live, it is not our country. We have a heavenly country.
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.(Heb. 11:13-16 ESV)
Similarly, Jesus declared,
My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. (John 18:36 NIV)
Just at it would be inappropriate for a citizen of one country to vote in the elections of another country, it is inappropriate for the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven to vote in the elections of this world. Furthermore, it seems inconsistent to voice strong opinions about things in which we are not willing to participate in the process. Does it seem logical and consistent with the commandments of Christ to on the one hand not vote or otherwise make political choices but then complain about the policies instituted by God’s choice for leadership? We often say we don’t vote so that we are not opposed to God, but then we complain about the choices that God’s made.
Beyond simply voting, however, we need to distance ourselves mentally and spiritually from the politics in this world. All of these worldly rulers serve in the Kingdom of Men, not the Kingdom of God and therefore should not elicit passion from us one way or the other. For brethren to picks sides in these battles is to cross a line that should not be crossed. We are instructed “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1Pe 2:17) This command to honor the king was originally given during the reigns of some of histories most immoral rulers such as Nero and Caligula. If God wanted His followers to honor men like these, how much more does he want us to honor our rulers today?
It seems we are slowly erasing the dividing line between politics and the ecclesia. I would encourage each of us to step back and see if this isn’t a line that should be reemphasized.
Have a great week,
Comments»
This is a very important comment and well said. It is very easy to slide into the ways of the secular “world” and politics is on everyone’s agenda.
Another subject in the same vein is membership of trade unions. We are supposed to be content with our wages and subject to our employers and such membership is not approriate.
In some jobs, like school teacher, you have no choice. It means that you have to pay dues, but should mean that you are otherwise uninvolved. It only becomes an issue if there is a strike.
It’s true Linda. Just as Jesus told His disciples to pay taxes so we sometimes need to pay these “dues”. Hard choices is situations such as strikes really and a good reason to consider before it happens. Thanks!
Maybe in places where it is the LAW to vote, we do but it is with prayer and we should not get too involved in it. Just stay as blind as we can and pray and vote?
On the other hand, if all Christians back down &”give in” to some of our “leaders”where will that leave us on moral issues such as Pro Choice or Pro Life? Should we not “get involved” in the issue of infantile murder? Does God want us to stand by & watch? Is this God’s will? Would we fight against an attack on a fellow man? Or watch as he is beaten down. Would our Lord have us as silent by-standers because this is not the Kingdom of Heaven in which we live? Like it or not we have not reached that point. We must live on the Earth which God also gave us. We must obey the laws & pay taxes. Therefore I am understanding that I, along with the millions of Christians on this earth, should attempt to influence those in power, i.e. Vote. Cannot God use us in this way? If I am asked to support a group who are sending Bibles to our military, or who are trying to keep the Chaplains in the Army how can I “just say no” ? This is also being part of the world. We are told we should not be of the world, therefore not part of the wickedness. But, we are IN the world. We are told to be good stewards. How is this possible if we do not vote against those laws that contradict our Lord? Staying blind? I think not. Pray? Most definitely! But be prepared to hear what He says.
Kristie,
It is interesting that in Jesus’ day there were many moral issues such as infanticide and public capital murder, yet we never hear Jesus address those issues. Was he apathetic and a by-stander? Could he not have formed a solid challenge to the politcal powers of his day and instituted a new order? Yet, he says “if my Kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.” I would suggest that the model Jesus presents is the right one. Recruit people for the Kingdom of God through preaching, loving and good works. Jesus did more good by his method than he ever could have by adopting politcal practices of this world.
Kyle