Christianity & Politics Part 2
A week ago today, we woke to a new President elect and a lot of emotions soared on both sides. I grieved as I saw a great divide in our country, but more so amongst the Evangelical Christian Community. I’ve heard things i’ve never heard before (and I grew up in Mississippi). True colors and alliances were set and I was unsure I could look at certain people the same way anymore. So I waited. Before I could talk about the topic Melody, Kim and I discussed on my porch, I needed time to just process. It’s been a week, so at least for me, today is the day, the day when I feel its was time, time for this conversation . . .
What is our Christian worldview when it comes to government? How do we view their role and what are our expectations?
If you are familiar with old testament teachings you know that the Israelites (God’s chosen people) rejected the Lord and wanted a earthly King to rule over them like the other nations. God warned them about what this would bring - read 1Samuel 8. The chapter concludes by saying,
“8 And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
In Christianity & Politics written by my friend Melody Gardner, she goes on to explain that because we are Christians, the commands God gave Israel apply to us as Christians. The consequences of Israel’s sin affect us.
“Israel’s rebellious hearts caused their own scattering; and that scattering has caused all of God’s people to become subject to the rule of imperfect, worldly government wherever they live." - Christianity & Politics
That means us, even in democracy, even in America. We are trying to fight the affect of years of sin and consequences.
This does not mean that God does not care how we are governed - He does. That also does not mean we shouldn’t try to find a candidate that aligns with our values as Christians, by all means. But we just need to know that we will always, always come up short, lacking, disappointed with unmet expectations. This is also why it’s dangerous to try to claim a particular party as the “christian party”. God is not aligning himself with any of them. Maybe aspects of things they stand for align with God’s Word, but you can find that on both sides.
These, truths can bring a combination of fear and peace.
Fear because their is an unsettling in the reality that we are not going to be exempt from being ruled by ungodly, corrupt leaders here on earth (speaking in general here) - at best we settle for halfway decent.
The peace comes in knowing 2 things - 1. God’s word is true, His prophecies are come to life right before us. 2. He is our ultimate King, though we live through the affects of our forefathers in the faith rejecting him, there will be a day when we, His children, will be once again ruled by Him - our Perfect King - Jesus.
When we have an accurate view of secular government, we know it’s not worth the division in the Body. We understand where the line is drawn between church and state. We turn our fight away from defending a person or policy and and put it toward the fight for unity and love - that’s what we will be known by. We know where our loyalties lie. Do you think God is more honored by who you cast your vote for or how you treat your brothers and sisters in Christ?
“A man may have to die for his country, but no man must, in any exclusive sense, live for his country. He who surrenders himself without reservation to the temporal claims of a nation, or a party, or a class is rendering to Caesar that which, of all things, most emphatically belongs to God Himself”
- CS Lewis on “devotion to country” in Weight of Glory
He, God, is the only one who deserves our utmost allegiance.
Let’s get across the table with each other and talk. Let’s seek to understand each other, not to win a debate. Lets know our facts and our history. Let’s agree where we can and agree to disagree where we cannot, but we don’t let it divide. We pray, love, listen, repeat. People are watching - let’s show them Jesus, lets show each other Jesus.
To keep in line with our mission here at life across the table I just want to affirm why we are talking about this. We feel that current events happening in our world bring great opportunities for dialogue. These are opportunities to point people to God, for them to see and experience who He really is through His Word. Its also a time, as we disciple, to bring light and truth in midst of a high emotional time, like this election. Join us tomorrow as we discuss why we MUST have this conversation with the women we disciple.
