Politics.
Here’s the thing, it’s tough to talk about politics and it is tough to be a politician – you are constantly scrutinized for your positions and policies. But it is even especially hard to talk about politics in church! You see, we have been taught to keep politics out of church, but the Bible has a lot to say about government – and so we have a responsibility to talk about it – to engage a conversation about our Biblical role as Christ followers.
1 Peter 2:17: “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.”
You see, the Bible teaches a concept called HONOR. We have a responsibility to HONOR and RESPECT those who God has placed in leadership. You see, I believe you can disagree with someone without being a hater, bigot or wack-job. We can disagree without being disagreeable! Church, hear this: Politics should not divide a church!!! God has called us to live united. We are heading into a very political season … and God’s Word a lot to say on the subject of government.
Romans 13: “1Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. {But I have heard many Christians say, “God didn’t put them in leadership. I didn’t vote for them.” Can I mess you up? All authority is there because God placed them there} 2So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”
I am sure that passage of Scripture has offended some of your opinions. I know it did to me when I first read it.
Remember the climate of culture during the early church – the government was opposed to Christianity. Christians were oppressed, attacked and often killed by those in leadership. And Pauls tells them to RESPECT their leaders – do what is right – they will HONOR you.
Things to remember with politics in the church.
- People are more important than politics.
- We are citizens of a greater Kingdom (Philippians 3:20)
- Don’t judge others on matters of conscience (Job 11:6)
- If you don’t vote – don’t complain.
- Honor those who lead our country.
Two political candidates were having a hot debate. Finally, one of them jumped up and yelled at the other, “What about the powerful interest that controls you?” And the other guy screamed back, “You leave my wife out of this!” Who controls you? The powerful interest that must control us is Jesus Christ and we can’t leave him out of any area of our lives.
Pray this prayer of unity today:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
