Politics, Perspective, and the People of God
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18
I have long believed that the pulpit is the domain of the Word of God, and it is the Word of God that should be expounded from its platform. I do not believe it is a place for partisan politics or to endorse particular candidates. Elevating a party or candidate to the level of implicit (or explicit) church endorsement can have disastrous long-term effects, something we’ve seen repeatedly throughout history.
Take, for example, any of the recent elections in the United States. The dominant parties actively level accusations against their opponents and make assurances to their supporters. The candidates’ latest polls, trends, and activities dominate our news feeds.
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The way the political fervor has made its presence known in the Church is noteworthy. It’s not that this has never happened; it is the degree to which it is happening today. There is a growing neo-orthodoxy that is being wrapped in modern politics. We see an increasing tribalism on both the left and the right. We also see an increase in the extremes —the left is going further left, and the right is going further right. Many “regular people”—honest, thoughtful Christians—are struggling to maintain their equilibrium in an increasingly unbalanced society.
Maintaining Perspective
I am just an Anglican priest and have little consequence in these conversations. But as a pastor, I would like to offer the following as a call to maintain our perspective as we go through each election cycle (and beyond).
1. We must not conflate the Kingdoms of this world (including our own) with the Kingdom of God.
The Church’s duty is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his reign, and the coming of his Kingdom. Its primary role is not the advancement of an earthly political agenda. To view the outcome of the American election as an indication of the health and progress of God’s Kingdom is simply hubris. Our election will not stall the Kingdom of God. Nor will God’s Kingdom be inaugurated by our election. The Kingdom of God will continue to advance in his time and in his way. Hebrews 12:28 reminds us,
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.
See also Matthew 6:33, Colossians 1:13-14, and Revelation 11:15.
2. We must not put excessive hope and faith in the election of a particular person to an office.
Every election is touted as the “most important election of our lifetime.” Now, this is not to say that elections are inconsequential or that they do not matter. Certainly, they do. But as Christians, they are not the source of unbridled hope or unhinged despair.
We should place our faith and hope squarely in Jesus Christ. Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” So, yes, be involved. Prayerfully engage in the political process, but be wary of subtly falling into the deception that if we can simply elect “our person,” then everything will be well. Why? See #3 below.
3. The problems faced by our country are primarily spiritual and secondarily political.
We have the politics we have because of the spiritual disease of our nation. Collectively, our country has been walking away from God for at least four generations, and that has a downstream effect. Man’s sinfulness will always play out in the sinfulness of a society. Unless and until there is widespread repentance and turning in humility to Christ, we will continue to see the compounding effect of faithlessness, rebellion, and disobedience to God, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.
Our values and voting habits should be informed by our faith. If we are people of integrity, then that is as it should be. Christians should absolutely involve themselves in our nation’s politics and government. We must be willing to take a stand, particularly on moral issues.
Yet, we must also resist the cultural and political forces that would make enemies out of everyone who does not toe a particular political or ideological line. Simultaneously, I know that there are bona fide enemies to the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19). In either case, we win converts to our cause not by insults, incredulity, and online bullying but by the strength of our arguments, the sincerity of our faith, and the love with which we live.
Be Christian
“Chris, aren’t you just saying, ‘Be nice?’”
No. I’m saying be Christian.
We should aim to live in step with the Spirit and display its fruits (Galatians 5:22), especially in these contentious times. Let us always be the people of God, and let that be evident in the fruit of our spiritual lives.
We must look to the Scriptures as our guide, especially the parts we find inconvenient in times like this. Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew:
“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?”
Matthew 5:43-48
Or Paul’s words to the Romans:
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:17-18
However each election goes and however contentious the process may be, the following Sunday (God willing), we will gather as we do every Lord’s Day to worship together. We will celebrate the Lordship of Jesus and the stable hope we have in him and his Kingdom. We will hear his Word proclaimed and partake of communion as members of his Body, the Church, and members of his flock. We will continue forward for the Kingdom of God.
Until then, let us keep our perspective.
Image by zimmytws from Getty Images, courtesy of Canva.
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