This article was written as a response to some of my facebook friends' posts regarding politics and the government...enjoy!
The
Christ-like Approach to Politics
Social
Networks have rapidly become a primary method of communication that
transcends generations. It seems, with the invention of status
posting, that our everyday lives are now being lived out as a
narrative. Not only that, social networking has now made the opinions
of people—good and bad—easily accessible. Lately, with the
upcoming elections, Christians have become more vocal about subjects
such as homosexual marriage, abortion, and other hot topics. Some,
unfortunately, have confused taking a stand on moral preservation as
an excuse to slander our country's leaders. This is not only immature
and unhealthy, it is strictly forbidden according to scripture.
In
Romans 13, the Apostle Paul urges followers of Christ to be subject
to their governing authorities. He reminds us that God is the
ultimate authority and that those who exist in office are appointed
by God. He warns that whoever resists these authorities, resists what
God has appointed and will incur judgment. In Titus 3, Paul not only
reiterates these statements, but expounds upon them. He elaborates
that we should be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one,
avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all. He
reminds us that we were once foolish, disobedient, easily led astray,
slaves to our passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and
envy, hated by others and hating one another. Then, one glorious day,
the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, and he
saved us, not by our works, but according to the mercy and grace that
He so richly blessed us with. He then goes on to say, with this truth
in mind, that Christians should devote themselves to good works,
which is excellent and profitable for people.
It
is here that Paul urges followers of Christ to avoid foolish
controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law,
because they are unprofitable
and worthless.
To accent the seriousness of this subject, he suggests that we
confront brothers and sisters who stir up such division. After
warning them once and then twice, if they still continue in useless
quarreling, to avoid
them because they are warped, sinful, and self-condemned.
Our
duty as followers of Christ is not to spend our God-given time
slandering our president, but rather confronting the real issue. My
pastor once said to me, “The heart of the problem is the problem of
the heart.” The real issue is not abortion, homosexual marriage, or
even Barack Obama. The real issue is that we live in a sin-fallen
world. There is only one remedy for sin. It is not our constant
badgering of our country's leaders. The remedy is not found in
protests and petitions. The remedy is in Christ Jesus alone. Our job
is to share Christ with a lost and dying world. We are to be the
agents who bring peace and hope to a lost and dying world. One of the
greatest tools that the Enemy uses is distraction, and he uses it
brilliantly. We have lost sight of our true mission—abandoning it
for useless second tier issues. Christ came to save sinners, and we
should be the light that Christ has called us to be.
In
conclusion, as followers of Christ, we should live quiet, respectful
lives because this pleases God. We should not ignore these sensitive
issues, but instead be wise in our approach to them. If you do not
agree with the President's stance on different issues, speak with
your vote. That is the beauty of democracy—everyone has a voice.
This is the Christ-like approach to politics.
-Heath
Walton
That will make you think.
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