Citizens of Heaven

One of the negative criticisms levied against modern Christians is that some have been too political. To be sure, this is not an entirely inaccurate assessment of Christianity in America.  In truth, the past hundred years in particular has seen the rise in religious conservatism as a legitimate theological-political position.  Furthermore, Christians who hold to this form of American Christianity continue to inextricably link the advancement of the Gospel to conservative politics.  The net effect of this is that the Gospel is rendered as little more than a political motivator while the real power for transformation is thought to be a legislative ordeal.

It is upon this that the transformative power of the Gospel needs to be applied in earnest.  And while there are a multitude of verses and passages that address the heresy of this very issue, the passage from Philippians 3:19-21 seems appropriate for now.

"Their end is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself."

That about covers it for now.

No More Politics

Amidst the constant bombardment of vociferous political rhetoric and flippant disrespect aimed in every direction, I feel compelled towards realignment and stability.  Words like "liberty" and "freedom" have taken the center stage, while the marketplace of ideas has been flooded with bombast like a full-on fire hose that leaves us all feeling soaking wet and bruised from the wear.

In moments like these, when issues that affect lives are discussed, there is an inherent tendency to elevate priorities in an effort to clarify thoughts for the purpose of coherent dialogue and debate.  But although there may be significant, if not severe, differences between how we evaluate, critique, and decide on any particular issue, it is always important that the method of debate must be commenced with decency and respect.  The means with which we arrive at some semblance of consensus is at least as important as the ends we are aiming at.

Humility is the key.  Admittedly, this is much easier spoken of than accomplished, especially when convictions about truth are the matter at hand; however, it is vital that we maintain humility throughout our debates.  Additionally, humility under circumstances such as these can be nearly impossible because we are dealing with issues of great importance, that strike our deepest persuasions.

Consider this: Christ Jesus was the very Son of God.  He possessed, within His very person, truth.  This was not some humanistic "idea" about an abstract, subjective truth.  Christ Jesus knew the truth, for He, being God, was the source of truth and it is essential to His being.  Yet when He was faced with controversy and contrary "opinions" about truth that opposed truth, He spoke gently, directly, and with the utmost humility.

Jesus had the right and the authority to tell it like it is, being in very nature God.  Make no mistake: Jesus did call out people directly, but His tactic always matched the matter at hand, and His priorities were set in such a way that He knew when to hug a person to teach them and when to indict them to their faces (think turning tables over in the Temple and calling religious elitists: brood of vipers).

As we continue the debate of politics, let us take this same mind of humility among ourselves.  No matter how strongly we feel/know what is true and right, we should always strive to present it in a way that is inline with our Christian convictions and that would not damage our testimony.  In other words, we need to love.  And above all else, let us pray with earnest supplications that the Lord would help us always to match our convictions with our love.

Scripture and Politics

Citizenry is not something to be balked at.  Being a citizen, a valuable and engaged member of society is incredibly important as a Christian.  Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about proper citizenship for believers.  Understanding this basic truth is of vital importance.  Unfortunately, many Christians do not look to Scripture to inform their political identity but instead rely on the world.

The first point in regards to citizenship is work ethic.  Christians should develop a work ethic that is unrivaled and gives no place for reproach.  Both of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians speak out against idleness, exhorting believers to work hard for the sake of the Gospel (1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:6-18).  The rigor with which we work will prevent anyone from being able to revile God because of our idleness.  Therefore, we should work hard and diligent as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23-24).

Secondly, and this is key, believers' political leanings and activity is to be dominated by a vibrant and intentional prayer life, focused on interceding on behalf of leaders and submitting to their God-given authority (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13).  This can seem radical in not downright provocative, considering that the past several decades of political posturing has associated Christianity with right-wing political proclivities.  God is not a republican just as much as He is not a democrat.

This assertion does not mean that Christians should not be involved in politics, rather, our political leanings should not ever hinder our real purpose, i.e. living out and preaching the Gospel of Christ Jesus.  It wasn't for politics that Jesus' came.  We should take great comfort in the fact that the value of our faith is not and will never be measured by our adherence to political platforms or agendas.  Instead, as always, our faith is measured by our devotion in repentance and sincerity to the Lord Jesus.  Always remember that our faith influences our politics, never the other way around.  Let us then take heed to focus and fix upon Christ to guide us in every part of our lives!