God’s Truth Supersedes Politics

via TJC

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. - Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV

I was young, far too young to vote, when George W. Bush was elected president. The news talked at length about how the religious voting block pushed Bush above his opponent Al Gore, who was running in the shadow of Bill Clinton’s obvious moral failures. At the time I wasn’t strong in the Christian faith, but I found it peculiar that Christians would line up more for one political party than the other. Despite their differences in opinion, I believed that both schools of thought were strong, morally equivalent, and both as patriotic as the other. With time I grew in my understanding that politics, just like so many other things in this world, can become idol worship.

Many men align with a political party, subconsciously hoping for security, happiness or wealth. In doing so, they construct an altar to something other than the Lord. As a Nation, we find ourselves divided into warring tribes of political thought, and most men will defend these tribal identities with as much zeal as they defend their faith. Each tribe thinks they hold the moral high ground, but the truth is that both tribes betray the ideals they claim to uphold. Both the Democratic party and the Republican party are composed of sinful men and women, and both have been debased by moral depravity and scandal. Paul’s words to the Romans still ring true, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.” (Rom 3:10-11) And we, the people of God...the Kingdom men, are likely complicit in this idol worship. Does your mood change more about political news than other types? How strongly do you defend people you voted for, even when they do something God’s word condemns? Do you believe that your party are the good guys and the other party are a bunch of evil would-be-tyrants trying to destroy the country?

If these questions stir up some emotions for you, there may be an altar to “politics” in your life. If so, you MUST destroy every stone. While politics is necessary in order to decide how our nation should operate, it is a foolish thing to put our faith in. Our faith should only ever be in God’s truth and promises.

DAILY BATTLE ORDER:

We need to engage in politics as Kingdom men, because as I said before, our political traditions are strong and patriotic. The American government was created in a way that we, the people, hold the power to choose who represents us. As a Kingdom man your vote is your voice. You must speak. Silence is not an option. There is no political party that speaks for God. There are no prophets of God in our government. What then shall we do? We must look for Godly character and the fruits of the spirit in our politicians. Many will invoke the name of God or signal to voters that they share your faith. These are today’s Pharisees: appearing outwardly to be perfect, but the fruit is rotten and the spirit is dead. Jesus instructed us: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16) I charge all of you to judge the fruits of all candidates. If you happen to find good fruit in the life of a candidate, cast your vote...no matter what party they belong to.