More frequently, politics outweigh the Gospel. This is not a post about politics. It is actually a post about the Gospel.
However, many Christians do not know the difference anymore. What is even more disappointing is the fact that many Christians do not care to differentiate between the two. The American church has become a political advocate. Due to our country’s foundational acceptance of religion, the church is intertwined with our political system.
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Today, Christians are more concerned about who you are voting for, than the calling we have as the body of Christ. I am not here to be politically polarizing or to tell you who you should vote for. I really don’t think that matters in the end.
“Wait Abram, that is not a very good thing to say. Our votes matter.
We need to elect godly leaders to lead our nation.“
If you think America needs to be a perfect representation of Biblical ideals it would be essential to have godly leaders in power. However, is America is a godly nation; does it reflect our Christian beliefs, worldview, or ideals? Just look around, does our society reflect the attitude of Christ? George Barna says that America, while claiming to be Christian, is not a true Christian society anymore.
“When a self-identified Christian attends a religious service at least once a month and says their faith is very important in their life, Barna considers that person a ‘practicing Christian.’ After applying this triangulation of affiliation, self-identification and practice, the numbers drop to around one in three U.S. adults (31%) who fall under this classification. Barna researchers argue this represents a more accurate picture of Christian faith in America, one that reflects the reality of a secularizing nation.”*
America is becoming more less Christian, but that is OKAY! It is not the end of the world! This just means we have a chance to make a bigger impact in a world that needs Christ.
Christ lived through the Roman occupation. Paul lived through Roman persecution.Bonhoeffer lived in Nazi Germany. Millions live currently in oppressive governments like China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and North Korea.
Christians do not need a supportive government to survive. Actually, I think it is quite the opposite, the church thrives when it is oppressed. Government does not define our faith, nor should it dramatically influence our daily life.
No matter who is in power, no matter what laws are passed, no matter what rulings are decided, our calling stays the same. We are Christians, and that does not change with our political or governmental climate. We are called to be love and honor God above all else. We are called to build and expand the church by sharing and being God’s love to those around us. So why do we care more about who our fellow man votes for instead of how they are serving Christ and bearing his cross? American Christians have placed their politic over their faith.
Don’t believe me? Look at their Facebook posts. Listen to their conversations. Look at their friends. What do you see more of? Christ or Politics?
Christians who are more concerned with politics have abandoned their calling as ambassadors for Christ and have become ambassadors of a human institution. We have allowed the love for our country and our emotive conscience cloud our biblical mandate and priority. Instead of advocating for the light of the Gospel, we have become obsessed with the preservation of our “biblically founded” nation and government. John Hospers once commented,
Government is the most dangerous institution known to man. Throughout history it has violated the rights of men more than any individual or group of individuals could do: it has killed people, enslaved them, sent them to forced labor and concentration camps, and regularly robbed and pillaged them of the fruits of their expended labor.
This is sadly the case, yet many American believers still place their allegiance and emphasis on American politics instead of the message of hope through Jesus Christ. This is not meant to bring opposition against the government. Believers live as peaceful people, yet we must stay true to our call as followers of Christ.
While this may not make you happy, I am not ashamed to speak up when it comes to my whole-hearted sacrifice and allegiance to the Gospel of Christ. Sin, worldliness, and fleshly desires are not the only things that can replace God as the King of our hearts. Amoral things–sports, entertainment, vocations, power, family, politics–can all take the place of God in our lives.
The church MUST replace their politic with their Gospel. Government was never meant to be Christ to those who hurt. You were. Christ called you to be his light to all people.** If you are really serious about being like Christ, replace your politic and its priority in your life with Christ. Make his message, not that of any man, first in your life.
Government was never meant to be Christ to those who hurt. You were.
*https://www.barna.com/research/state-church-2016/
** Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Isaiah 61:1–2 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn”
***Those in captioned in the cover photo have no relation to this post in any way. That photo was taken for a different assignment, however it does depict the message of this post.
If you enjoyed this post check out this post on loving immigrants and refugees. HERE!