An old saying goes that there are two things that should never be included in polite conversation: religion and politics. But over the past 45 years, religion and politics have meshed to the point where: syncretism. Political ideals replaced many Christians’ zeal for the Lord with a zeal for a Christian nation through politics. At what point does politics become idolatrous and what are the red flags that this is happening?
What happened that caused Christians to pay more attention to politics?
christian post Regarding the moral majority, he reports: pastor jerry falwell In 1979, moral majority He advocated conservative positions on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and educational aid. It also helped millions of Christians register to vote. ” This organization created an impetus for Christians in politics to honor God, both as candidates and supporters, in order to bring moral rectitude to the largely secular civic sphere.
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Is it okay for Christians to get involved in politics?
There is nothing inherently wrong with a Christian entering the political arena as long as he or she remembers that our first role is as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) That’s why our top priority is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Until that point, albert moeller The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and political commentator said: Our concern as Christians is to see our neighbors saved from immediate danger, and to have the opportunity to preach the gospel to them so that they may be saved from ultimate and eternal danger. It is to do so. Like Augustine, it is love of neighbor, ultimately rooted in love for God, that drives us to hope, hope, and pray for the good of society. ”
There is no question that it is a good thing for Christians to be in positions of influence. The problem is our innate sinful nature that leads people to prideful arrogance instead of humility. Humility is key for Christians as we submit to the Lord’s authority over the world. government In daily life.
Even King Hezekiah fell victim to pride. The Bible says that he “trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, and there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among the kings before him.” ” For he held fast to the Lord. He did not turn away from following him and kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. ”2 Kings 18:5-6). But then King Hezekiah showed all his treasures to the Assyrian messengers who wanted to overthrow Judah (2 kings 18-20). Even after the Lord answered his prayer and granted him another 15 years to live, Hezekiah was relieved that the prophesied disaster would not befall his nation until after his death. It was like saying, “Well, at least I won’t have to put up with it.”
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12 warning signs that politics is becoming an idol
Knowing that we can participate in politics is liberating, but it also comes with problems. People may have good intentions when they first begin their quest to “make a difference” through their political roles, but if they allow politics to become an idol, they lose track of all the good intentions they have had. may be overshadowed.
An idol is defined as something that distracts or distracts a person from the Lord God. Regarding the existence of politics, Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines an idol as: Things to which we have excessive and sinful attachments. ” The Bible clearly states: That’s my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor will I give my praise to carved idols. ”Isaiah 42:8).
Here are 12 warning signs that politics is becoming an idol.
1. Political issues take precedence over time in God’s Word.
Suppose someone answers a question about missed time in the Bible: “But I had to watch the replay of the debate between the candidates! I missed it live because I was attending a rally for Candidate X.”
An exclamation mark like this indicates incorrect priority. The Bible says of the church at Berea: “They received the Word with eagerness and searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were really true (Acts 17:11). Reading the Bible must take precedence over politics.
2. Encourage church leaders to promote specific candidates or issues
Instead of asking your pastor questions or encouraging him about his latest sermon, you regularly show up with a stack of flyers defending a political candidate or voting issue.
All Christians should seek things above and set their minds on heavenly things that come from God and not from men.Colossians 3:1-3). When we focus on politics, the gospel becomes inactive in our lives.
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3. Spending too much time focusing on the news
If you spend most of your time watching the latest news about what’s happening in Washington and other world capitals, politics may be becoming an idol in your life.
2 Timothy 2:1-5 These words remind us that, as “good soldiers of Jesus Christ,” we should “not get caught up in civilian activities.” “For the purpose of Jesus Christ was to please the one who enlisted him.”
4. Unproductive conversations
Do your conversations revolve around politics or the gospel and what God is doing in your life?
The apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). It is his responsibility and duty to declare what has been entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:12).
5. Prioritize activism over church.
Are political rallies/gatherings/parades more important to you than Sunday services, prayer meetings, or church events?
Matthew 6:33 It tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to us. Let the main things be the main things.
6. Dissatisfaction with church leadership
If the pastor fails to mention pressing national or political issues (good events or wrong actions), you get angry and tell him what you think.
your pastor knows 1 Corinthians 9:16. He understands the weight of preaching the gospel and the misery of spending time talking about worldly affairs instead of preaching the gospel. The Gospel is the only means to save a lost and perishing world.
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7. Social media
If you are in a position of authority within your church or congregation, how do you use your social media accounts? If your top priority is to spread your political views to your church audience? , it might be to become an idol. Proverbs 12:15 “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
8. One way only
Believing that only your chosen candidate or party is correct is a manifestation of an arrogant spirit. Proverbs 16:18 Destruction of a nation follows pride.
9. Attacking others
If you find yourself attacking politically ignorant people or candidates or members of another political party, politics may be an aspiration for you. Romans 12:18 “If possible, live in peace with all men, as long as it depends on you.”
10. Misplaced Pride
He believes that by supporting the creation of a “Christian nation” he can hasten the coming of the kingdom, and he takes great pride in saying, “I helped change things.”
The only Christian nation is the nation that was in Christ and is now within each believer. We cannot realize a Christian nation any more than a camel can pass through the eye of a needle.Matthew 19:24). No one can change or prevent the Second Coming of Christ based on human actions. God’s timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9).
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11. Promote politics, not evangelism.
Kingdom work is being hindered and subverted by the politics of evangelism. This is politics that prevents Christians from focusing on spreading the gospel.
Hebrews 12:1-2 It speaks of all those who have gone before us, all those who have kept the faith. And there is no one greater than the Lord Jesus Christ, who “despised the shame and endured the cross for the joy that was set before him, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
12. Feeling of hopelessness
When you’re feeling hopeless because of the political climate, believe it or not, it may be a sign that your idol is growing up. This world may seem overwhelmed with problems, but take courage, Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33).
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar to you in your personal life or the lives of your family or church members? This is a presidential election year. Where do you focus? On God’s sovereignty? Or will we become like the one to whom the psalmist refers? Psalm 20:7a, “Some people trust in chariots, others in horses”?
Instead, be like the next person. Psalm 20:7b, “But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” In other words, do you trust in God or do you trust in men? When preparing to vote, Remember: pray This is so that God’s will may be done and God may be glorified.
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lisa lorraine baker is a multiple award-winning author a place to be someone. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa also serves as a mentor for Word Weavers and is a member of the critique group. She is also a member of her BRRC. Lisa and her pastor husband Stephen live in a small village in Ohio with their crazy cat Louis.
