How is a Christian to live in this current political climate?
It is a tough question. One I wrestle with all the time, especially as a pastor.
Our political process seems broken. Political debates are driven by entertainment and sound bites. Political ads are thirty seconds of overexaggeration and character assassination. And politicans are often elected more for image rather than substance, for personality rather than policy, for eloquence rather than experience, for bluster rather than character.
It is easy for a Christian to be caught up in the rancor.
Here are few basic thoughts to keep in mind:
1. The kingdom of God is much, much bigger than American politics. God is sovereign. The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32). He can direct the heart of political leaders like the channels of water, He turns it wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1). We do not have to fret or fear or lose our focus (or our testimony) in the midst of the madness.
2. There is no political Messiah. No politician is going to save us or fix all our problems. Any politician that claims as much is denying his own humanity and any person who believes as much is living in his own fantasy. Our biggest problems are not political; they are matters of the heart. And no politician can change that. Sin and death are our biggest enemies. And no politician can defeat that. We live in a world impacted by sin, selfishness, decay, disease, disaster, and death. And no politician can reverse that. There is still only one Messiah and He isn't running for office.
3. National revivals and "great awakenings" begin not with politicians but with people. People seeking after God, acknowledging sin, finding forgiveness and grace in Christ, taking responsibility for their own actions, and voluntarily caring for and loving their neighbors and fellow citizens. True charity and compassion emerges from the heart; it cannot be imposed by the government.
4. Our system of government was not designed for a "Messiah" or a "king." There was a balance of power to assure that no one person could rule exclusively. Our forefathers were wise enough to recognize that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." To their credit, they were aware of the sinfulness of the human heart and thus they designed a governmental structure to limit a person's power and to make everyone accountable to everyone else.
Thus, as John Adams recognized, "…We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." (October 11, 1798)
5. The leadership of our nation is important and vital. We are privileged in this great republic to be part of the political process…and we should be involved. We should research candidates and vote wisely, based on a candidate's character, experience, conduct, and commitment to the values of life, marriage, family, justice, and freedom. We should also pray for our leaders…for their salvation and for the protection of religious liberty (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
But we should also keep things in perspective. The type of leaders we have are generally a reflection of the type of people we are. The best of leaders, at best, can only stem the tide of immorality in a nation while the worst of leaders, at worst, can only accelerate it. Thus, if true change is going to happen in our nation, it won't be through a change in political leaders but rather through a change in human hearts.
And there is still only one Messiah who can accomplish that…and His name is Jesus.
Thus the hope of our nation, and any nation, still lies in the nail-pierced hands of the Nazarene.
As Christians, may our thoughts, words, and actions reflect that we know Him.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Titus 2:11-3:2)
