The Partisan Paradox VIII: The Right Tool For The Job

So how is a Christian to interact with the government and politicians if we're probably not well advised to align ourselves to them ideologically? As ambassadors for Christ, we are not to disobey civil government (except, of course, when they compel us to disobey God’s Word – Mark 12:17, Acts 5:29).When they are not asking us to go against God we are to subject ourselves to it (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17) and pray for such rulers and authorities so that we might live a tranquil life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). That means whether they are of your political preference or not. You should have a Kingdom preference not party preference. Again, the Scriptures should shape your worldview you should not be allowing your worldview to shape your approach to the Scriptures.

Petitioning and lobbying politicians to do your bidding rarely works unless you have deep pockets. Affecting a meaningful change in society/culture rarely comes through trying to get your representative to pass laws. As Christians we need to understand that spiritual results can only be achieved through spiritual means. Genuine moral reform will never come by merely changing laws or the lex terrae. Christians need to also understand that we need to change hearts to change minds that change laws. It is usually a slow process too. One heart at a time. Is it possible? Yes. Probable? No.

How do you change one heart at a time? It’s called a relationship. We must do as Christ did. He sat with sinners. Ate with sinners. Lived with sinners. He saved them by literally entering their lives. Christianity is something that cannot be done at a distance. It’s boots on the ground and hands in the dirt. This means that we must recover the art of communication and empathy. Even for enemies. Not hollow empty rhetoric of politicians but by heartfelt explanation and actual concern. A persuasion along with the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit to convince and convict humans (John 16:8).

As a Christian my greatest power is not found in protest, lobbying or siding with Christians in power but in Gospel proclamation – for, indeed, if the Gospel is truly "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16), why would we ever turn to political rhetoric and ideology? If no one is willing to listen to you though because you’ve aligned yourself with someone they hate, you’ve already shot your foot off.

Strange as it may sound to some, the real problem we face in America today are not primarily political or even moral, but theological and spiritual. Those that will use their pulpits as bully pulpits and political platforms are using the pulpits in a godless manner. Bringing the system of the world right to the front of the church. Exactly where it doesn’t belong. The church is sanctuary. Not a death sentence. We preach one death (and subsequent Resurrection). We preach Christ and Him crucified and resurrected the third day in accordance with Scripture.

People are already alienated from a holy God and possess no knowledge of Him and His ways. Their minds are enmity against Him. They need to find that in the Faith and in the Church. Not more of the same from the outside. No political or moral crusade can ever rectify the spiritual. To bring politics into the church and support it at-large in the public eye while simultaneously declaring the truths of Scripture delivers a mixed message. It delivers confusion. God will always work better through your prayers than through the mouths of Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George Bush or Bill Clinton.

The late Charles Colson a political insider and former presidential aide to Richard Nixon said it best:

Today’s misspent enthusiasm for political solutions to the moral problems of our culture arises from a distorted view of both politics and Christianity – too low a view of the power of a sovereign God and too high a view of the ability of man. The idea that human systems, reformed by Christian influence, pave the road to the Kingdom – or at least, to revival – has the same Utopian ring that one finds in Marxist literature. It also ignores the consistent lesson of history that shows that laws are most often reformed as a result of powerful spiritual movements (not vice versa). I know of no case where a spiritual movement was achieved by passing laws ("Kingdoms In Conflict." Charles Colson [Zondervan, 1987] p.304).

If we deem approaching our representatives as necessary and voicing our opinions and beliefs, we must never adopt an "in your face" attitude. Arrogance and shouting down one’s political opponent may be the way of the world, but it is not the way of Christ. We are, instead, to reply with "discretion and discernment" as did Daniel to Arioch (Daniel 2:14). We are to manifest the kind, humble and respectful demeanor which Paul displayed before Festus and King Agrippa (Acts 26; cf. Titus 3:1-2; Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:15). Even if the government is wrong, erring on the side of respect and decorum is paramount. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

That is why it is such a disgrace when a politician besmirches the decorum of office or a constituent does the same failing to give honor to the position God has put in authority over them. It shows a complete disregard of the opinions and feelings of those who elected that official to office. Thereby demeaning the office and the majority vote of the populace. We’re a community whether we like it or not. We need to learn to get along. Behave and be respectful. Obey the laws because nothing on God’s watch occurs without Him allowing it to occur anyway.

A communal balance and desire to live together in peace. It’s the idea of Jewish shalom and wholeness of not only one’s self but also wholeness of family and society/community. Once these basic building blocks of society are undermined everything else starts to erode. We need only look around us today at the utter chaos and civil decline. Regardless of our personal feelings towards our political leaders or those we are in political disagreement with, we are commanded to "honor the King" or obey the authorities (Romans 13) and those who put these people and institutions in place.