What Politics Can’t Promise
Written by David W. Hegg | Senior Pastor
The substantive decline in the moral fiber of our nation and the corresponding increase in daily anxiety have awakened our citizens to seek solutions in the political realm. We are increasingly interested in and passionate about politics. And the passion is rising to destructive levels.
“Each election cycle becomes more divisive, filled with demeaning rhetoric, and teeming with warnings that electing the wrong people will bring about the end of our democracy.”
And this tsunami of political fervor is forcing the followers of Christ to think deeply and biblically about the part we will play in the political marketplace. Are we to be a political force? Are we to stay on the sidelines? Is there a middle ground? Or is there a better way to think about the intersection of politics and the gospel mission?
These questions are not easily answered, and we must leave room for the freedom of individual believers to order their lives in accordance with their own biblically nourished consciences. Yet, it is not true that we are left on our own to pursue whatever passions arise in our hearts. After all, we are representatives of the Kingdom of God. Whatever else we come to believe, and in whatever ways we engage in the political system, it must always be that our character, demeanor, and communication must testify to the grace and truth of Christ and the beauty of the gospel.
Let’s look at four truths that can help us navigate the righteous path we are called to walk as new creatures in Christ still living in a fallen world.
First, who are we? Just what is the Church? Someone has said, “we are in the world, but not of it.” But does that mean we’re not to be involved in the life around us? Certainly not. Jesus himself said we are salt and light. And, to be effective, both salt and light must be conspicuous, present, and engaging with their environment in beneficial ways. But we’ve known this for years. What we need to know is how being salt and light fits into our relationship with the political realm.
Jonathan Leeman has suggested an excellent way to understand our position in this world. In his book Political Church, he identifies the Church as an “embassy of Heaven.” Think about it. Our primary and eternal citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20,21). And yet, we are here on the old earth, living in a foreign land for the purpose of representing our King as his ambassadors. Yes, we are under the authority of human governments, but the greater reality is that we are ruled by God.
Second, whose are we? This might seem like we’re asking the first question again. But it is essential that as we identify who we are, we also understand whose we are. In a world where identity is all about who an individual chooses to be, as Christ-followers, we are not our own! We are not in charge of our lives. We are not free to live according to our passions. We are not to be conformed to this world, but rather be conformed to the will of our God. Why? Because we are not our own but belong fully, in life and death, to our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. That’s what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Third, what is our mission? As an embassy of heaven, what is our purpose for being here? The answer is quite clear. We are here as the local, visible, and living “Body of Christ” to proclaim the Good News with both our lips and our lives. That’s what ambassadors do! They faithfully and joyfully represent the truth, values, standards, and behavior of their homeland and their King.
And, yes, this opens up a whole truckload of questions. Can a Christian be politically engaged as an ambassador of Christ? Certainly, as long as his or her primary purpose is to represent the reality of Jesus Christ and the biblical worldview in the process. But when political fervor takes the wheel of a believer’s life, when desire to win political victories overtakes the believer’s responsibility to represent Christ and the gospel mission, he or she is no longer being a good ambassador.
After Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 B.C., thousands of Jews were taken into captivity. They were citizens of Israel, but they were forced to live out their lives in a foreign land. It is very interesting that God ordered Jeremiah to send a letter to them commanding that they build houses, plant gardens, and take wives for their sons and husbands for their daughters. God’s point was simple: You’re going to be there awhile, so make the best of it. And lastly, he commanded them to understand their relationship with the foreign city in which they were now living. He said:
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
“The mission of the Church is to be a benefit to the world. As citizens of heaven, we live in Santa Clarita and represent both our eternal homeland and its King.”
And we do so in myriads of ways called good works in order to build a platform of goodwill in the lives of people from which to launch the Good News! Certainly, the political arena provides many opportunities to do good things for our neighbors, our village, and the gospel mission. But be careful to keep your heart and eyes on the end game.
Fourth, what is our end game? Today’s divided world and the political passion it engenders creates a powerful temptation to believers. It is so easy to think political victories can provide solutions to society’s problems to make life more comfortable, more moral, and safer. And at some level, that is the purpose of government, and we ought to do all we can to ensure they do their job.
But ultimately, we all know the root problem that infects every generation of humanity is sin, which isn’t something politics can change. Yes, we want laws, principles, values, and ethics that promote morality, safety, and well-being. But politics can never deliver on its promise to do in the hearts of men, women, and children what only the saving grace of Christ can do. Governments can legislate moral behavior, but laws will never guarantee heart change. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring about sincere repentance, saving faith, and new creature status in Christ.
So, what do we do? How do we, as Christ-followers, engage in the political sphere? The answer is clear: We engage first and foremost as ambassadors of Christ, leading with lives that radiate his grace, his truth, his humility, and that hope that springs from knowing, in the end, all who are his will dwell with him forever.
I’ll finish with a biblical reminder taken from Peter’s speech to the household of Cornelius in Acts 10. You’ll remember that Peter balked when asked to go to the home of a Gentile and a Roman commander at that! Both of these things made him Peter’s enemy. Nevertheless, he went and preached the good news of Jesus. And how did Peter describe our Savior? He told the whole story, but in the middle, he simply described Jesus this way: “He went about doing good.”
That’s it. Whatever you do in any arena of life, do it as a conspicuous Christ-follower. Be persuasive. Be engaged. Be passionate. But above all, be set apart as holy, useful to the Master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). And be nice!