Politics and religion

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There are many things that we have been told over the years that do not mix, oil and water, drinking and driving, light and darkness and most of all “politics and religion.” We live in a nation that sees division in both arenas and when you put the two together it can become quite explosive. Unless you have been out of the country or you have had your head buried in the sand, it is obvious that we are in the midst of a heated political election. Unfortunately, the result of this has been that many Christians who were once close friends are now polarized as a result of their loyalty to different candidates. In some families, Christian and non-Christian, the result of a time of fellowship or a meal together is an intense debate (argument) about their preferred political preference and their Christian convictions, or lack thereof. There is nothing wrong with a good, clean debate, but as we have seen, not even those seeking the highest office in our country can do that. In the end someone will say, “We should never mix politics and religion.” Although that may be a well-intentioned statement to keep peace, it is impossible to separate politics and religion no matter what the culture or country.

So while it appears that we are a nation that is divided, politically and spiritually, and the fact that we are on the verge of having a new president, there are a few principles that we must be reminded of:

• “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) For our country to become all that God intended it to be, it must begin with righteousness. Our heart’s desire should be to have a leader who believes and pursues righteousness. The Scripture did not say, that a good economy exalts a nation, nor good government programs, or even a good national defense. Righteousness exalts a nation. The irony of it is, that when God exalts a nation because of its righteousness the by-product will be a good economy, a good national defense and so forth. Throughout the Bible God blesses the individual and the nation that keeps righteousness as a priority.

• “…the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” These are the words from Revelation 19:6. No matter what the outcome will be this November, as we seat a new president, in Heaven, the Lord will still be reigning on the throne. No one has replaced him and no one will ever rival his kingship. Because He is sovereign and works in human affairs providentially (and miraculously), whoever becomes our new president will be the result of God’s choosing. God will either act in mercy and give us what we need, or He will act in judgement and give us what we deserve. Many political leaders believe it was there wit, wisdom and charisma that opened the door to their official position. Pilate, the procurator of Israel during the life of Jesus, boasted of his power and authority. Jesus responded to him saying, “You would have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above …” (John 19:11) All power and authority comes from above. God will cast the final and deciding vote. This does not exclude us as Christians from fulfilling our civil duty of voting and participating in our electoral process, yet at the same time we continue to acknowledge His rightful place on the throne.

• “Giving no offence in any thing …” These are the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth and to us today (2 Corinthians 6:3). An offence is a stumbling stone that hinders someone from drawing nearer to Jesus Christ. We have heard it said many times, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” One of the greatest concerns during this political season is that we will fail to remember the “main thing.” The main thing to the Christian is reaching another person for Jesus Christ. Christians live, breathe and exist for the purpose of sharing the love of God and the hope that Jesus Christ brings. It happens every day, a Christian places a stumbling block between them and a person who is without Jesus Christ by being involved in an intense political argument with someone who disagrees with them politically. We can be passionate about our patriotism and our political party and candidate, but at the same time we can disagree agreeably. What is more important, making your point about your politician, or influencing someone’s eternal destiny? The reason God gave you that relationship with that person was to be His representative, not a candidate’s representative. Do not allow this political season to build walls and become a stumbling block to sharing your faith with others, instead use it as an opening to represent the real “president,” the King of all kings, Jesus Christ.

Our forefathers never intended for that to happen. The pilgrims left England in hope of finding a place where they could worship and serve God without the tyranny of a government or king oppressing them. The intent of our forefathers was to set up a form of government that would not allow a governing body to oppress its people when it came to the subject of worship. Yet, at the same time it is obvious in the statements and writings of our country’s forefathers, that they intended for the government to be influenced by its people’s faith and that those who hold positions be people of faith.

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By Tim Bartee

Your pastor speaks

The writer is the pastor of Northtowne Church of God in Sidney.

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