I want to spend a few weeks pressing your mind on several hot button issues that have (even more so than usual) come to the forefront in our society. They are: Politics, Revolution and War. More specifically I want to challenge you all to come at each of these emotionally charged issues with a specifically Christian perspective.

So..let’s get at it shall we.

Part 1: Politics

It is no doubt that Politics is a charged topic for many Christians. Yet I have also observed what I consider to be a disturbing pattern. For most the issue of politics usually begins with two words: Democrat and Republican. Many Christians, failing to get beyond these labels, fall comfortably victim to party lines and pull that lever in the voting booth no matter the choice. Furthermore they find a certain pleasure in debating (that’s putting it nicely) with other Christians who fall into the opposite camp about their inability to critically think about the issues. (Does this sound like you or someone you know?)

Yet stop right now and ask yourself the following questions:

If we do not know what the Word of God says about the issue of politics we cannot serve God well in the arena of government. I believe God desires His children to be more than good party adherents. Here are a few points to reflect on that will hopefully get the conversation started in the right direction.

1. The Bible tells us one of the primary roles of government is the protection of justice for all its citizens. (Psalm 72:12-15)

As you choose who and what to vote for consider what impact it will have on those who have no voice, the inability to speak for themselves, or are currently being oppressed within our own society. This will not make every issue immediately black and white but it will put us on the right line of discussion and debate with others.

2. The Bible tells us one of the primary roles of government is the judgment of wickedness in it’s society. (Romans 13:3-4)

How will that particular measure or sanction impact the necessary practice of checking evil within our society? Will it hinder the punishment of evil? Can it embolden some to act wickedly? Who is the sole arbiter of what is and is not good? Does something have to be classified as criminal to be wicked? These are important questions that should guide or decision making.

3. The Bible tells us submission to government coupled with the personal responsibility to do good is a Godly pursuit.   ( 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Do I speak well of those who I did not vote for? Am I contributing to the silence of the foolish or to the general babble of the foolish with my words and actions? How can I disagree with my elected officials in a God honoring way? (We will talk more on this subject in the weeks to come). Is it possible that the one that we did not vote for was God’s choice and that the individual we voted for was not God’s choice? If so, how should we respond when our candidate is not elected?

I hope I have raised some good things for thought and discussion. I would love for you to throw your ideas into the ring. Primarily, let us be Christians who allow the Word of God to guide all areas of our life…even politics. I think we will all be surprised what God has to say on the topic if we just took a breath and let Him talk for awhile.

Community Questions:

1. Is there a balance between justice and personal responbility? (The Nanny State vs. Individual Responsibility)

2. Given what the Bible has to say about government should there be a separation between Church and State as exists today? If you could change this concept in our society how would you?