During times like these there are many Christian people that fall into the snare of political focus. Christians start feeling that they need to start openly voicing their stances on dozens of political issues that exist today. Suddenly you start hearing Christians putting down political leaders, insulting random people, arguing among their friends, and pointing fingers at many people as a general whole. This proves itself to be vain, hurtful, and embarrassing to the name of Christ and shameful to the church. Christian, before I dive into this, let me encourage you, to take heed. Be careful and cautious on how much you focus on such things. It takes a life time to build a strong testimony for God, but only a moment to ruin it.
What Does Jesus Say About Politics?
Obviously, the most important thing to keep in mind is what our Lord and Savior taught. Jesus was born under King Herod, and His earthly ministry took place in Jerusalem and Roman governmental authority. Naturally, we know that the Roman government was very corrupt and definitely didn't hold up the morals and laws taught by Jehovah God. That being said, their government and nation was in a much worse condition than all 1st World Countries today. It wasn't unheard of to have assassinations, public executions, scandals left and right, etc. etc.
So, like Christians today, Jesus spoke out against these leaders and all their corruption. Right?
Wrong!
Matthew 22:17-22 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
Jesus never said anything in regards to politics. and when approached with a political question Jesus simply responded with those underlined words above. Give to Caesar (governmental authority) the things that belong to them, and then surrender to God the things which are God's. So let this serve as a reminder to all of us Christians. Not to allow political issues to become our focus or cloud what our vision should be.
In fact, there is so much we can learn from observing Jesus' ministry on this earth. Let's recall back to Jesus' birth and the events that happened there:
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
We see here that when Herod heard of Jesus' birth and therefore the prophecy of Jesus' reign. Herod went on a rampage and slaughtered all children two years old and under. Herod tried to kill Jesus. Yet, we never see Jesus ever speak out, slander, or in any way put down King Herod during His earthly ministry. What does that communicate to us? Well, if we're to be as Christ, then we shouldn't be putting down our nation's leaders. Whether they're righteous or not. Moral or immoral, we should still treat them with respect. Why is that? It's important to me that we read both these verses in order.
Romans 12:21-13:1 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
The reason why, is because even the evil rulers are still appointed by God. When evil comes into power, We are to overcome evil with good. Overcoming the greatest adversities that the world (including political leaders) with the goodness of Jesus Christ. Reflecting His meek spirit. However, I know someone's going to ask "Wait, Pastor Will, God wouldn't appoint evil people to rule. That's the work of the devil!" well notice how Jesus responded to Pilate while on trial
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
(Also Daniel 4:17, Psalm 75:6-7, Daniel 2:21, Proverbs 8:15)
Yes, God does in fact appoint leaders. Why would He appoint evil people into power? I'm not God, but I could say, based on Biblical patterns, that there are a few reasons for such leaders to take power. A few of these reasons could be judgment, to bring persecution so the church can grow, to bring some to Him that otherwise wouldn't, or it could be that this ruler hardened their heart toward God and rebelled against His will.
Hosea 8:4 They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction
We see that even though God appoints leaders, we all know God has given man freewill. So, it's not uncommon for evil leaders to be appointed into office due to man's own sinful rebellious nature against God. However, we still see that Jesus kept Himself humble toward political leaders all throughout His ministry, even when facing torture and death at the cross.
Jesus lived in a time that was filled with political turmoil, back biting, and a culture loaded with just as many social issues today (involving religion, sexuality, race etc.) as we have today. However, He didn't complain, whine, or lash out to others about it. Instead, He focused on those Christians are so quick to put down. So quick to judge and deem them unworthy of our time (tax collectors, fisherman, immoral individuals etc) Jesus focused on the Gospel. Because He knew, and has taught us in His word, that nothing will change people's hearts or this world, like His Holy Spirit will.
What Should We Say About Politics?
I touched on some of this already, but the first thing Christians need to realize is this: complaining doesn't change anything. Reaching and teaching people does. Remember this:
James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Now, I'm not saying to compromise the truth by any means. Sin is sin. Good is good. However, our attitudes and behavior toward the world and its leaders is crucial to our ministry. But let's take Daniel as an example. He never compromised the truth. He never argued or complained either. He just continued to follow the Lord and was willing to take any punishment they felt was fit
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
Also, let's take a look at David. Saul, the king, tried killing him. Saul made David's life miserable for years! Besides David showing consistent humility all throughout that process, notice what David did when the news was brought to him of Saul's death:
2 Samuel 1:12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
David gave Saul, for all his evil, respect. He mourned his enemy's death, the death of his son (David's friend) and the hardship of Israel. David even repented for cutting a piece of Saul's robe in his sleep! Then guess what? What did God say about David? Did God call him a coward? Spineless?
Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
God called him a "man after mine own heart", why? Because David, no matter what the wrong, always repented, showed humility, and respected God's will. This includes that David respected God's decision to make Saul leader of the land.
Christian, let me encourage you to not get all worked up over the political situation of the world. You cannot expect non-Christians to act like Christians. You can't expect the world to act any more than what they are: the world. You don't need to be complaining, yelling, insulting, mocking, or demanding the government to change. What you need to be doing is shifting your focus to God! Praying for our country and her leaders. Trusting that God is in control. (He is in more control of it than we will ever be) so let's pray! Focus on the Gospel! Only by reaching the world, creating disciples of Christ, making followers of righteousness, and doing God's work, will we ever see a change in our world today.
Besides, arguing to the sinners of this world with Godly principles is completely counter productive. You can't expect them to understand something about God when they don't even have a relationship with God. So let me ask you Christian...how will they gain a relationship with God? I'll tell you, by receiving the Gospel! How do they receive the Gospel? By God's people (Christians) giving it to them! That's how we can make a real difference in this world! Complaining, insulting, mocking, and yelling about our griefs only make us look petty, foolish, and ultimately maim the testimony of Jesus Christ. Christian, let us focus on the things of God, not on the things of man. For this world will pass away. This time here is just a vapor. Make it count. Serve and reflect the humility of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep your faith in God, not the government, and trust Him to take care of your needs.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
