As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-14). Like salt, we are to be both a preservative and a flavor enhancer. Our lives and the righteousness that we are given through Jesus ought to preserve this world from total chaos and annihilation. And while we are being a preservative, we must also live our lives in such a way as to add flavor to life itself. Scores of people are living sour lives. We as Christians come along and add flavor to their lives through our teachings of the Word of God and living. This is our calling.
But Jesus also said we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). What is also interesting is that Jesus called Himself the light of the world (John 8:12). The difference is that Jesus is the “source” of light, whereas we merely “reflect” the light from the source. We are a lot like the moon. In and of ourselves there is no light. But whatever light we do possess is merely a reflection of a greater light – that being from the Son.
Now how does this all relate to role of the church in politics? Well, as I have mentioned previously, we must understand Why We Exist. Our calling is to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. We are to make disciples of all nations and never lose sight of this.
We also remember that it is in “God We Trust.” God does whatever He pleases. We are not to try to rule the world or a country or state, but to leave that to the Lord. We are to be about building His kingdom not ours. So in politics, we often do not see things we like. We do not often hear things we like. It is those times we remind ourselves that God is in full control and we ought to trust Him to do the things that pleases Him. And as Christians, whatever pleases God ought to also please us. This is some of the ways we can be both salt and light. But there’s more --
Let’s take a look at our next point –
3. Our Christian Duty Is To Submit
No matter how you look at politics, no matter what political affiliation you come from, being in subjection to the government is a biblical absolute. When we do so, we are following the command of Scriptures, the example of Christ and also the Apostles.
The Example of Christ
Jesus came into a world where slavery abounded, dictators dominated, heavy taxes were the norm and followers of God were routinely persecuted. The people in the days of Christ had no democratic process, nor did they have many of the liberties we take for granted in our country.
But what is very interesting is how Jesus responded to these things. This is what He said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s (Matt. 22:21).
Although He could have, Jesus did not call upon armies of angelic beings to overthrow the oppressive governments or try to establish a new political order so that it would be easier for the gospel to go forth and for Christians to live their lives. He did not try to or even talk about setting up and establishing a new political administration, nor did He attempt to organize public protests against Rome. Jesus said that He had to be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Jesus also said that He can do nothing unless He sees what the Father is doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son joins Him in it (John 5:19).
This ought to be enough to get us to pause and examine our own involvement in politics. What if the Father is not in it to the extent that some churches are? We are not to get involved in something because we have a passion for it or because we sense a dire need and then ask God to come over with us and bless our dreams and passions. God is not one of our disciples but we are His. We watch and wait to see what the Lord is doing and then join Him. But while we are watching and waiting, we already have been given our marching orders – “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and as you go, “trust in the Lord” along the way and “submit to the governing authorities” no matter what land or nation you are living in.
Jesus was not focused on outward change – the kind of change one gets from politics, but instead Jesus was focused on changing the heart of a person.
42Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” – Mark 10:42-45 NIV.
Here is a summary of the Father’s Will. You want to see changes, real changes? Don’t try to rise to the top and start there, start at the bottom and SERVE. Do we know better than Jesus? Are we more equipped to know how to change the hearts of people than the Lord? He showed to us the way, why not do it?
17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean' " – Matt. 15:17-20 NIV
If the things that make a man unclean come out of the heart, then where would we focus to make a person whole and clean again? Change the laws? Enact policy changes? Rewrite the Constitution? Organize marches and protests to scare our leaders into doing what we want from them? No, the issue is sin in the heart and the solution is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Jesus did not at any time on earth lead civil rights demonstrations. He preached the good news of forgiveness and salvation. Jesus did not try to launch a new political order, but a spiritual one – called the church! And we who are members of this new spiritual order are called to follow His lead!
The Testimony of the Scriptures
But the question remains, how can we as Christians balance the priority of God’s kingdom with the desire to be good citizens on earth? Well, political and social activism is not the answer.
When you boil it all down, God has called His people to do two fundamental duties with regards to civil responsibilities: First we find in Romans 13:1 these words: 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
What can be plainer than this?
Second, Rom. 13:7 - Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
So what is the sum of our duties toward the land where we live? Submit and pay your taxes! Beyond these things we are to stay focus on spiritual matters which involves making disciples and seeking first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). In a temporal world where are living, we are to focus on eternal matters. Being involved in political matters may seem quite significant at the moment, but it pales next to kingdom priorities.
The Example of the Apostles
When Paul wrote Romans 13, the ruthless authoritarian Nero was in power at the time. So what Paul was teaching us is that no matter who is in power and no matter how ruthless and senseless the policies and decisions are, we are called to submit, unless we are forbidden to preach the gospel. If this happens, then we are to graciously and loving repeal. And if that does not work, "we obey God rather than man" (Acts 5:29).
Likewise Peter had much to say about our civil responsibility to the government as well. He too encouraged believers in his day to be submissive to the governing authorities.
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king – 1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV
Sounds a lot like Paul’s teachings, does it not? Here is something that we do not hear much about. Just before Peter tells his readers to live in submission to the governing authorities, he first tells them this: Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (v. 12).
If there is one thing we need to always remember is this: Before the lost (those who do not know Jesus as their Lord), we must be very careful to live our lives in such a way so as not to be accused of wrong doing. How can we do this? Verse 13: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution.”
One of the things we must always ask ourselves is this: Will this protest, will this march, will this gathering be viewed by those who are unsaved as reflecting the heart of Christ or as a sign of rebellion? Are the signs that are being held up glorifying the God? Are the people present saying and doing honorable and peaceful things that reflect a heart of submission? Are we holding hands with non-Christians from other agencies, organizations and churches just to get a show of numbers to make our point? You see, the Bible’s promise to us is this: When Christian citizenship is marked by exemplary behavior, it silences the ridicule of unbelievers (1 Pet. 2:15).
By living in submission to the governing authorities, we as Christians are showing the world our true allegiance to Jesus Christ. The church must not have a reputation for being a trouble maker. Though we are called to denounce unrighteousness and immorality, we must also give honor and respect to those whom God has placed over us. This biblical pattern applies to everyone Christian living at anytime in any place.
More to come.
