Saturday, September 19, 2009

Christians and Political Activism

You've probably heard of The Moral Majority, you've probably also heard some TV or radio preacher (or perhaps your own) talk about political issues affecting areas such as:

1. Sexual Morality (especially with respect to public officials, and the "rights" of homosexuals)
2. Euthanasia
3. Abortion
4. Stem Cell Research (and it's tie-ins with human cloning)
5. 9/11 and other conspiracy theories
6. Political power grabs (FEMA and Homeland Security, among others)
7. Unfair taxes
8. Alternative Energy smoke and mirrors
9. Hate Crimes legislation
10. [Any number of other political issues]

Now, there's nothing wrong with pointing out that we have problems in this country, or for that matter, in the world. As I said, we appear to be living in the day of the generation that will see the rise of the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the return of Jesus Christ.

What I want to talk about is not so much the fact that people are talking about these and other issues, especially as they may possibly affect Christians and our ability to give testimony to the Truth of the God of the Bible, and the Christ who died to save men from sin. No, what I want to talk about here is the way many Christians go about talking about these issues.

First off, the Bible makes it clear that we are to "honour the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Now, I've heard the argument that the President, Congress, and the court system are not the same as a "king", but the Bible was written before there was a "President". In fact, 1 Peter 2:13-17 is all about honoring the law and those who govern us; obeying the law, insofar as it does not demand that we sin; and upholding the law, insofar as it does not ask us to disobey God.

Many Christian leaders, as well as their followers, attack the person of our leaders, as well as their actions. I do not believe this honours anyone. Also, our call is not to political action, but to spiritual action. I question the amount of time Christians spend trying to tear down our leaders, versus the amount of time they spend doing our calling: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, to every people and nation and tribe.

Also, Peter warns in his second epistle that many deceivers will come, and among the list of characteristics of these deceivers are the following:

"... and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (2 Peter 2:10b)

Peter goes on to say, "Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." (2 Peter 2:11) Hmm. Yet we bring accusations before our fellow Christians, and even before unbelievers!

But wait, there is more, "But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;" (2 Peter 2:12-13)

Perhaps we, as Christians, ought to examine ourselves and see if any of this describes us. Do we speak out against dignities without understanding? Do we really know the full story behind their actions? Even if they are preparing the way of the Antichrist, is it our job to speak out against them?

I believe that many Christians today have no concept of the ministry we were called unto by Christ. Jesus' ministry consisted of three things: spreading the Gospel (the good news of salvation through belief in His saving work on the cross), healing, and deliverance (from demons, curses, and evil soul and spirit ties). Jesus said that we would do the same things He did, and even greater.

Also, so many Christians join themselves with other "moral" people who are non-Christian (members of cults, moral humanists, agnostics, pagans and members of other "faiths") for the purpose of effecting political change. God says in His word that, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7: 14)

I ask you, have you humbled yourself, gotten on your knees and prayed, sought God's face, confessed your sin, and turned from your wicked ways? If not, why not?

If you have not, then do not expect to see God heal your land. It's not your job, it's His, your job is to obey.

For those of us who do follow the scriptures I've quoted, let us pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ will follow suit.

Yours in Christ,
PK

2 comments:

  1. Good comments PK. I believe we're called to a different Kingdom. One not of this world.

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  2. I agree, however, the day is coming when that kingdom will sojourn on this world, for a thousand years, before this world is destroyed, to be replaced with a new Earth, untouched by the ravages of sin.

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