Faith and politics: there is much debate in modern times how much interplay there should be between these parts of our lives. Some Christians feel that avoiding politics is essential if one is to steer clear of the stains of this world. There are other Christians who feel that our very purpose is to engage the political processes of our world and create a just society by making the principles of God’s Law the foundation of our civil law.
I tend to be somewhere between the extremes. On the one hand we are citizens of our nation and God desires for us to be good citizens. Voting and participating in the political process are things good citizens should do. On the other hand the idea of having a just society where the government solves all our problems sounds a lot like idolatry to me, and because of the sinful nature of humanity I don’t believe it is possible. In addition, I am sure that God’s will is not for us to turn this world into a Christian utopia! This world is not our home, and it will be destroyed on the Last Day. Yet while we are here we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, and that will translate into actions that make the world a better place.
Faith and politics are very much in play in Acts 22 and 23. Paul invokes his rights as a Roman citizen to avoid a flogging. When the soldiers find that Paul is a citizen they clearly see it as their duty to protect him from the Jewish leaders. When Paul stands before the Jewish council, he perceived two political factions there: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He manipulated the situation politically to his advantage, and in stirring up the council also drew upon that protection he had by right of his Roman citizenship.
So what should we learn from this?
First, I believe it is acceptable and even God pleasing to take advantage of our rights as citizens. This doesn’t mean that we become belligerent about our rights and push things to extremes, but we can use the courts to protect the rights of our children to pray in school. It is right to petition our government when our freedom to assemble, speak, or believe has been infringed upon. If we are discriminated against because of our faith, it is acceptable to call the question.
Then again, we may feel led to allow our political rights to be infringed upon for the sake of the Gospel. A good example of this is when Paul was imprisoned in Philippi. He was not given a hearing therefore his imprisonment violated Roman law and could have been punished by death. But because he did not insist on his rights the jailer and his family became Christians. We are completely free in this regard.
Second, and more important, faith in Jesus is the foundation for our hope for the future. Paul took courage because of Jesus’ promise to him. He did not place his happiness, comfort, or well being in the hands of the political powers around him. His hope was fixed solidly on Jesus. Paul was told that he must testify in Rome, and he knew God’s purpose would be done, despite political maneuvering and the assassination attempt he faced. God has a purpose for our lives as He did for Paul, and we can be confident that in God’s grace he will see us through it. In God’s eternal purpose (faith) we find strength for our daily work (in the midst of politics.)
Father, help me to trust you for all things, and let my trust translate into confidence in Christ. Amen.
I tend to be somewhere between the extremes. On the one hand we are citizens of our nation and God desires for us to be good citizens. Voting and participating in the political process are things good citizens should do. On the other hand the idea of having a just society where the government solves all our problems sounds a lot like idolatry to me, and because of the sinful nature of humanity I don’t believe it is possible. In addition, I am sure that God’s will is not for us to turn this world into a Christian utopia! This world is not our home, and it will be destroyed on the Last Day. Yet while we are here we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, and that will translate into actions that make the world a better place.
Faith and politics are very much in play in Acts 22 and 23. Paul invokes his rights as a Roman citizen to avoid a flogging. When the soldiers find that Paul is a citizen they clearly see it as their duty to protect him from the Jewish leaders. When Paul stands before the Jewish council, he perceived two political factions there: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He manipulated the situation politically to his advantage, and in stirring up the council also drew upon that protection he had by right of his Roman citizenship.
So what should we learn from this?
First, I believe it is acceptable and even God pleasing to take advantage of our rights as citizens. This doesn’t mean that we become belligerent about our rights and push things to extremes, but we can use the courts to protect the rights of our children to pray in school. It is right to petition our government when our freedom to assemble, speak, or believe has been infringed upon. If we are discriminated against because of our faith, it is acceptable to call the question.
Then again, we may feel led to allow our political rights to be infringed upon for the sake of the Gospel. A good example of this is when Paul was imprisoned in Philippi. He was not given a hearing therefore his imprisonment violated Roman law and could have been punished by death. But because he did not insist on his rights the jailer and his family became Christians. We are completely free in this regard.
Second, and more important, faith in Jesus is the foundation for our hope for the future. Paul took courage because of Jesus’ promise to him. He did not place his happiness, comfort, or well being in the hands of the political powers around him. His hope was fixed solidly on Jesus. Paul was told that he must testify in Rome, and he knew God’s purpose would be done, despite political maneuvering and the assassination attempt he faced. God has a purpose for our lives as He did for Paul, and we can be confident that in God’s grace he will see us through it. In God’s eternal purpose (faith) we find strength for our daily work (in the midst of politics.)
Father, help me to trust you for all things, and let my trust translate into confidence in Christ. Amen.
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