I was recently asked by a good friend to give my opinion, in writing, regarding politics, and the seemingly incessant, obsessive, compulsive need of some Christians to intently focus themselves on politics, on the self-important drivel from televisions favorite talking heads, on the latest political scandal, corruption, etc.; and their apparent inability to turn away from it. That actually describes how I used to be, and how many professing Christians are today. Here is my response to my friend.
Politics. Just the word is enough to drive some of us up the wall. In case you don't think so, try this little experiment: The next time you are at a dinner party, or hanging out with some friends, toss out a recent political headline into the conversation and ask everyone what they think. That conversation is almost guaranteed to degrade into an argument. Want to lose friends? Talk politics. What to alienate family? Talk politics. Now while I can (kind of) understand why politics is such an important topic, a hot-button topic in the world of unbelievers, I can't quite grasp why it is for Christians.
Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and his time in office have thrown Christians into the limelight, with many people believing that Christians are having an undue influence on the most powerful man in the world. Now while I could argue, successfully I think, about whether or not those Christians close to the president are actually Christians, I don't want to focus on this for this article. Although that is an important topic, I think what is more important is the apparent obsession some Christians have for political news, political discussion, political debate, political commentary, etc. They worry and get upset about what seems like the hopeless direction their preferred party seems to be headed, or the corruption they see in government. They worry about “prophecies” they believe are coming to pass, and they worry the end times are upon us. I have seen this countless times in the many interactions I have had with numerous Christians through my blog, conversations, and debates; and I can tell you this is a serious issue. I'll tell you why.
We worry about things that, in all reality, have no bearing whatsoever on us as Christians. No, seriously, none of this has any real bearing on us as Christians. We are worrying about nothing. “But look what they are doing! Look at the scandals! Look at the corruption!” Yes, I see it and I ask you why you would expect anything different from a world system ruled by the biggest, most corrupt, most scandalous, liar in the history of mankind –– Satan?
Satan is the ruler, the leader, of the world's system of things (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19), so we should realize that the world is going to follow the lead of its ruler. But the fact of the matter is, we are not part of this world. We may live here for the time being, but we are not part of it (John 17:14-16). Our citizenship, our true and eternal citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While we are to be obedient to the government (in so far as it does not require us to violate God's Word), our complete and unquestioning loyalty is to the Creator of the universe, not the president.
Now don't misunderstand me. It isn't that I don't care about what happens in the world, because I do. But I don't mind what happens, or what this political party or that political leader is doing, has done, or might do. I don't mind, and I don't worry, because God is in total control. Total control. And I know, that no matter what happens, no matter how bad I think it is getting, not only is God in total control but He is right there with me and He will never leave me, nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). He is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7), my rock and my fortress (Psalm 18:2), my light and my salvation, who is there for me to be afraid of in this world? (Psalm 27:1; Revelation 1:17).
Jesus said, “I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26). So clearly, the cares and worries, the anxieties and drama, the corruption and helplessness of the world are to be of no concern to me. God is in control, God is always with me, and God will supply all my needs. All I need do is to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him.
“Ah,” some might say, “that is easier said than done!” Well, actually, no is it isn't. Scripture tells us that we are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2); and we are enabled to do this because as Christians, we are a new creation. We are no longer the “old me,” but we are now in God and He is in us (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 4:13,16; 1 Corinthians 3:16). Therefore, we are to be anxious about nothing. Not one thing, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, while giving thanks to God, we let God know our requests. And, when we do that, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
So the next time I, or you, see the latest trending political headline proclaiming the latest scandal, the latest exposed corruption, the latest ridiculous piece of impending liberal or conservative legislation, the latest asinine liberal or conservative comments on the news, the downward spiral of this party or that party, the latest “END TIME PROPHECY FULFILLED BY _________ (fill in the blank); don't worry about it. That concerns a world that we are not part of. Instead, “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:15-17).
Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and his time in office have thrown Christians into the limelight, with many people believing that Christians are having an undue influence on the most powerful man in the world. Now while I could argue, successfully I think, about whether or not those Christians close to the president are actually Christians, I don't want to focus on this for this article. Although that is an important topic, I think what is more important is the apparent obsession some Christians have for political news, political discussion, political debate, political commentary, etc. They worry and get upset about what seems like the hopeless direction their preferred party seems to be headed, or the corruption they see in government. They worry about “prophecies” they believe are coming to pass, and they worry the end times are upon us. I have seen this countless times in the many interactions I have had with numerous Christians through my blog, conversations, and debates; and I can tell you this is a serious issue. I'll tell you why.
We worry about things that, in all reality, have no bearing whatsoever on us as Christians. No, seriously, none of this has any real bearing on us as Christians. We are worrying about nothing. “But look what they are doing! Look at the scandals! Look at the corruption!” Yes, I see it and I ask you why you would expect anything different from a world system ruled by the biggest, most corrupt, most scandalous, liar in the history of mankind –– Satan?
Satan is the ruler, the leader, of the world's system of things (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19), so we should realize that the world is going to follow the lead of its ruler. But the fact of the matter is, we are not part of this world. We may live here for the time being, but we are not part of it (John 17:14-16). Our citizenship, our true and eternal citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While we are to be obedient to the government (in so far as it does not require us to violate God's Word), our complete and unquestioning loyalty is to the Creator of the universe, not the president.
Now don't misunderstand me. It isn't that I don't care about what happens in the world, because I do. But I don't mind what happens, or what this political party or that political leader is doing, has done, or might do. I don't mind, and I don't worry, because God is in total control. Total control. And I know, that no matter what happens, no matter how bad I think it is getting, not only is God in total control but He is right there with me and He will never leave me, nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). He is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7), my rock and my fortress (Psalm 18:2), my light and my salvation, who is there for me to be afraid of in this world? (Psalm 27:1; Revelation 1:17).
Jesus said, “I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26). So clearly, the cares and worries, the anxieties and drama, the corruption and helplessness of the world are to be of no concern to me. God is in control, God is always with me, and God will supply all my needs. All I need do is to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him.
“Ah,” some might say, “that is easier said than done!” Well, actually, no is it isn't. Scripture tells us that we are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2); and we are enabled to do this because as Christians, we are a new creation. We are no longer the “old me,” but we are now in God and He is in us (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 4:13,16; 1 Corinthians 3:16). Therefore, we are to be anxious about nothing. Not one thing, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, while giving thanks to God, we let God know our requests. And, when we do that, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
So the next time I, or you, see the latest trending political headline proclaiming the latest scandal, the latest exposed corruption, the latest ridiculous piece of impending liberal or conservative legislation, the latest asinine liberal or conservative comments on the news, the downward spiral of this party or that party, the latest “END TIME PROPHECY FULFILLED BY _________ (fill in the blank); don't worry about it. That concerns a world that we are not part of. Instead, “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:15-17).
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