Now that the election is over I feel more freedom to talk about the craziness we just experienced. Where to start… How about a story?Two stories actually. The first is a conversation I had with a Republican. He said “I don’t see how a Christian could vote for the democratic candidate. They support abortion. They support gay marriage and transgender ideology.” Conclusion: Bible believing Christians must avoid affiliation with a candidate who supports unbiblical ideas. Simple, right?
Then I had another conversation in stark contrast to the first. I was hanging out with a friend who walked away from his faith several years ago. “This might offend you,” he started, “but what’s the deal with Evangelicals and Trump? He’s on record saying terrible, hateful things. Why do Christian’s seem to worship him?” Conclusion: Bible believing Christians must avoid voting for someone with such openly poor ethics and behavior. Simple, right?
How does one align faith and politics in this two-party system? It gets complicated. Emotional. Heated. Answering that question is anything but simple.
And how should pastors like myself address politics? That answer actually is simple. And I can sum it up in one sentence: If I have to play the game, I’m change the rules.
But don’t take my word for it. Take a look at Jesus. He lived in a politically charged time. Jews versus Gentiles, Israel versus Rome, Pharisees versus Sadducees, zealots versus tax collectors. Choosing a side should have been even more “simple” than we face as believers in Modern America. But Jesus never chose a side. He consistently rejected the call to support the kingdoms of this world, and boldly urged his followers to build the Kingdom of God.
If Jesus had a political slogan, this would be it: “If I have to play the game, I’m changing the rules.” Allow me to illustrate.
Skeptics asked him to choose sides between Judah and Rome. “Should one pay taxes to Caesar or tithe to the temple?” According to Jesus, you can do both in good conscience. (See Matthew 22:15-22)
Accusers cornered him to align with one of two religious candidates: “Are you with Shammai or Hillel?” These two men taught controversial, opposing views regarding divorce and remarriage. Rather than endorsing either candidate, Jesus taught His own proper marriage ethics. (See Matthew 19:3-9)
A government official questioned him, demanding respect for authority. Jesus replied “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11) According to Jesus, you can acknowledge governmental authority while remaining loyal to your heavenly authority.
My fellow pastors: We have people in our congregations who want us to play the political game. They all want to know who you are voting for. Some want you to tell them who to vote for. Many want you to tell everyone else in the church who to vote for.
You cannot avoid the game. But you can change the rules. Here’s a new rulebook.
Rule #1: Proclaim the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. Believers are proud citizens of Heaven and mere exiles on Earth. Political activism is important, but never primary.
Rule #2: Endorse the ways of Jesus, not the platform of any candidate. Your allegiance belongs to Him, and Him alone.
Rule #3: Choose to side with Scripture, not a political party. I don’t care what anyone says, you do not have to support a side. Seriously. You do not have to fully align yourself with the ideology of any political party. You only have to support Scripture.
Politics is unavoidable. And it’s important! But if I have to play the game, I’m changing the rules.