Spiritual NOT Political

The book of Judges records 400 years of Israel's dark history, and in it, we read this statement four times, “at that time there was no king in Israel.” (17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). Yet there was a king in Israel. Their King was the LORD God himself, but the people rejected God as their King, and this led to spiritual, moral, and political destruction.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

When a society rejects God's leadership and refuses to obey His word, it always leads to radical individualism, where people are morally self-guided and ends with everyone doing what seems right in their own eyes. Inevitably, when people do what is right in their own eyes, they do what is wrong in God's eyes. This period of Israel's history isn’t much different than how society lives today. We don't have a political problem in America; we have a spiritual problem. So, we don't need a political answer; we need a biblical answer. The hope for a society living absent from God does not lie in a political party or particular candidate but in Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, the church is often viewed with suspicion today, just like the early church. So, we must be good citizens without compromising our faith. When I look at the life of Jesus and the early Christians, I see that they spent very little time trying to change the government and most of their time building His kingdom. As church leaders, we must encourage our people to vote with biblical values, avoid partisan politics, and stay on mission.

Christian author Carey Nieuwhof says, “The moment you wade into partisan politics (or political conversations that take a very narrow point of view) is the moment you alienate at least 50% of the people you’re trying to reach.”

Our job is to share the gospel and make disciples, so we must avoid dividing His church and alienating the people we strive to reach. I’m often asked what the dos and don’ts are as a pastor when it comes to politics in the church. Here is a good read on that topic from the Christian Post.

I find great hope in what Nehemiah wrote during another dark time in Israel’s history.

Nehemiah 9:30-31 In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still they wouldn't listen! So once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them. But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely, or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! (NLT)

During this very politicized year, let's not become distracted or divided. Let’s keep the gospel as our primary message, pray for God's “great mercy,” and remember that Jesus is our only hope.

Leadership Truth: Great leaders keep the main thing, the main thing.