What Shall We Then Do? Part XI of Religion and Politics

As I’ve discussed in multiple articles, the mixture of religion and politics has a long and sordid history. That does not suggest, however, that religious people avoid politics or issues having a religious, moral or ethical base not be raised. Rather, Yeshua’s words should take precedence, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) God’s kingdom is reflected in a way of life that puts God and others before ourselves. It means we treat all people with respect, recognizing that everyone is created in the image of God, even those whose values may be diametrically opposed to ours. As Yeshua said, before we criticize another, we need to remove the logs in our own eyes. This must be the basis of any involvement in political affairs.

So, what shall we do? The one clear Biblical admonition is to pray for government leaders. Paul states in his first letter to Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” The Book of Proverbs contains several passages related to the importance of civil leadership being just and righteous. “By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.” (Proverbs 29:4) So prayer for those in authority must include the plea that they promote justice in society. As the passages above say, the result is stability, peace and quiet.

We are also to pray for our nations. Interestingly, a verse highlighted by the Moral Majority in the late 1970’s, can provide some guidance: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14) Of course, these were God’s special words to King Solomon when he dedicated the First Temple, and they were directed to the Israelites during what’s known as the First Commonwealth (1000 BC-586 BC). Whether we can extrapolate those principles to modern society is up for debate. Nevertheless, the Moral Majority used this passage to highlight the decline of morals in American society and to call the nation to repentance. The irony is, however, that the emphasis of the verse is upon those who are God’s people humbling themselves and turning from their wicked ways, not necessarily the society at large.

Expanding upon this point is a passage from I Peter 4:17: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Whereas the Moral Majority’s focus was to organize a political movement to alter the cultural changes taking place in the US, the Biblical passages above emphasize that if we want God to move in our societies, then we, as His followers, must get right with Him and act like Him. This is similar to Yeshua’s commandment mentioned above about first taking the log out of our own eyes before attempting to remove the speck in someone else’s.

To assume God will change society through our political action is pure folly. God moves on society as His people call on His name. Certainly, society changes as more people put God first in their lives. Yes, there is a place to press political leaders with issues that concern the followers of Yeshua. But to associate Yeshua and His kingdom with a specific political agenda is a grievous mistake. The result is the contamination of the gospel, and many people losing any interest in pursuing God.

Next time: What Shall We Then Do, Part 2