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"In," not "Of," a Political World

We probably should feel out-of-place.

February, 2021


Politics in the United States has become increasingly polarizing and tense. Christians are often at a loss as to how to respond: how do we know when to speak and when to be silent? When to resist and when to submit? When to disagree and when to accept differences of opinion? Beyond the issues themselves, those worries can be discouraging. How can those who claim to be born-again Christians respond?

A recent statement from a Christian celebrity is handy. In essence, she said people with common sense probably feel they don't have a home in this world right now; if they're Christians, they were never meant to. When we have a Biblical worldview, more loyal to God's will than to politics or culture, we're going to feel an awkward disconnection with the wider world. The crazier and less godly that culture becomes, the more tension we'll feel (John 17:14–15; Romans 12:2).

A biblical reaction means not being caught up in the anger and unfairness. It means remembering we have a higher responsibility and an eternal future. Two important steps can be taken. First, we must focus on comforting fellow believers, in tolerance and respect, even amid disagreement about these struggles (1 Thessalonians 5:12–22). Second, we should strive to be exceptionally, visibly "reasonable," not unfairly biased or prejudiced (Philippians 4:4–9). The world needs to see how our focus on Christ makes us more sensible and evenhanded, not more partisan (Matthew 5:13–16).

There's no point in saying we should not feel discouraged—much of what's happening just is discouraging. It's sad to see these kinds of things happen. It's tragic to watch people on both sides of politics use blatant double standards, hatefully exaggerated words, subtle threats, insults, manipulation, deception, and such, not to mention actual physical violence. It's proper to be embarrassed for the sake of those in a hurry to speak, post, or tweet something inflammatory or cutting. They ought to be quiet and wait until they have something intelligent to say, and even then, to be cautious (Proverbs 11:9–14). We should mourn to see how many, on all sides of the cultural spectrum, callously dismiss the fears and worries of others. It's Christ-like to be sad when we see the world acting in such an irrational, cruel way (John 11:35; Matthew 23:37).

However, these things are only disappointing in an earthly sense. They are not unexpected (John 13:19). Sad as it is to say, the United States has been ignoring God for quite a while. We're moving further and further in that direction. That's not the fault of one political party, or one group. It's a collective choice to put earthly concerns, and personal preferences, above biblical ideals (2 Peter 2:18–19). At some point, God is going to let people suffer the consequences of their own choices (Romans 1:24–32). Even God, eventually, "lets go" and allows those who ignore Him to go their own way, and all we can do is grieve that they've made that choice (Matthew 15:14).

As Christians, we should remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not some political party, or government, or policy, or law, or leader, or label (John 18:36). It's crucial to stand for right actions, attitudes, beliefs, and words, no matter who is involved (James 2:1). We can be sad to see evil things happen, but we don't need to feel hopeless (2 Peter 2:9–10). In fact, knowing that these are entirely expected events (John 14:29; Matthew 24:6–7) should help us feel less fear. What's happening is tragic, but it's not a change or disruption of God's plans (Psalm 33:10).

We can work to stop evil from happening, and we should tell others the gospel when and how we can (Matthew 28:19). We can pray (James 5:16). We can focus on our own hearts and behaviors (1 Samuel 16:7; John 7:24; Matthew 7:1–6). We can express humility (Romans 12:3) and respect (1 Peter 3:15–16) as we seek responses that are more than animal instincts (2 Peter 2:12). In all of it, though, we should remember that God is ultimately in control (Job 42:2), and that His plans for us are not limited by politics or human sin (Romans 8:28).


-- Editor
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