Should I Be Concerned with the Effects of Politics on the Church?

What do you think about current political issues and the state of the Union?
Are you concerned? 

Should you be concerned?

Browsing through Facebook entries I came across a friend’s comment on a current burning political issue. I seldom engage in political banter, but I was interested in my friend’s point of view—He’s a really smart guy. I read many of his friends’ comments (and was reminded of why I seldom engage in political banter). A reoccurring thought in the comments caught my attention and I think it is important for all of us to think about. 

There was a real concern among several over the way the current and past presidential administrations affected Christianity. They commented about personal behavior, political behavior, policies and appointments. 

Three thoughts came to my mind that helped me to address this issue biblically…

First, Luke recorded several ‘progress reports’ on the advancement of Christianity in the Book of Acts. The church really started off with a bang (Acts 2). Shortly after, two prominent apostles, Peter and John, were arrested and subsequently reprimanded by the highest Jewish court for preaching the gospel. They went on preaching and the church grew. Then two deceitful Christians were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit. That resulted in fear and awe, yet the church grew. Then all the apostles were arrested and beaten for preaching. They rejoiced because they had suffered for Christ and they continued preaching and the church grew.

Next, there was an internal issue in the church. It was dealt with harmoniously and the church grew. Then a prominent preacher was stoned to death, and then a harsh persecution against Christians broke out...and the church grew.

Throughout the Book of Acts we can read of opposition to and persecution against the church of God...and continued growth. Growth was not dependent on the political climate of the day; not at the local level, national level, or empire level.

Second, You may recall names like Herod Antipas and Agrippa; or Caligula, Claudius, Nero and Vespasian. These were the rulers in Judea and in Rome when the events in Acts occurred. These were not Christian men nor were they sympathetic to Christianity. They did nothing intentionally to benefit Christianity, quite the contrary. Yet, the church grew.

Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome and instructed them “to be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1-7). Peter encouraged Christians in a letter, “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17). When Paul and Peter wrote, Nero was ‘king’!

Third, in Luke 13 we read that Jesus once had an encounter with a group of people who were concerned with the ‘headline news’ of their day. They...

...reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

The minds of the people were focused on the wrong things and Jesus literally told them that they needed to change their thinking (repent).

Jesus told his followers that the world will know that we are his disciples based on our love for one another...not our politics. That tells me that we need to focus our hearts on the needs of our fellow Christians, first at home, then elsewhere.

In addition, instead of focusing on hypocritical politicians, we should conduct a self-evaluation:

• Am I the husband/wife God expects me to be?
• Am I the parent God expects me to be?
• Do I give honor and respect to my parents (regardless of my age, or theirs)?
• What definition of ’Christian’ does my behavior write for my coworkers?
• Does God think I am generous or selfish with my money/possessions?

We, not politicians, are salt and light in the world. 

We have a greater affect on the church than any politician.

How are your choices, your behavior, and your life example affecting the growth of the church today???

Mark Stinnett

January 12, 2020

"Delightful!"

It is one of my daughters’ favorite places to eat. So, I’ve been there a few times. I recognized one of the waitresses (Carley) who is about the age of my oldest daughter. As a general rule I tip generously when eating out, thinking, “She is someone’s daughter. I should treat her like I would want folks to treat my daughter.” I often write a short note at the bottom of my receipt to acknowledge the good service I’ve received. (And I never lie; cranky waitresses get no note.)

On one occasion a while back I was at that favorite place for lunch and Carley waited on me. I enjoyed an especially good meal and good service. At the bottom of my receipt, I wrote one word, “Delightful.”

The other day I returned and sat in the same general area and Carley was working. To my surprise she greeted me from across the restaurant and as soon as she could she rushed over to my table and said, “I’ve got to show you something.”

(We all enjoy a little special attention when we go out to eat, but I’ll be honest, it was a little more attention than I expected and I was glancing around to make sure I had a clear path to an exit if necessary.)

Carley pushed through dozens of photos on her phone to show me a picture of my receipt from my previous visit: “Delightful.” Tearing up, she explained that she had been having a bad day and my little one-word note was a real encouragement. She took the picture and kept it hoping that she could share it with me.

Needless to say, THAT made my day!

We sometimes talk about our Christian example and the fact that we never know the lives that we may touch. A good example; a good deed; a kind word...literally…‘a’ kind word.

I’ve always known that my personal ‘tipping policy’ was good because it is ultimately rooted in the words of Jesus: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (I simply extended its application.)

My experience reminded me of how important it is to treat every person with sincere kindness. People are important. People are valuable. Even when I go out to eat and expect a good meal and expect good service for the money I spend, I encounter real people who are important and valuable in God’s eyes. How do I know this?
Answer: John 3:16.

I was also mindful of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about His disciples being salt and light. Go back and read what Jesus said about being salt (Matthew 5:13). Look it up and see if He was referring to the flavor-enhancing quality of salt. We who are in Christ are supposed to be salt in this world. That means that we are supposed to make life taste good to those around us.

I don’t know what may come of this seemingly chance encounter. But a door of opportunity has opened for me to say something to Carley about Jesus; all because of a simple kindness based on the Golden Rule.

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. —Galatians 6:10 (NASB95)

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. —Colossians 4:5 (NASB95)

We ARE salt. 
So, think about being delightfully salty and watch for opportunities that God may bring into your life.