I have been in several discussions lately, as many of you have because of the upcoming elections, that have become very heated, very “passionate” and very animated, due to views on politics. It is the hot topic right now, and it does seem to have taken the tenor of “whomever shouts loudest will be the one who is right”.
I was a part of a conversation with some pastors this past week on how we address this from the pulpit. Or maybe the better question was do we even address it from the pulpit. And there were obviously different trains of thought.
One thought was to just preach the Bible. Now, that cannot be wrong, right?!? I mean, who can argue with just preaching the Bible at a time like this, or any time for that matter. It is the main teaching tool that we use at Northwood Church, and it is likewise the same for most Pastors that I know. So, this is a great option but also sort of avoids the subject.
Then there is the strong opinion message that comes with a slanted voting guide, either one way or the other – that may alienate or divide in its message. Something that as I look at Jesus’ teaching, He actually did on regularity. (Matthew 23:27-28 NIV “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.)
This is just one example of this. However, if you look at the message, His concern isn’t about the topic, its about their hearts. See Jesus was always about the heart. About how we were doing in relationship to Him.
(Luke 20:46-47 NIV “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”)
I believe that Jesus is more concerned with where our hearts are. In fact, Jesus did speak about the government – this verse from Mark comes up in most discussions. (Mark 12:13-17 NIV Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.)
In many discussions it is pointed out that what Jesus says in this passage that there’s a place for the government and for us following it. That it may have a true place and duty. But when God comes into consideration there is a new idea. A soon as we place God next to an earthly ruler, “Caesar’s” worth is immediately put into perspective. “Caesar” is a reflection of all others - earthly policies will crumble and statues will erode, but God remains.
I feel as a disciple of Christ that our goal is to direct others to the Cross. That is our task, assignment, function, and responsibility as the church – and as His disciples.
Getting into shouting matches over who to vote for, and exclaiming truths, however Biblical and correct, have never persuaded people to “seeing” Christ’s truth. Jesus’ way was one of love, mercy, and grace. Did He say hard things? Always. But if you search the scriptures, you will see that His ultimate goal in all of His responses were to get to the truth of the heart. Not of any subject matter, or tenet, or platform.
Jesus’ concern was letting people know that they are loved, and that HE came for them. And that in order to be with HIM in eternity, you had to accept HIS free gift of HIMSELF. HE came to die and take on all our sins, so that we might be made clean in the sight of GOD. JESUS came, and now we must believe in HIM, acknowledge HIM as the KING, and believe that HE sacrificed for us and conquered death, rising from the grave to be seated at the right hand of the FATHER. Jesus’ concern wasn’t that we all aligned on a policy or a manifesto. HIS greatest desire for us is to be united with HIM. To come into a place where we have a relationship with HIM.
JESUS’ platform for this election season is this:
John 14:6-8 NIV Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”
Maybe it seems naive, but my intelligence chooses to place my trust in Jesus. Will I vote? Absolutely! God will direct me; I believe in that. I count on that.
Peace,
PTV