Politics and the Gospel
What if legalizing abortion, gay marriage, and removing prayer and bibles from schools were Satan’s secondary objectives? What if his primary objective was to replace the proclamation of the gospel by Christians with political discourse and debate? What if he is using these hot button topics to divert Christians from the gospel, which is the only thing he really fears from us?  If these are his true goals and priorities then he is executing his plan with amazing effectiveness.
Why are so many public prayers in churches focused on fixing the political system rather than effective proclaiming of the gospel? This reveals a fundamental mind shift away from the gospel as the solution to the world’s problems. While our country’s motto is still “In God we trust.”, it seems the church’s motto has become “In politics we trust.”
How often is the issue of discussion between believers and unbelievers the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than some hot button topic like abortion, gay marriage, or prayer in schools? This simple measure reveals how far the Church has strayed from its God given mission.
For some odd reason, we Christians think that non-Christians should see the world from the same perspective we do. We spend our time trying to convince them through debate or coerce them by legislation to our point of view. This is entirely the wrong way to proceed. We don’t change them to our perspective by convincing them or coercing them. We do it by converting them. The only way to covert them is by telling them about Jesus and asking them to believe on Him. It is then Jesus’ job, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to change their perspective and convince them of the truth.
Do we think that creating another set of laws will save our country? If the law of God could not save us, do we think that the laws of the United States of America can? What the law can not do because of our own weakness, Jesus can do because of His perfect righteousness. The law reveals our sinfulness but Jesus alone can provide us with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Some will object that if we don’t focus on political means that we are throwing up our hands in defeat and allowing Satan to take over our country. Since when is lobbying for legislation fighting the good fight? What ever happened to the gospel of Jesus Christ being the power of God unto salvation, both of individuals and our country? When did the weapons of our warfare become political weapons rather than spiritual ones? When did we begin to wrestle against flesh and blood rather than spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places?
God has given us one offensive weapon to fight with. It is not our sharp tongues nor is it the United States Constitution. It is the sword of the Spirit which is the bible. The bible alone can reveal to us our thoughts and desires that are contrary to God. It is there that we learn of Jesus and how He provided for our salvation.  It is through that document, and none other, He has provided all that people need to live lives of godliness and get along well with each other.
Is it wrong for Christians to be involved in politics? No, as responsible citizens of the United States of America we have an obligation to be involved. But the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope of mankind and must be the focus of ALL that we do and say.
