One Sunday morning, I attended church virtually. The pastor delivered a powerful message that pointed to Christ. After that, another church service started. That pastor presented a powerful message, too, but powerful in a different way. I listened for a while, but I could hardly believe what I heard coming from the pulpit. It sounded more like a political rally than a church service.
I think we should carefully consider whether the local church should take a political stand. The United States is very divided right now along political lines.
The political preacher I referenced above really got under my skin because his beliefs were the opposite of mine. I know of another case where a Sunday School teacher took a political stance, but not everyone in this adult class agreed. This caused conflict between class members.
The temperature of political talk in the U.S. right now is hot! You can easily get into an argument, even with people in your own party! Emotions are high, and people are opinionated and outspoken.
So the question arises: Is the local church the place for political discussion and persuasion?
The U.S. is pretty much divided 50/50 politically. The way I figure it, a politically opinionated church will turn off all visitors of the opposite side. Do we really want to do that? Is our purpose political persuasion or sharing Christ? Does political persuasion turn people of differing opinions away? You bet it does!
I would suggest that preaching politics only encourages people who agree, and does nothing to change anyone’s mind.
The local church should be open to people of all political persuasions in an effort to lead people to Christ, disciple them, and teach the Word of God.
The point is this: If a church takes a political position, it shuts the door to about half of the people who might potentially attend and be led to Christ. Wouldn’t that slam the door in the face of many lost souls?
Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus preach politics, nor does He command His disciples to do so. He is our example. His purpose was to save the lost, not to change the government. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was brutal and cruel, yet Jesus did not set out to change it. He was changing hearts.
We are commanded to love: Love our neighbor, love the Body of Christ, and even love our enemies. Our assignment is clear.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
The only hope for our nation is Jesus Christ. And not Jesus Christ dictated from Congress or the White House, but Jesus alive in us and our neighbors. And the only way for that to happen is for you and me to focus on making disciples by loving and reaching to people of all walks of life and background, regardless of their lifestyle, choices or political opinions. And, in order to do that, we have to tone down our politics and turn up our Jesus.”
Daryl Fulp, Missionary
Let us strive to obey the commands that Jesus has given us, and put our trust in Him alone.
In His Love, Cindy
“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker
To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB
Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash
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