Many people have been lulled into a false sense of righteousness by their particular brand of politics. They think that if they have the right government or rules, they will be elevated above others who do not have the same love for these affairs of state.
One of the excuses used to justify the political overemphasis is the quest for freedom to be able to spread the gospel. I don't see in any Scriptures that say we must save a government in order to preach the gospel. Often the church grows under hardship because when it comes those who have been safe and comfortable suddenly realize the need for Christ when they are no longer in control of their lives.
Another prayer modern Christians quote is for God to "delay the decay." I see no evidence or mandate in Scripture that we are to somehow turn back the tide of evil so we can enjoy political peace. This is what the antichrist will promise the world, it is not what God tells us will happen in these end times.
As believers, we look to Jesus Christ and the Spiritual oneness with Him that leads us to think with HIs mind and not with the collective minds of others who share a particular political view.
I have been in company many times with those who share the same political and even moral values that I do but the relationship falls short because they do not love Jesus Christ or seek Him rather they love their self-righteousness because of the set of rules they follow.
Jesus Christ is added to their life in the form of "religion" that they practice with the hope of gaining heaven for the way they live. They rarely if ever speak of Christ but are full of political jargan that makes them feel safe and superior.
They do not understand that their own righteousness will not get them to heaven. In fact, their own righteousness stands in the way of the righteousness of Christ that they do not trust in or care about. As long as these self-exalted people depend on their own righteousness they will never have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 "20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
There are conservative unsaved people and conservative saved people. They think alike when it comes to the rules and better living but they do not share the same mindset that raises Christ above everyone and everything.
1 Corinthians 1:30
"30 But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, [b]and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,"
Our country has become very proud of how righteous the people think they are based on their political views claiming they are salt and light through politics.
When Christ told us to be salt and light He was telling us to live out His righteousness and to bring the gospel to the lost. When believers in Christ spend more time speaking about politics than they do of Christ we know their focus is better living for themselves rather than the gospel to the lost.
Politics will not save anyone, religious rituals will not save anyone, and having a "positive" attitude around pleasure and personal gain will not save anyone.
Many people boast about their political leanings but never boast openly about Christ.
Romans 10:1-4 "10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.
2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.
3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes."
The modern Christian adds their own righteousness to some aspects of God's principles and pays far more attention to their own idea of their goodness, resulting in political leanings, than they do to being sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ.
What comes out of our mouths is what we love the most.
John 10:27-28 "27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.…"
John 10:14
"I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,"
When our mind is focused on Christ we do our due diligence to live a peaceful life as far as we are able, but our mandate from God is the gospel, not a political entity, not a set of religious rituals, not glorifying self, but to glorify Christ because we walk with HIm.
Galatians 3:5
"Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?"
Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
1 Thessalonians 2:13
"And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God--the word which is now at work in you who believe."
Hebrews 4:2
"For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it."
May those who have believed in Christ turn their focus back to Him!
No comments:
Post a Comment