So many people are staunch conservatives, attend large churches every week, but never speak the name of Jesus Christ.
They equate Christianity with conservatism and rule following, but have nothing to say about the principles and commands of Christ unless it is to justify their own desires.
In fact, most of the people who are like this have very committed views about politics as though they have placed their trust in the system and their votes more than in Christ.
Some of them have forbidden women to speak of Christ because of their gender, but have no problem with their wives speaking about politics.
Don't we speak about what is important to us? Why would politics be more important than Christ? Or, why would anything about this world be more important than Christ?
Could it be said that the interest in politics outweighs interest in Christ because safety and personal control over life are what are more important?
God said: "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's", meaning we are to pay our taxes as required by the government and obey the laws of the land that do not disobey God.
Our country has been trained for several generations now that we are good citizens if we vote because of this passage in the Bible about taxes. Those who do not vote are chastised for not being responsible citizens of this country.
However, there is one problem with equating the paying of taxes with voting. The problem is that it is the law of the land that we pay our taxes and is Biblically based, but voting is not a law of the land and is not mentioned in the Bible; it is a choice. Those who choose not to vote are not breaking any law.
This is the reason I say with conviction that if someone is a Christian and chooses not to vote, they are in right standing with God. Just as those who choose to vote may also be in right standing with God.
God has allowed this country to have a vote to show us where our heart is as a country. The country as a whole places its trust in the system of government and its own desires, but they do not place its trust in God. We know this because there is more complaining about the government and politics than there are praises to God for His provision and purpose.
Notice the mantra on our money? "In God we trust." Think about it, why has this been placed on the money and not on the facade of every government building?
I do not trust in our government or our money; I trust in Christ alone. God may take away our form of government and even our money, but neither will affect my walk with Christ. Removal of everything that is comfortable might cause the authentic born-again beleivers to become stronger in their faith, while those who are not authentic believers will abandon their faith when the going gets rough.
When people place their trust in the government, or their power over the government, they will be continually frustrated because the world as a whole does not think with the mind of Christ, nor do most Christians in our day.
We talk the most about those things that are the most important to us. Many people around the world are not allowed to vote, and many are persecuted in their countries for their faith in Christ.
These people tend to be far more dedicated to Christ than American Christians. They have everything to lose by following Christ. Americans have almost nothing to lose, except family members. The worst Americans can expect is to be excluded from events or mean looks when they mention Christ. Believers in other countries can expect to lose their lives, even tortured for their faith.
Sadly, superficial believers who are dedicated to their politics often engage in arguments that demean those who do not do what they do, pertaining to voting or activism.
I am not against activism under the direction of the Holy Spirit or voting also under the direction of the Holy Spirit. What I am dismayed in is the arrogance that others are pressured to engage in the same things or be rejected if they do not, when the things expected have not been commanded in Scripture.
Chastising someone should be reserved for sin and deviation from the Word of God. Everything judged must be according to the Word of God.
Colossians 2:16 "Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day—"
This seems applicable to anyone judging us on things that God never commanded, things based on human desires and cultural rules.
John 16:22 "22 Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one is going to take your joy away from you."
Do not tell anyone I am against voting or not voting; this was not the message here. I am saying we need to stop judging others on things God never addressed. Yes, there are principles that are not specific but apply to how we live our lives; this is not the same as adding to God's Word things He never said.
Bottom line; seek Christ in all things, depend on the Holy Spirit for your guidance, and you will not become fleshly in your judging of others.
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