How should politics influence ministry? Or should it? Inversely, how should ministry influence politics? Early in my ministry career, I attempted to cultivate a middle-ground culture, where Fox and MSNBC news supporters could dialogue in a Biblical fashion. However, my conviction now is much larger because cultivating a gospel-centered worldview is most important. In other words, we should view politics from a biblical worldview, not vice versa.
There is no objectivity among the paradigms of political parties. Both sides have their own opinions and their agendas revolve over the issue of power in order to pass law. Put differently, politics and power go hand in hand just like the Pharisee and Herodian regimes found in Matthew 22.
A fundamental question to ask….
What is your agenda? Some believe the government should help the poor, offer healthcare for the disadvantaged, and open national borders through increased taxation on the wealthy. Others believe that government should not “bite the hand that feeds you” and advocates small government.
We all have our own agenda, even if it’s indifference, but an agenda nonetheless.
Why did Jesus call the Pharisees and Herodians hypocrites?...because they had the wrong agenda; they wanted power.
Modern Day Translation
Dear Democrats,
If I looked at your tax statement, would I see a genuine commitment to the poor, or like the Pharisees, talk a big game and not living out your political convictions?
Dear Republicans,
It’s one thing to speak out against abortion, but it’s completely different to come alongside young pregnant women and offer to adopt. Do you just vote and speak out or offer biblical solutions?
It’s Easy to Vote, but it’s Messy to Make a Difference. The politics of Jesus seen through the Gospel is counterintuitive to human government because government only changes laws, it cannot change hearts.
If we only change laws and not hearts, we may be doing more harm to the advancement of the Gospel than help. For instance, whenever our opposition to an issue becomes louder than our concern and love for people, the advancement of the gospel is not only damaged, we dishonor Christ.;we are hypocrites.
The Government is not the hope of the world… The Church is!
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