FAITH & POLITICS

Sometimes, a Christian talks more about America than the kingdom of God. It's a good clue that our view of God's world has intermingled with man's politics. This occurs on the religious right and the religious left. Some would rather see Americans become more culturally conservative and “Christian” than born again. And Progressive Christians would rather pass secular-progressive laws than see secular people surrender to Christ. For both, their focus is America, not the nations Jesus pointed us toward in Matthew 28.

For both, America = the kingdom of God.

The culture war is devouring the American church. Anti-woke is an all-consuming mindset, just like woke is an all-consuming mindset. You can justify any bad behavior on your side by saying, “But whuddabout THOSE people.”

And the secular political apparatus is happy to pour fuel on the fire. Both the right and left vie for power in churches. And, sadly, it works for them. It’s troubling to see right-wing secular political organizations (like the Daily Wire) trying to intentionally influence decisions in the SBC. Just like it's been painful to watch the Mainline denominations become captured by progressive politics.

WHAT’S THE ANSWER? Ordinary Christians - yes, let’s vote our conscience. But value God’s eternal kingdom over our temporal country. Be informed about politics, not consumed by politics. Renew our minds on God’s word, not obsess our minds with Twitter & Facebook. Give our best energy to advancing Christ, not a political platform - and never confuse the two. And be joyful! Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I’ve overcome the world.” We’re citizens of a royal nation, a perfect Kingdom, a city from above!