It seems there are not many places remaining in society that have not been infiltrated by politics. Political discourse is no longer relegated to the domain of cable news. Rather, politics has become integrated into American life in a way that seemingly touches everything—sports and entertainment, corporate America and their products, college campuses and elementary schools and even the church. In fact, the words “church politics” have taken on a whole new meaning. Many people are not only choosing their church according to its views on their personal political priorities but also choose to leave churches for the same reason. Some are concerned their pastor isn’t “God and Country” enough, and others find their leaders aren’t woke enough.
This recent immersion into the political waters has produced an awakening of biblical proportions for the church across America. The only problem is it’s a natural, political awakening, not a spiritual awakening. I believe this last election illustrated it well. I witnessed more Christians passionate about a president and wanting to fight for “our country” than I saw passionate for Christ and fighting for souls. I believe God wanted to birth a revival, a spiritual awakening, and the church miscarried into a political movement.
Should the church, as individual believers, be involved in politics? I believe they can and should be involved. But we cannot be those who view the church through the lens of politics. We must view politics through the lens of the kingdom. Philippians 1:27a (NLT) says “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom before we are citizens of an American nation. The question is not whether what we do or say is constitutional, but rather, whether or not it is worthy of the Good News. In the last part of that verse, we are reminded what it is we are supposed to be fighting for: “I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” What should the relationship between the church and politics look like? Find out in this powerful episode of From Behind the Veil on the Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}
HG Strickland has planted churches, launched ministries and has raised up leaders across denominational lines for the past 25 years. In fulfilling that call, God has taken him far beyond traditional ministry and church leadership to lead charities, foundations, businesses and even train government leaders on Capitol Hill to operate in their identity and purpose. HG currently serves as a founding pastor of Kingdom Life Ministries DC, a church planted a couple of blocks from the White House. Learn more about Envoy at envoynews.org.
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