Walking away from Politics
I am a recovering news addict. In times past, political news was one of my chief interests. However, I have left that life behind me and it has made me much happier and calmer. I needed it for my emotional, spiritual and physical health.
God has promised us peace in Christ and all Christians should pursue it:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:6-8, NKJV).
Politics will divide friends, family and foment anger.
In terms of political posts and discussions on Facebook, we must step back and ask the following questions:
- Does it benefit our Christian walk?
- Does it glorify Christ?
- Does it enhance our Christian influence?
- Does it destroy opportunities to share the gospel?
- Does it put a good face on the gospel?
It is not a sin for Christians to be politically active. We need more godly politicians who will keep their light shining (Matthew 5:16).
Moreover, there are very real moral issues and a Biblical alternative needs to be delivered to the world. But can’t we separate those issues from their political roots?
We can talk about abortion, homosexuality, sexual immorality, abuse of the poor, stewardship, etc. without talking about a political party. As we discuss these things, we must always do so in love. We must be very careful about showing meanness and hatred to the world.
As a preacher, my opinions will probably be seen as a doctrinal position. Whether that is fair or not , is immaterial. What people think is real is real when it changes their perception of us and the gospel. We represent Christ to people we meet online and in person.
We do not know what associations our political party will bring to people’s minds.
When we tie a fleshly thing to a spiritual thing, we have created a monster that God does not recognize.
The question is whether the public will understand when we share the gospel one day and a political speech the next.
Scott Dickson discusses the dangers of political discussion on Facebook from a business standpoint. He is afraid to lose clients because of what he says in a public forum.
As Christians, souls are vastly more important than clients. Should we not consider whether we are running them away? Do we expect people to accept our political beliefs before they can become a Christian? No? Does our audience know that?
Dickson writes about Facebook not being the right venue for political discussions:
If you’re bound and determined to spend time arguing over political issues online, go to a political blog or a news site and do so. Don’t ruin everyone’s experience on Facebook with your rants. You may have a specific list of friends on FB that you only share political information with, but you never know what someone else might share.
Consider all the political posts you have posted. What might have happened if all of those posts would have been directed at souls instead of votes?
Something to think about.
Ron Thomas 1:08 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
I won’t take, entirely, the same view as you, but mostly so. Regardless of entire or not, your words are quite useful to be heard.
Richard Mansel 1:10 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
I just offer these thoughts for consideration. Christianity and politics have a very complex relationship.
John Henson 1:54 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Amen, brother! This idea that either one side or the other is perfect all the time is vexing and impossible to support. There’s no problem understanding objective truth, but trying to accept one party or the other no matter what they do? That’s maddening.
Don Ruhl 2:17 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Good article, Richard. And something that needed to be said, because the current atmosphere on politics is dividing America, and many Christians join in the ugliness.
Richard Mansel 5:01 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Thank you, Don.
Don Ruhl 2:21 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Richard, can you send me the article by e-mail? I am having a hard time copying it off the web site, and I want to print it in our bulletin, if it will fit. My e-mail address is: Rdruhl@aol.com
Chris Gallagher 2:48 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Richard,
You make some great points. As you have seen several of my posts on Facebook, I speak many times from a conservative point of view. In doing so, i try to make it clear it is not a church position, but at the same time, when it involves an issue of morality, I make it a moral position related to a Biblical guideline.
In posting regarding certain topics which have a political basis, I have had some excellent converstaions with people outside of the church.
Once again, great points.
Richard Mansel 5:02 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Thank you, Chris.
Eugene Adkins 4:40 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
There are still moral issues out there that walk around in disguise as “political” issues that I wish some brothers and sisters would see, but for the most part I agree with you Richard. I grow weary of political topics long before religious ones.
Great little post and conversation starter.
Richard Mansel 5:04 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink |
Eugene, several people apparently read the article and all missed the same sentences. :)
I said in the article that we must address these key moral issues from Scripture. As long as we remain in the Scriptures, we are safe.
Eugene Adkins 7:42 pm on July 12, 2012 Permalink
Wasn’t saying otherwise. Just making a statement about how some people confuse moral motivation with political motivation.
Don’t know if you thought I was one of the “several” who missed it or not, but just in case you did, I wanted to clarify what I was saying…or trying to say :)