Politics or God?

by Chris Carter

Anyone who pays attention to current events can plainly see that our nation is moving in a direction which not only threatens the freedoms with which we’ve been blessed, but our religious liberty as well. Few of our elected officials seem willing to take a godly stand on anything, choosing instead to bow to the so called status quo. Worse still, it seems we are powerless to stop them.

Often, in the few minutes before worship or study assemblies begin, brethren will make small talk, which sometimes turns to the terrible state of affairs in modern politics. I call on my brethren to consider that, while these things may be true, expressions of our political frustrations, at a time when we have assembled for a spiritual purpose, cannot edify us or glorify God. We’ve come together to be built up spiritually, and refreshed from our weary dealings with the world; why create a distraction to our meeting and possibly place a stumbling block before others? Political discussions before and after assemblies are as distracting as waiting on the Lords table and accidentally catching sight of a woman’s immodest dress during the observance. One may not dwell on what one saw, but the extra effort distracts from a most solemn occasion. We should never be distracted by the world as we attempt to do God’s will.

I too am disgusted by the political landscape. Working near the nation’s capital as I do, it’s difficult to ignore the situation. But one thing God has granted, which helps more than I can express; I’ve come to understand more fully the trust we must place in Him. Our focus is to remain upon God and the cross of Christ. How well Paul spoke when he told the church in Corinth “For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified”. (1 Cor. 2.2)

Consider that what is occurring may be according to Gods plan. He may be removing his blessing from a nation which murders unborn children and embraces sin as righteousness (Psalm 33:12). Whatever becomes of this nation will affect us too, perhaps more so. When God punished Israel by delivering them into Babylonian captivity, wasn’t the righteous Ezekiel swept up with the unrighteous? Rather than attempting to escape God’s judgment by running away to Egypt, Ezekiel became a watchman to the people (Ezekiel 3:18). Remember Gamaliel’s warning to his fellow leaders; “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:39)

Haven’t we all thought that, unlike Peter, we would confess knowing Christ? Then let’s see what we’re really made of. It’s possible that some day our government will require all churches to adhere to approved teaching which will directly conflict with God’s will. As His church, we cannot obey such rulings. What then, are we to do; bow to the government, run and hide within the denominations or place our trust in God and take what comes? Brethren, the answer is obvious. Perhaps someday we may have to meet behind rocks and sing in hushed tones in order to worship; God’s church wasn’t destroyed when these things occurred in the 1st century, nor can it now be.

I gently caution everyone; please consider what you say and do before others before, during and after each assembly. We’re in a great spiritual struggle (Eph. 6:12) and we need to keep our eye on the promised reward (Gal. 6:9), which is to be in God’s presence for eternity.

 

  

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