Convictions or Politics?

For the last few months I have observed an increasingly worrisome situation in our churches.I have hesitated in writing about it since it may upset a few folks. Here's what I am seeing.

So much of the conversation in our churches centers on the present political situation. Now before I go on, let me assure you that I believe we as Christians should be aware and involved in the politics that go on around us However, I think many of us have become "entangled" with the present political situation in our country. I believe our focus has shifted from the work God has called us to do, to the work Politicians and the media have deceived us into thinking is our main mission. We are so preoccupied with the present administration that we have set aside our calling and replaced it with a work that we were never meant to become entangled with. There's that word again, Entangled.

In 2 Timothy 2: 4 Paul warns young Timothy not to become entangled with the affairs of this life. The ESV puts it this way: "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the One who enlisted him" Civilian Pursuits! If any political situation could be compared to what we face today, it was what Paul and Timothy were facing back then. Christians were not only not having their way in politics, they were being KILLED for what they believed and yet Paul tells Timothy not to be sidetracked by getting entangled with the political debate that was all around him. Timothy was to remember who had "enlisted" him and focus on the job given to him. Who enlisted you? You were enlisted by God to serve him faithfully and not be entangled with this world's political quagmire! There will always be political issues to deal with. I have never seen so many Christians allow their conversation and thoughts to be so consumed by what is going on in Washington. Most of it seems to be fueled by what we are hearing in the media. Do we not understand that these talking heads have only one concern? RATINGS! They live to stir the pot and acquire followers. We are not to take our lead from what we hear and see in the media. Here's a novel idea, try reading your bible and praying for God's next move for you instead of relying on the media to tell us what we should be fighting for.

I'm sorry, but when I come to worship and fellowship with other believers, I do not want to be bombarded with political talk. I want to hear what God has done in your life. I want to hear what burden HE has given you, not how the world is coming to an end because of the President. (By the way, the world IS coming to an end and God has planed the whole thing) Do we think God is not aware of the current political climate in our country? May I remind you that God put our current leadership there?

I am reminded of the Prophet Daniel. How did he respond to a law restricting his ability to legally worship God? Did he run around crying and blaming the King of turning the country to socialism? Did he take every political quiz on facebook and thereby make his stand for what is right? No, he simply continued doing what he was called to do and allowed God to be God and take care of the political situation. He did not become "entangled"!

In Galatians 1 Paul give some more great advice on who we are to concentrate on "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Who are we trying to please? God or Man?

My prayer is that we will cut ourselves free of the web that has been placed across our path by the media and the politicians and get back to focusing on the job God has given us to do!

God is big enough to handle the political arena. Remember who enlisted you and seek your orders from Him, not the talking heads !