Politics Matter These Days — But It’s Not The Gospel
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(OPINION) Politics are very important. Politics played a role in the abolition of slavery and segregation and in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Conversely, it was because of a political vote that Hitler came into power, resulting in the deaths of multiplied tens of millions of lives.
So politics can be very important.
Politics affect the economy, which in turn affects everyday life.
Politics affect national security, which can be a matter of life and death.
Politics affect which judges are appointed to our courts, which in turn can determine what laws are passed for a nation.
Politics can affect our most fundamental freedoms and rights. Few things are more important than that.
So, we dare not downplay what politics can do.
But politics are not the gospel. Let’s not confuse the two.
By highlighting the stark differences between politics and the gospel, we can keep our priorities in the right place.
In this short list, I’ll contrast the negative side of politics with the positive power of the gospel.
Politics say crush your enemies. The gospel says love your enemies.
Politics constitute a dog-eat-dog world. The gospel overcomes evil with good.
Politics change laws. The gospel changes hearts.
Politics cannot save, deliver or transform. The gospel saves, delivers and transforms.
Politics thrive on lies. The gospel thrives on truth.
Politics breed personal vendettas. The gospel breeds reconciliation.
Politics are moved by polling and opinion. The gospel is moved by the fear of the Lord.
Politics are fueled by backroom deals. The gospel is fueled by prayer room appeals.
Politics sell out to the highest bidder. The gospel is not for sale.
Politics operate in the power of the flesh. The gospel operates in the power of the Spirit.
Politics specialize in fearmongering ad campaigns. The gospel specializes in revealing God’s love.
Politics impact this world. The gospel impacts both this world and the world to come.
Politics are riddled with corruption. The gospel is marked by purity.
Politics exalt people. The gospel exalts Jesus.
Politics make inflated promises. The gospel proclaims the promises of God.
Politics are hollow. The gospel is holy.
You can easily add your own thoughts to this short list, but the bottom line is simple: Politics are important, but politics are not the gospel.
So let’s get educated on the key issues, let’s vote and let’s call our candidates to account. But let’s not look to politics to do what only the gospel can do. And let’s make the Great Commission our greatest priority.
Put another way, if our mantra was “Make America Righteous,” we would know that neither the Republicans nor the Democrats could attain that goal.
To say it again: Politics have their place, and it’s a very important place. But what the gospel can do in a moment of time — save a sinner from death and judgment and give that person a new heart, delivering them from the kingdom of Satan and transferring them into the kingdom of God — politics can never do.
It’s really pretty simple.
Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. For followers of Jesus, the gospel, not politics, must be the main thing. Always.
Dr. Michael Brown is the host of the nationally syndicated “The Line of Fire” radio show. He is the author of over 40 books, including “Can You be Gay” and “Christian; Our Hands are Stained with Blood”; and “Seizing the Moment: How to Fuel the Fires of Revival.” You can connect with him on Facebook, X or YouTube.