“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” - John 18:36
I strongly dislike politics. Politics is a dirty business. It seems like candidates for these positions will do nearly anything to get elected. They will lie, cheat, rob and probably even kill to get elected. It seems like a person will sell his own soul to get ahead in the political arena. As a result, common sense is no longer part of our election cycle. Politicians are often selfish, mean and arrogant. Yes, I strongly dislike politics and many politicians.
I admit that I have strong political opinions, but I have little confidence in the politicians who seek my vote. I often vote reluctantly. I feel the need to express my opinions at the voting booth, but my vote for a candidate does not necessarily mean that I am blind to that person's faults, flaws and failures. In years gone by, a small scandal would end a man's political career. These days, the bar is so low that anyone can get elected regardless of whether they are inexperienced, inept or wicked to the core. We are living in scary times!
In the past several years, I've noticed how vocal people are about their political views. The passion displayed for a candidate or political party is amazing to me. What bothers me is the fact that most “believers” are far more passionate and vocal about their politics than they are about Jesus. People will drive long miles to hear a political speech, but won't drive across town to hear a sermon about Jesus. Folks will fill a stadium or an arena to catch a glimpse of a political candidate, but will stay away from church if the parking lot is getting full. Many will be stirred by a long winded political speech, but will complain if a sermon runs a little long.
I have strong political views, but I want my passion for Jesus to far exceed my passion for politics. Whether it is in person or on social media, I want people to know my Savior far more than I want them to know about a politician. The Bible never teaches us that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one who changes their political views. Yet our passionate social media postings often seem to be geared specifically for that goal. It is obvious that this is an inferior goal.
Passion and politics were an issue during the ministry of Jesus. His disciples were expecting the Lord to bring about a political revolution. They expected Him to free them from Roman oppression. They thought that He would ultimately set up a kingdom and reign over it. When He was questioned by Pilate, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
Even before His ascension, His own disciples asked for a timeline when He would return and set up an earthly kingdom. Jesus refused to give them a timeline. It seems like we've been trying to determine this timeline ourselves. Many prophecy conferences focus on providing a timeline of future events. Instead of giving His disciples a timeline, Jesus challenged them to get busy spreading the Gospel. We would be wise to do the same.
The big issue is not our passion for politics, but our lack of passion for Jesus Christ. I am bothered about the state of country and the awful direction we seem to be going. I am frustrated that the Christian voice is being silenced while ungodly, wicked people spread their venomous message of sin. I am troubled that children are growing up in an anti-Christian country. Persecution is just around the corner. Lunacy has replaced common sense. Many years ago, Lester Roloff said, "America is an insane asylum run by the inmates.” This is more true today than when he said it. Yes, all of this bothers me deeply.
Yet we have the answer that America needs. Shouldn't we be passionate about the good news? Shouldn't we be excited to share that our Redeemer lives? Shouldn't we pray for God to use us to penetrate this world of darkness with the light of His Gospel? Shouldn't we be thrilled that He may return at any moment?
Our lack of spiritual passion indicates that the world is having more impact on us than we are on the world. The American church is in dire need of revival. Our nation needs a mighty spiritual awakening. Souls need to be saved. This won't be accomplished through political means. Only the Lord can accomplish this. Only He can transform lives. Only God can bring prodigals home. Only the Lord can restore marriages and reunite families. Our mighty King is the only One who can bring deliverance to those addicted to drugs. God is the only One who can raise up a generation of young people who are sold out to Jesus and make a positive impact in this world.
I am praying that He will do all of this throughout our country. I am confident in His ability to do it. I am trusting Him to change this nation, one person at a time.
That is something to get passionate about!
