A Master or a Judge

We live in an extremely political world.

I don't remember it always being this way.  I mean, I've always had an interest in politics and the Ray side of my family has always enjoyed a good political debate, but it seems politics is ubiquitous these days.  As someone who nearly spent his working days teaching history and government classes I do believe an informed citizenry is very important.  But our political climate isn't so much one of information but of using tidbits of information to arm ourselves for the next argument against the other side.

Politics is a team sport and the season is year round.  Every day is spent looking for the ammunition that helps win the next verbal battle against the other team.  It's spent looking for the next killer meme to share to show the other side who's boss.

As Christians we can and likely should be engaged in politics in an effort to make our home a safe, flourishing place that benefits the most people in the most ways.  However, we as Christians must have a first devotion to King Jesus.

There is much ambiguity as to exactly how Christians should want to be governed by the State.  Jesus would most certainly be upset by things in both parties and would perhaps be pleased by some things in each party; but let's be clear, Jesus is not going to come back to set up a Republican or Democratic government.

However, despite the fact the Bible doesn't tell us everything about how we should vote or necessarily clearly in a socially moral way in a democratic republic, it should be chief in shaping the principles that guide us in the voting booth and in the next political discussion.

C.S. Lewis in his classic book Mere Christianity wrote about social morality.  He wrote that a Biblical idea of Christian behavior and morality may push us to the Left in some economic matters and to the Right in some social matters.  Regardless as to how his commentary on Left and Right translates from England to the U.S. and from 1943 to 2019, he has one quote in particular that is stinging to both sides of the aisle of both government and the pews:

"Most of us are not really approaching the subject in order to find out what Christianity says: we are approaching it in the hope of finding support from Christianity for the views of our own party.  We are looking for an ally where we are offered either a Master or a Judge." 

- C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity p. 82

When we approach our faith to inform us on our politics we must approach it as subjects.  We must place ourselves under the Word.

So, be interested in politics.  Avoid being consumed by politics because it is a poor god.  And always place yourself and your ideas under the Word. 

Above all, worship King Jesus today.