Navigating Political Minefields as a Christian
Out of the Bunkhouse and Onto the Battlefield
Stevens County Times, Pastor's Perspective, September 2024
By Pastor Tim White
If you are a follower of Christ, I am sure you know of the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples (and, by default, all Christians). Four versions are found in these passages: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4-5, 7-8. The central command is to bring the message of repentance and faith in Christ to the whole world.
I have often reminded my congregation that the Great Commission does not say, “Go into all the world and make people happy,” nor did he tell them to “Go and make friends of all people.” More to that point, he said this in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Honestly, I like to make people happy and consider them friends, and I am sure you feel the same way. Unfortunately, relational harmony with everyone in our sphere of influence will not happen, especially in today’s hyper-partisan battle for truth and morality. And being a presidential election year, the intensity has risen to levels that test the fabric of our relationships.
So, as Christians, how can we navigate these challenging times? You may have similar concerns if you do not consider yourself a devoted follower of Jesus Christ (i.e., a Christian). I will try to answer this question from the perspective of a Christian Pastor.
The first and most fundamental reality we must grasp is what Jesus told his disciples in John 15:18 (NIV84), “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” Jesus explains this further in verse 19, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
In Luke 6:26, Jesus warns about the world’s approval: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.” A Christian who can please everyone probably compromises or conceals some of the Truth. Jesus pronounces a “Woe” upon those who do so.
Jesus is not saying that our job is to torment and irritate as many pagans and sinners as possible. He says that Truth will divide people because of the hardness of hearts, as He said in Matt. 10:34, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” He goes on to specify how family members will turn against one another. Maybe you can identify.
But wait, while this is not fun, it is also wonderful! Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mat 5:11-12). When someone faces rejection and personal attacks because they stand upon and share the Truths of scripture, they are blessed and rewarded in heavenly ways. Not even the IRS can tax those riches stored up in heaven!
Therefore, success for the Christian, the Pastor, and a local congregation is not determined by how many accept the Truth but by their faithful obedience to Christ and the fearless proclamation of that Truth to a lost and needy world. Who knows how many will initially react negatively but later hear the Spirit’s voice and surrender their lives to Christ?
So, when we can stay faithful and remain unhindered by the rejection of others, even when falsely accused because of our faith in Christ, then God can do so much more through us individually and corporately as His Church. Furthermore, Christ has promised us something to help us be bold and effective for Him—the Holy Spirit.
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, He taught His followers that the Spirit would lead them into all truth, remind them of Jesus’ words, and be with them always (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15). [Later, the Apostle Paul would teach that the Spirit was their “seal” of sonship with God (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph 1:13) and would help them pray (Rom 8:26-27).] Then, on the evening of his resurrection, Jesus entered their locked room, greeted them, and “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22). Jesus fulfills His words. Luke records that on that same night, “He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45).
However, in Acts chapter one, it is now about five weeks after the events of John 20. In verses four and five, He tells them: “Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about (See Luke 24:49). For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” What was this extra role of the Holy Spirit?
The disciples were confused, so Jesus clarified it in verse eight, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Beginning on the evening of the resurrection, the Holy Spirit would always be with them as their teacher, comforter, intercessor, and seal – for THEM. But now, as when the heroes of the Old Testament needed the “Spirit of God come upon them” for THE WORK or A PROPHETIC WORD God had for them, the disciples would need a Spirit-enabling “power” for THE WORK God had given them (See Joel 2:28-29).
The Apostle Paul’s final words to the Ephesian Church are for us today: Eph 6:10-11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” As we put on the armor of faith, Truth, righteousness, etc., we need the “mighty power” of the Lord for the work that is before us.
Some may view these accounts of the Holy Spirit as one event, but be that as it may, there can be no doubt that Jesus’ Church needs the power and presence of the Holy Spirit like never before. The early church had nothing like the technology, money, and facilities we have today, but it was said of them that “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here,” Acts 17:6.
To best navigate this tumultuous time, Jesus’ Church must not fear man nor be surprised by the rejection and opposition that can come our way, unite with those of like precious faith, fill our minds with God’s Word, and seek the promised power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the work He has given us. With God, all things are possible. May we soon see the manifestation of that Truth in our day and our region.