Preaching and Politics?

*This is something I wrote a couple of weeks before the elections in early November. It did create some discussion when I put it in our church bulletin, but for the most part, people appreciated it....so they told me that anyway, ;-)

It is interesting to me how this is a particular time when politics is such a great part of discussion among so many people. I’m not being critical of it, altogether. I am certainly guilty of it myself. I undoubtedly have my opinion as to who I want or don’t want to be our next president, just as I have my thoughts on our current president and presidents of our past.

But what I find fascinating is how many articles I have seen written in church or religious publications, promoting certain political parties. The amount of advertisements for various churches with regard to sermons that will be preached surrounding the issues of political candidates is astounding. For example, about a week ago, there was a big news story that began with, “On Sunday, more than 30 pastors across the country are expected to preach a sermon that endorses or opposes a political candidate by name.” The article goes on to discuss how technically, this is a violation of law that says tax-exempt organizations (i.e., churches) are banned from involvement in political campaigns. It then goes on to discuss certain “pastors” who fully intend to violate this “ban.” Now whether or not this is really a matter of breaking the law, who knows? I guess it can be debated among those who actually care. I personally don’t. There is another point in the article where a quote is given, “if you are a Christian, you cannot support a candidate like ______.” Now again, don’t get me wrong. I have my reasons for supporting certain candidates and not supporting others. And yes, a large part of my ideology does surround moral issues. I’m just not convinced however, that the pulpit is the place for me to promote this. I don’t believe that is what Jesus called me to do as one who is privileged to preach His precious and saving gospel message. I believe if our elders were primarily concerned about whom you vote for, they would advise you to watch a certain news channel or read a particular newspaper. Besides, I am probably not knowledgeable enough on every issue to make that my agenda anyway.

There are certainly a lot of things that I do not know, believe me. Hopefully I will always realize that I have a lot to learn. But let me share with you what I do know for a fact. Jesus stated in His Word, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here” (John 18:36). Thank God that we can have the peace and security that our citizenship is in a much grander place than what this present-day world has to offer (I Peter 2:9-17). Thank God that we will have the freedom to choose where we want to worship Him and the right to exercise our privilege to worship Him regardless of who our president is. I want my citizenship and therefore focus, to be in heaven (Philippians 3:14). May that be what I strive for! This is the hope that I have through the resurrection of my Great Redeemer in Jesus Christ. It is an inheritance that cannot perish and will never be corrupt (I Peter 1:3-4). It is my desire to promote and endorse this kingdom, and it’s King.

I know this article will probably come across as somewhat controversial. If so, please accept my apologies. To offend anyone is far from my intentions. I am confident that there are dear friends of mine who will disagree with me because in their mind, we have a moral obligation as preachers to talk about these issues. And perhaps they are correct. My opinions have been wrong on many occasions. If that is the case, then by all means, do what you feel is the right thing to do. I hope your Lord’s Day will be fruitful. For what it is worth, at one time I thought this way too. I have changed. As for now, my time will be spent preparing to promote Jesus Christ, not our political candidates. My loyalties will be on what Jesus says concerning these “issues,” not on what political parties say about them. Please pray for me, that I am successful in promoting the cause of Jesus Christ, not only in my teaching but in my actions, personal conversations, and attitude. And may I seek every day to follow Him and conform more to His image.

I will conclude with a quote from the leader of the greatest kingdom: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33). I am Jason Browning and I approve this message. :-)