The Tenth Leper

A couple days ago I read a very good article addressing the Christian’s proper mindset to politics.  It was a wonderful breath of fresh air that a lot of Christians (particularly the ones I addressed in my previous entry) need to read.  It comes from Capitol Ministries.  Enjoy!

Capitol Ministries urges churches and individual believers to embrace the biblical mandate to pray for the salvation of the lost, especially those in the political arena (1 Timothy 2:1-5).

Unfortunately, in an election year biblical duties all too often take a back seat to the seemingly more urgent realities of pragmatic politics. As the November election approaches, Christians will spend vast amounts of time, money and energy supporting candidates running for office. But will God’s people remember to pray for the souls of those men and women seeking elected office?

Political involvement is a liberty we all enjoy as Americans, but it is not a biblical duty. Sadly, politics can become an idol for many people, even professing believers. Our duty as believers is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, yet all too often we mistake duty for liberty and liberty for duty.

When we confuse our biblical priorities, we can easily turn the mission field into the enemy. We laugh at inappropriate jokes, harsh criticisms, slanderous statements, gossip or other dishonoring statements about current politicians or those running for office. Many ignore the fact that our constitutional right of “free speech” does not trump the command of God’s Word to “honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

As the election cycle heats up, you may receive emails with content that dishonors political leaders. Resist the urge to laugh at these emails or forward them to your friends. Instead, let them serve as reminders to pray.

Vote and be involved in the political process, but don’t let it become an idol in your life. And don’t treat your mission field as the enemy. Instead, consider how you can invest your energies in the prayer, evangelism and discipleship efforts of Capitol Ministries and your local church. Such investments reap eternal rather than mere temporal rewards.