The Week That Changed the World (Part 3)

Jesus was a polarizing social and religious figure in both his time and ours. But perhaps the most polarizing—and incorrect—views of Jesus stem from his political influence. In one sense, everything Jesus did was political, for religion and other social issues are different sides of the dice of human interaction known as politics. But in another sense, Jesus was apolitical in that he transcended secular politics, ignoring the “state” aspect which dominates politics. He did not claim the physical throne of David nor oppose the imperial rule of Caesar. Rather, Jesus’ politics were of the transformation of heart and soul and the practical outworking of said transformation.

Jesus mentioned little of earthly governments other than to emphasize the ways in which they were different from the Kingdom of God. The standard of the Kingdom is not authority and “lording it over” each other, but rather it is humble service. Perhaps the most important difference between the Kingdom of God and earthly governments is the instrument of enforcement:  love versus violence. From the beginning of his ministry in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus laid out how Kingdom politics were different than worldly politics. If an oppressive government worker demanded physical labor (walking a mile), go beyond what is required (walk two). If someone needs a favor (borrowing a cloak), be extravagant (lend a tunic also). If someone physically assaults you, rather than retaliating, allow further transgressions without retribution.

All of those concepts are contrary to human nature, especially in the bloated juggernaut that is government. In fact, the question can be raised whether it is possible to practice “Christian politics” in a modern political setting, or any political setting for that matter. In an era when compromise and antagonism are the two rules of the day, it is hard to imagine bringing humble, loving service into the political system. I cannot even fathom what that would look like.

And maybe that is the point. Maybe Jesus did not want us to get caught up in any particular political system or ideology. If the Kingdom truly resides in hearts and minds, then espousing a particular political party or system of government to advance those goals is counter-intuitive and even counterproductive. The only way to achieve true secular political change is to change the hearts and minds of the individuals doing the governing. In a monarchy, that means the king. In a republican form of government like ours, that means changing the hearts and minds of everyone, politicians and voters alike. Getting into political arguments especially on issues of morality without recognizing the need for heart transformation results in deeper divides and often a damaged testimony. But does that mean that Christians should not be involved in secular politics on any level?

I do not believe as some Christians do that Christians should completely remove themselves from public influence including politics. However, I also do not believe as some Christians do that Christians should gain influence in the public arena until the Kingdom of God is ushered in by political means. (I realize these are extreme positions, but most people fall closer to one end or the other than they realize.) I believe that Christians are to be salt and light in the world, preserving it from decay and lighting the darkness of evil while also abstaining from using the sword as earthly governments are permitted to do. Being salt may mean voting to take a stand on a certain issue, or it may mean soothing dissension by not escalating a political argument. It is as equally loving to stand up for the oppressed by combating oppression as it is to stand up for peace by refusing to fight and argue. Each scenario is different, but every action must be determined by how it represents the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is not linked to earthly governments, but neither is it a pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by reality. It has practical influence in the here and now. It should transform social relationships, whether personal or political. Too many times we adopt political views that are inconsistent with the Kingdom and we do not even know it. If each of us would examine how our interactions line up with Jesus’ example, we may see a transformation of our views. And once enough people are transformed, we may see society change. But even if society continues to run downhill, the Kingdom can still thrive because it is not of this world. In the end, the Kingdom of God will flourish in a New Heaven and a New Earth when Jesus returns to claim his rightful throne. Until then, I find myself less interested in the current political system and more focused on spreading the influence of the Kingdom, one heart at a time. Who wants to join me?