I find it very interesting that people from opposite sides of the political spectrum often claim Jesus as one of their own. For example, some folks insist that Jesus was a devoted follower of Karl Marx, and during His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that progressive government bureaucrats should control every aspect of people’s lives, because only they know what’s best for everyone.
On the other hand, different people insist that Jesus always votes Republican, and His favorite holiday is the Fourth of July, because it gives Him an opportunity to blow up stuff and fire His AR-15 into the air — while, of course, waving the Stars n’ Stripes from the back of His pickup truck.
OK, so maybe I exaggerate a bit. But the point is, people with widely differing political opinions often cite the teachings of Jesus Christ to prove that their particular views are correct.
It’s been said that you can back up any point you’re trying to make by cherry-picking certain Bible verses – usually out of context. For example, over the years the Bible has been cited to argue that Communism is good, that slavery is acceptable, and that being a New York Yankees fan is wonderful. We know, of course, that all of these things are actually very bad.
I suspect the main reason people quote Jesus and the Bible so often to back up their political views is because the politicians – who may or may not have any religious faith personally – understand that a majority of citizens in this country still identify as Christian. (But as a recent Gallup poll discovered, the percentage has dropped significantly in the past decade.) So, in other words, the politicians are pandering to the electorate, telling them what they want to hear, and quoting a revered religious figure in the process.
OK, so maybe I exaggerate a bit. But the point is, people with widely differing political opinions often cite the teachings of Jesus Christ to prove that their particular views are correct.
It’s been said that you can back up any point you’re trying to make by cherry-picking certain Bible verses – usually out of context. For example, over the years the Bible has been cited to argue that Communism is good, that slavery is acceptable, and that being a New York Yankees fan is wonderful. We know, of course, that all of these things are actually very bad.
I suspect the main reason people quote Jesus and the Bible so often to back up their political views is because the politicians – who may or may not have any religious faith personally – understand that a majority of citizens in this country still identify as Christian. (But as a recent Gallup poll discovered, the percentage has dropped significantly in the past decade.) So, in other words, the politicians are pandering to the electorate, telling them what they want to hear, and quoting a revered religious figure in the process.
The thing is, Jesus completely transcends politics. During the time He walked the earth, He was pulled in many directions by people who wanted to use His popularity for political ends. But Jesus ignored them all. This is because His mission was so much more important than mere politics. Jesus came to earth to re-establish the broken relationship between humankind and the Almighty Creator. He called people to repent and turn to God. The eternal fate of a person’s soul is so much more important than who wins a particular election.
This is not to say that politics are not important. A society needs to be organized with certain governing rules and regulations and policies. People of good will can sincerely argue that a particular political philosophy is best for society. (Although finding a person of good will among the current crop of politicians can be quite a challenge.)
Our brief time here on earth pales in comparison to eternity. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of man. So, politics is a necessary evil in our world, but it’s not the most important thing in the world – something most people involved in politics would be stunned to hear.
Jesus transcended politics. If He suddenly appeared in the middle of a heated argument between a progressive Marxist with a nose ring and pink hair, and a flag-waving good ol’ boy with a MAGA hat, the Lord would probably declare, “You’re both wrong! Stop claiming Me as proof of your narrow-minded, self-centered views.”
This is not to say that politics are not important. A society needs to be organized with certain governing rules and regulations and policies. People of good will can sincerely argue that a particular political philosophy is best for society. (Although finding a person of good will among the current crop of politicians can be quite a challenge.)
Our brief time here on earth pales in comparison to eternity. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of man. So, politics is a necessary evil in our world, but it’s not the most important thing in the world – something most people involved in politics would be stunned to hear.
Jesus transcended politics. If He suddenly appeared in the middle of a heated argument between a progressive Marxist with a nose ring and pink hair, and a flag-waving good ol’ boy with a MAGA hat, the Lord would probably declare, “You’re both wrong! Stop claiming Me as proof of your narrow-minded, self-centered views.”
If a person truly follows Jesus, he or she will seem like a socialist at times. At other times, you’d swear the person was a fundamentalist Bible-thumping capitalist. There are aspects of each side of the political spectrum that Jesus would embrace. And there are many aspects from each side that Jesus would condemn.
If we’re quoting the words of Jesus to try and score political points, we can be sure we’re doing it wrong. Everyone has a duty to be an engaged citizen in society, and this means being involved in the political process. But our true calling is to be a citizen of Heaven.
When we focus on Heaven, we’ll get the world as a bonus. If we focus only on the world, we will lose Heaven. Keep this in mind the next time someone quotes the Bible in an effort to push a political agenda. And be especially wary of those Yankees fans.
If we’re quoting the words of Jesus to try and score political points, we can be sure we’re doing it wrong. Everyone has a duty to be an engaged citizen in society, and this means being involved in the political process. But our true calling is to be a citizen of Heaven.
When we focus on Heaven, we’ll get the world as a bonus. If we focus only on the world, we will lose Heaven. Keep this in mind the next time someone quotes the Bible in an effort to push a political agenda. And be especially wary of those Yankees fans.
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