Should God's People be "Politically Active"?
What a wicked spirit it is that has persuaded God's elect to become "entangled" in the "political affairs" of our country, and even around the world. As the elder apostle Paul told his son Timothy in the faith, and wisely so, "do not be entangled" with the affairs of THIS life. If we ever are "entangled", it is clear that we are NOT to be entangled with the affairs this life! And if politics is not an "earthly affair", in heaven's name, what is?! The congregation has been persuaded to lay down it's "weapons" by carnal and ungodly men, men whom Jesus has not sent. We warn you without ill will, not to follow men who are "blind leaders of the blind". The holy Ghost gave the called out ones weapons which are "not carnal", but which are "strong, to the pulling down of strongholds". Peace is a powerful weapon . . . but we have laid down peace, only to seek the help of political action committees. Love is a mighty weapon, but we have laid down love, in favor of murmuring and political protesting. Joy is a strong weapon, but the congregation has given it up in order to bitterly picket abortion clinics. Faith is a weapon that "will send to flight armies of aliens" (Heb.11:34), but the congregation has given it up, instead, to take up "voting" rights. The truth is that those who are involved in politics are not in a "real war" at all (from God's viewpoint), just as Paul told Timothy in our opening verse. The truth must be told, even when it hurts. Men such as Pat Robertson, Jessie Jackson, Dr. James Dobson, Randall Terry, Dr. James Kennedy and the like, are enemies of the truth and of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because they are telling you to disobey the Spirit of God. Jesus has not sent them to do what they are doing, nor to teach what they are teaching. The sad part of it is, that very few in the assembly are in a spiritual condition to be able to see it, and expose it. Though these men come "in Jesus' name" (as Jesus warned that many would), we warn you to flee their poison, which will cause to wither, the life that God gave you when the holy Ghost entered your body. That is the effect of their "doctrine" on the children of God. Who said these words? "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight..." (John 8:36). That's right. These are the words of Jesus Christ, YOUR Lord. If His kingdom were "of this world", then it would be the right thing to do to become involved in politics. But His kingdom is NOT of this world. Then why are you fighting for it? Do you want to obey Jesus? Friend, again I ask you, Do you want to obey Jesus?! The Spirit-filled person is and "ambassador" of the kingdom of God. An ambassador does not get involved in, protest, or attempt to change the political affairs of the country he is sent to. That is not his purpose. To do so would do his country great harm. And the current persuasion of "political involvement" will come back to haunt the congregation, and do it great harm in the end. We are to be faithful to whatever ruler is in authority (without sinning), because it is God that put them there: "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom.13:1). How many governments do we see that encourage and practice terrorism? How many governments are corrupt and evil? How many governments kill and maime their citizens? Yet God ordained every one of them for His purpose. Men do not understand the purposes of God, and that is why they oppose Him with their folly. In his day, the prophet Jeremiah was persecuted, imprisoned, and abused because he told God's people that the Lord had sent enemies against Judah because of their sin. He told the people not to oppose God, but to yield to His righteous and just judgments. If the elect finds itself in the midst of wickedness, it is because God has us there, and to resist God's judgment, is to resist God Himself. The congregation's part is to "pray for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1Tim.2:2). All other involvement is unbelief and sin. It is absolutely astounding in America, where voting is permitted, that the congregation has been so blinded as to think that it can legislate morality "by majority". Jesus said "for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Mat.7:13-14). Logically, how can the congregation which is "few" in number EVER be in the majority?! If the "whole world lies in wickedness", why would we ever think that we can persuade those who are on their way to damnation to legislate God's will for us, and why would we want to? Although the world is doing God's will in the end, it is not out of obedience, nor out of respect for Jesus, but out of rebellion. Those that live righteously in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution for the truth, not attempt to forcibly legislate it. The carnal ways of man will always be opposed to the gospel. In conclusion, the entire matter is one of being led by the Spirit or not. The Spirit leads no child of God into politics. The Spirit of God is calling the children of God out of politics, and every other "entanglement" this world has to offer. "For as many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God" (Rom.8:14). Yes, political activity has "an appearance of godliness", but in every way, "it denies the power of it". And the power of God which alone brings holiness, is the power of the holy Ghost baptism: "And ye shall receive power after that the holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). That is the life that carnal men who lead you into policital involvement are trying to rob you of; for the Spirit IS life: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His"(Rom.8:9). Those without the holy Ghost can be "politically involved", and "appear" holy. But those who have received an experience that liberates them from ALL worldly care are truly holy, for they "have the praise of God, not of men" (Rom.2:29). The holy Ghost is the "kingdom of God" (Rom.14:17), and obeying the holy Ghost is what will make the congregation the "salt and the light" if anything every will! When Jesus comes back to reign on this earth, we will sit with him, and have all the "political power" we will ever need . . . until then saints, "keep your hands out of the cookie jar" - - - stay out of politics! Get happy in the holy Ghost . . . "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1Tim.6:6).
Questions? Log onto the Internet, Click Here, |