I am in a conundrum (ever since the TV show ‘7 Days’ I have loved that word). I have been talking about the Christian’s responsibility to participate in the democratic process and the obligation that we have to put forth a biblical worldview for the betterment of our communities. The problem is that politics polarizes people – even Christian people. Here is my conundrum: the Apostle Paul said, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” Of course, he didn’t compromise moral or theological purity but he was willing to put aside differences for the sake of winning people to Christ.
When entering the political realm there are differences of philosophy, methodology, and perspective, and these differences can polarize people and create anger and bitterness. So how does a Christian, who wants to win people to Christ, participate in a forum that can polarize them from those whom they want to lead to the Savior?
Paul presented himself as a Jew to the Jews, obeyed the law so as not to offend those under the law, when he was with gentiles he set aside the ceremonial law so that he could relate to them all for the purpose of presenting the gospel unhindered.
So, should I be a democrat around democrats, republicans around republicans, and libertine around libertarians? Should I be for taxes and then against taxes depending on whom I am with? I think the Apostle would tell me that there is nothing more important then sharing Christ and everything else (political) belongs to Creaser. He probably would submit himself to any government regulation (that wasn’t contrary to God’s word) and focus on the proclamation of the gospel.
So today I want you to answer my conundrum. Should the Christian stand apart from politics so that he won’t polarize himself from those he wants to reach with the gospel? Should the gospel be the only thing that should offend people? Step up, what do you think?
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