If I were a betting man, I bet you have heard of the boiling frog illustration. A preacher’s favorite, this illustration pictures how our environment subtly influences us over time. It depicts placing a frog in a pot of cold water, then slowly heating up the water. The change in temperature goes unnoticed, eventually boiling the frog. The point: we are like that frog. Our environment will influence us–many times without us even detecting the impact until it is too late.
Unfortunately, the illustration is inaccurate. The frog can detect the change in temperature and will quickly escape the impending boil. Yet, this illustration persists because of its relevance. In truth, our immersion in a culture or environment subtly influences us. When this creeping influence occurs over time, dramatic changes often take place unbeknownst to us.
One area we are particularly vulnerable in this regard concerns politics–hence, the existence of this article. Americans and American culture feeds off the political trough dished to them daily through news and social media. This seems to have only increased over the past ten years. One’s shade of red or blue has slid into the realm of identity. This is the water we are called to swim in as Christians–an environment in which we are in danger of letting our political passion surpass our biblical passion. Rather than think, “First a Christian, then a _________” (fill in your political affiliation.); we shift to “first a ________, then a Christian.” This shift transpires slowly over time and undetected by many.
I was reminded of this reality and the need to be vigilant as I was recently finishing up two different books. Although unrelated, these books surprised me by addressing Christianity and politics–though for different reasons. The two books are The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener and The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings which Followed by William N. Blair and Bruce F. Hunt. Although neither book focused on politics, when they did broach the subject, I could not help but nod in agreement. I will cite both works to reinforce some points I will be making.
As followers of Christ, our thinking must be “first, a Christian, then, a ________.” God and His priorities should be our priorities, and His Word demands we interpret this world through its lens–including politicians and government policy. Jesus calls us to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33). This applies not only to money (the clear intention of the verse within its context), but also to politics. Our money, passion, zeal, and advocacy belong in kingdom purposes first.
How do we know if the culture around us has started to cook us and infiltrated our thinking? This can be difficult to ascertain, especially considering how covertly we change over time. I believe a few questions can help us self-assess. Consider the following three questions:
1) Do I engage others in political conversations (either in person or online) to the neglect of engaging in Gospel conversations?
Granted, a few realities work against Gospel conversations. The devil would love to keep us focused on politics, mounting spiritual opposition to the idea; and our culture has designated the spiritual to the private sphere, creating a natural barrier of intrusiveness. But if our commitment remains devoted to God’s kingdom, then we will stay devoted to the message of that kingdom. Among the many circumstances surrounding the pandemic that left my jaw open was the boldness that many Christians showed for their political convictions despite never having been so bold about the Gospel! If we are Christians first, then Gospel promotion comes first.
2) Do I support a political position based solely on my political party’s endorsement?
When I prioritize God’s kingdom, I am bound to clash with my political party. Just consider Charlie Kirk’s funeral and the stark contrast between Erika Kirk’s words and that of the President. Even if the President was joking, the introduction of hate fountained from his heart and expressed the sentiment of many within that party. I appreciate Glen Scrivener’s thoughts:
“Sometimes true Christianity will sound far too ‘left wing’, sometimes far too ‘right wing’. . . . Christian communities in the 1st century were ethnically diverse and radically generous (even, at points, holding their possessions and money in a common fund). This would place them very much on the left of our modern political spectrum. Equally, they passionately opposed abortion and infanticide, and kept sex firmly within male-female marriage. At this point we would dub them right-wingers.
“This combination was noticed at the time. People would remark on how Christians were promiscuous with their charitable giving and stingy with their sex lives. Their money was anyone’s but their bodies were not. Such views defied the classifications of their day, and they defy ours too. But they were difficult to pin down because they were not seeking to lean left or right but to follow a call from above: the call of Christ.” (The Air We Breathe, 230)
3) Does my commitment to patriotism override biblical principles?
Patriotism is not inherently wrong. I am proud to be just as American as Lee Greenwood. But when commitment to one’s country overrides one’s dedication to biblical principles, we are swimming in hot water. William Blair highlights the dilemma that the Korean church faced 100 years ago. What would it be for them, patriotism or Christianity? He writes:
“In a day, that which centuries of misrule on the part of her own rulers had failed to do, the Japanese occupation accomplished: patriotism was born in Korea. A wave of intense feeling swept over the land. . . .
“Naturally there arose a call for every man to declare himself for or against the Japanese. All saw in the church the only hope for their country. . . . The country wanted a leader and the Christian church was the strongest, most influential single organization in Korea. Had she departed even a little from the strict principle of non-interference in politics, thousands would have welcomed her leadership and flocked to her banner. We might have again witnessed the cross of Constantine leading a great army. I believe Korea, like the Roman Empire, would have adopted Christianity in a day, and I believe too, we would have another Roman church.
“It took high courage, coupled with wisdom and great love to lead the church aright, to stand before men burning with indignation at their nation’s loss and preach the doctrine of love and forbearance, and forgiveness even of enemies.” (The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings which Followed, 73-74)
Kingdom first means biblical principles first, and patriotism second.
These three questions are a good starter to self-assess whether you genuinely
live as a Christian first and a ________ second. Plenty of other questions could be added, but these are sufficient for now.
Despite what I have written, I do not intend for you to conclude that there is no place for politics in the Christian life. There is a place, when it is within its proper place. Where that place lies is beyond the scope of this article (I’m surprised you’re still reading it), but I will offer two brief thoughts in closing.
First, many current political issues cross into biblical morality. Abortion, pornography, gay marriage, and immigration (to name a few) are addressed in the Scriptures. In some cases, the Bible directly addresses policies and laws within our government. When we prioritize correctly, we can easily move our political discussions into spiritual discussions. Conversations of worldview and presuppositions can abound in the realm of politics. This is especially true when our views don’t align with our political association. This anomaly provides a platform for the Gospel to shine over our political affiliation. Use politics as a gospel platform, not the other way around.
Second, the political process we have been afforded in this country gives us a say in the defense of true justice, the poor, and the destitute. Consider the work of William Wilberforce. What he accomplished in British politics is a testament to leveraging politics for biblical principles. It took political action to pass the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. Thank God he took that action! But note, his work did not come at the expense of the gospel, but as an expression of the gospel. This is evident by his own words. He wrote in A Practical View of Christianity, “Let him then who would abound and grow in this Christian principle, be much conversant with the great doctrines of the Gospel.” About these gospel doctrines, he earlier wrote, “The whole superstructure of Christian morals is grounded on their deep and ample basis” (167). From the gospel proceeds the morals which drove him to fight against the slave trade.
Whether we like it or not, we live in a supercharged political environment. News, social media, and the radio constantly bombard us with opinions and perspectives, making it too easy to be engulfed with politics. It’s too easy to prioritize D.C.’s agenda over God’s agenda. Remember, first a Christian, then a ______.
Your servant in the Lord,
