Banes S. Lal
Within the rich tapestry of human beliefs, Christianity has always occupied a profound and central position, its foundation intricately woven with the divine word of God and the deep-rooted teachings of Jesus Christ. At the heart of this faith lies a set of principles that exalt love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, redemption, and unwavering faith – principles that epitomize the very essence of our faith. Yet, in recent times, a disconcerting trend has emerged, one where certain believers of the Christian community have veered towards a narrow and politically focused perspective, straying far from the core teachings imparted by the Lord himself. In this blog, "When Politics Divert Christians from Christ's Teaching," we embark on a journey to delve into this divergence, scrutinize its consequences, and offer a compassionate path toward rediscovering and realigning with the genuine teachings of our faith.
Echo Chambers and Entrenchment
The digital age has given rise to echo chambers—environments where individuals only encounter views that echo their own. This entrapment fosters confirmation bias and prevents exposure to diverse perspectives, nurturing extreme political beliefs while distancing Christians from the broader world they are called to serve. So let us hold fast to what scripture says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." - Proverbs 12:15.
The Christian Mandate
Central to the Christian faith is the commandment to "love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:39). This commandment directly reflects Jesus' teachings on compassion, empathy, and kindness. It is puzzling that some Christians have embraced political ideologies breeding division, intolerance, and exclusion.
One of the pitfalls that lead to this deviation is the tendency to prioritize political affiliations over spiritual principles. Scripture warns us against idolizing anything before God, as seen in Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." This verse underscores the danger of elevating political leaders or parties to a status equivalent to or above divine guidance.
Political Leaders vs. Divine Guidance
Placing undue faith in political leaders, policies, or parties can lead to disillusionment and disappointment. History has shown that political powers are transient, while God's teachings are eternal. Psalm 118:8 reminds us, "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." This verse illuminates the error of seeking salvation or ultimate guidance in the realm of politics, where human imperfection is inevitable.
The life of the Lord, characterized by humility and service, starkly contrasts the ego-driven world of politics. Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) exemplifies servant leadership, a quality rarely associated with political power. Instead of fixating on politicians as champians, Christians must remember that their ultimate allegiance is to Christ alone.
Detrimental Impact on Testimony
One of the most heartbreaking consequences of this political tunnel vision is the negative impact on the Christian testimony. Jesus instructed his followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). Not only does this imply a role in preserving goodness, but we are to be a light in this sense of being His light because He is the light of men (John 1). In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). These traits are incompatible with divisiveness and extremism. By immersing in divisive politics, Christians risk alienating those who might otherwise be drawn to the message of hope and redemption.
When Christians become entangled in aggressive political debates, resorting to intolerance or anger expressed through severe criticism, their testimony of love and grace is compromised. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds believers that the fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Evaluating whether political engagement is nurturing or overshadowing these fruits is essential.
Furthermore, believers must engage in sincere heart-searching, evaluating whether their beliefs align with Christ's teachings. Holding themselves accountable enables them to navigate faith and politics more conscientiously. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Compassionate Realignment
Compassion should guide us in addressing fellow Christians who may have strayed into the realm of extreme political tunnel vision. Instead of judgment, we must engage in open dialogue that invites self-reflection. Ephesians 4:15 encourages speaking the truth in love, allowing for growth and transformation.
When believers become known more for their political affiliation than their love for humanity, they lose the ability to share the transformative power of Christ effectively. The apostle Paul urges believers to "live a life worthy of the calling" and to "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2).
Returning to the teachings of Christ involves a conscious effort to realign with His principles. Regular study of scripture, reflection, and prayer can help recalibrate perspectives and actions. Remind them that the heart of Christianity is built on love, forgiveness, and redemption and that these principles should guide their efforts in all areas of life. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers guidance: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
In a world marked by diverse ideologies and polarizing views, Christians are called to exemplify the Lord's teachings through their actions, attitudes and opportunities to demonstrate the unifying power in God's word. Embracing a political tunnel vision mentality that deviates from what the scripture teaches contradicts the core values of love and compassion but hampers Christian testimony. Plus, it also weakens one's ability to share the transformative message of the Gospel. It is a reminder that our allegiance is ultimately to God, and our role is to reflect His love, mercy, and grace. Through compassionate self-examination and realignment with what the Lord Jesus taught, Christians can bridge the gap and foster unity, embodying the transformative power of our faith.
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