Captivating Beauty in the Midst of Exile
In our politically charged environment, especially as we approach election season, many Christians find themselves wrestling with how to engage in the political sphere while staying true to their faith. This challenge is not new - believers throughout history have grappled with similar questions. However, by examining Scripture and reflecting on our role in God's redemptive plan, we can find guidance for our present moment.
Understanding Our Place in Redemptive History
To navigate politics as Christians, we must first understand our place in God's grand narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a consistent theme: God's people living as "foreigners and exiles" in the world. This concept is crucial for shaping our political engagement.
In the beginning, humanity was given the creation mandate - to take the raw materials of the earth and cultivate them for God's glory. This includes developing culture, art, music, technology, and yes, even political systems. However, sin entered the world, distorting this purpose. Instead of creating for God's glory, humans began to build empires for their own sake.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see God calling Israel to be a blessing to the nations. He gave them land and established them as a nation to showcase His goodness to the world. Yet, they often fell short, leading to exile. It was in exile that God's people had to learn how to live faithfully in a foreign land.
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we find Jesus - the true Israel - establishing His Church as a "holy nation" and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). This new community transcends national boundaries, existing as exiles wherever they find themselves.
Understanding this narrative is crucial. If we mistakenly view our country as a "new Israel," we'll approach politics very differently than if we see ourselves as exiles called to be faithful presences in a foreign land.
Living Lives That Reveal the Beauty of God's Kingdom
So how do we, as exiles, engage in politics? The apostle Peter provides guidance in 1 Peter 2:11-17. He urges believers to live in a way that reveals the beauty of Jesus and His Kingdom. This involves three key aspects:
1. Pursue personal flourishing: Peter encourages us to "abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul" (v. 11). Sin not only harms our relationship with God but also distorts His beauty in our lives. We must actively rid ourselves of anything that harms our souls.
2. Pursue community flourishing: We're called to "live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God" (v. 12). Our good deeds have the potential to lead unbelievers to salvation. This might involve volunteering at local charities, serving in schools, or practicing radical generosity.
3. Pursue country flourishing: Surprisingly, Peter calls believers to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority" (v. 13). This submission is part of our obedience to Christ, with the caveat that we must obey God rather than humans if the two conflict. We're to seek the peace and prosperity of the places where God has placed us, even if they're not our ultimate home.
Honoring Everyone, Fearing Only God
Peter concludes with a powerful statement: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor" (v. 17). This verse provides a framework for how Christians should engage in politics:
- Honor everyone: We're called to respect all people, even those with whom we disagree politically. This means avoiding slander and seeking to understand different perspectives.
- Love the family of believers: Within the Church, our love should go beyond mere respect. We're called to deep, sacrificial love for our fellow believers.
- Fear God: Our ultimate allegiance is to God alone. This should shape all our political engagement.
- Honor the emperor: Even when we disagree with those in authority, we're called to honor them. This doesn't mean blind obedience, but it does mean speaking respectfully and praying for our leaders.
This approach stands in stark contrast to much of our political discourse today. It calls us to a higher standard, one that reflects the character of Christ.
Living Out Our Calling
So what does this look like in practice? Consider the story of Jim Elliot and his friends. These missionaries went to share the Gospel with a hostile tribe and were killed. Yet, some of their wives returned to live among the same tribe, forgave them, and eventually saw many come to faith in Christ. This is a powerful example of living as exiles, seeking the good of others even at great personal cost.
Or think of Jesus Himself. He didn't form an army to overthrow the oppressive Roman government. Instead, He laid down His life in enemy love, praying for those who crucified Him. He knew His role in redemptive history, lived a life of beauty that drew people to God, and feared God more than any earthly king.
As we engage in politics, we're called to follow this example. We're to know our place in God's story, live lives that reveal the beauty of His Kingdom, and honor everyone while fearing God alone.
This approach to politics won't always be easy. It may not lead to immediate political victories. But it aligns with God's heart and His ultimate plan for redemption. As we live this way, we become living testimonies to a different kind of kingdom - one not of this world, but one that's breaking into this world through the lives of faithful believers.
So let's examine our hearts. Have we misunderstood our place in God's story? Are we truly seeking the flourishing of our communities and nation? How do we speak about those in power and those with whom we disagree? As we reflect on these questions, may we be inspired to engage in politics not as culture warriors, but as exiles bearing witness to a greater Kingdom.