{"id":11694,"date":"2024-02-27T15:21:19","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T09:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cccfornews.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/27\/12-warning-signs-that-politics-are-becoming-an-idol\/"},"modified":"2024-02-27T15:21:19","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T09:51:19","slug":"12-warning-signs-that-politics-are-becoming-an-idol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cccfornews.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/27\/12-warning-signs-that-politics-are-becoming-an-idol\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Warning Signs That Politics Are Becoming an Idol"},"content":{"rendered":"


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An old adage states there are two things a polite conversation never includes\u2014religion and politics. But in the past forty-five years, religion and politics have meshed to the point of syncretism<\/a>. Political ideals have replaced many Christians\u2019 zeal for the Lord with fervor for a Christian nation via politics. At what point does politics become an idol, and what are the warning signs this is happening?<\/p>\n

What Event Spurred Christians to Pay More Attention to Politics?<\/h2>\n

The Christian Post<\/a> reports on the Moral Majority, \u201cFounded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell<\/a> in 1979, the Moral Majority<\/a> advocated for conservative positions on issues like abortion, homosexuality, and school vouchers. It also helped millions of Christians register to vote.\u201d The organization gave rise to the impetus that Christians who engage in politics, both as candidates and supporters, are honoring to God because Christians will bring a moral rightness to a largely secular civil realm.<\/p>\n

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Is It Okay for a Christian to Engage in Politics?<\/h2>\n

There is nothing inherently wrong with a Christian entering the political arena, as long as he or she remembers our first role is ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20<\/a>) and as such, our first priority is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

To that point, Albert Mohler,<\/a> president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and political commentator says, \u201cWe believe that love of neighbor compels us to be concerned for freedom in every corner of the world. Our concern as Christians should be to see our neighbors saved from an immediate peril that we may have the opportunity to proclaim to them the Gospel so that they might be saved from an ultimate, eternal peril. Like Augustine, it is love of neighbor \u2014 rooted finally in love for God \u2014 that compels us to want and hope and pray for the good of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is no doubt a Christian in a position of influence could be a good thing. The problem is our natural sin nature which leads people to prideful arrogance instead of humility. Humility is key for any Christian as we submit to the Lord\u2019s authority over the government<\/a> in our lives.<\/p>\n

Even King Hezekiah fell victim to pride. The Bible says he, \u201ctrusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. For he held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses\u201d (2 Kings 18:5-6<\/a>). Later, King Hezekiah, however, displayed all \u201chis\u201d treasures to the Assyrian envoys who desired to overthrow Judah (2 Kings 18-20<\/a>). Even after the Lord heard his prayer and bestowed fifteen more years of life to him, Hezekiah was relieved the prophesied trouble would not befall the nation until after his death. That was like saying, \u201cWell, at least I won\u2019t have to endure it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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12 Warning Signs Politics Are Becoming an Idol<\/h2>\n

Knowing we can become involved in politics is freeing, yet fraught with problems. A person may have good intentions at the beginning of their quest to \u201cmake a difference\u201d through a political role, but allowing politics to become an idol may overshadow any of the good that was done.<\/p>\n

An idol is defined as anything which diverts or otherwise steals one\u2019s attention away from the Lord God. Regarding such an entity as politics, Webster\u2019s 1828 Dictionary<\/a> defines an idol as, \u201cAny thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment.\u201d The Bible is clear, \u201cI am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other, nor My praise to carved idols\u201d (Isaiah 42:8<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Following are twelve warning signs politics are becoming an idol:<\/p>\n

1. Political Issues Take Precedence over Time in God\u2019s Word<\/h2>\n

If a person answers a question about missed time in the Bible like this: \u201cBut I have to watch the replay of the debate between the candidates! I missed it live because I was at a rally for candidate X.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

An exclamation such as this reveals an improper priority. The Bible says this about the church in Berea, \u201cthey received the word with all eagerness, examining the\u00a0Scriptures\u00a0daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11<\/a>). Scripture reading must take precedence over politics.<\/p>\n

2. Pushing Church Leaders to Promote Certain Candidates or Issues<\/h2>\n

Instead of asking or encouraging your pastor about his recent sermon, you regularly show up with a pile of flyers advocating for a political candidate or ballot issue.<\/p>\n

All Christians are to seek the things which are above and to set our minds on heavenly things which come from God and not men (Colossians 3:1-3<\/a>). Having all of your concentration focused on politics renders the Gospel inert in your life.<\/p>\n

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3. Spending Too Much Time Focused on the News<\/h2>\n

If you are spending most of your time watching the latest news about what\u2019s going on in Washington or other world capitals, then politics may be becoming an idol in your life.<\/p>\n

2 Timothy 2:1-5<\/a> reminds us that as \u201cgood soldiers of Jesus Christ,\u201d we are not to get, \u201centangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the One who enlisted him.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. Unproductive Conversations<\/h2>\n

Do your conversations swirl around politics, or about the Gospel and what God is doing in your life?<\/p>\n

The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16<\/a>). Proclaiming what was entrusted to him was his charge and duty (2 Timothy 1:12<\/a>).<\/p>\n

5. Prioritizing Activism over the Church<\/h2>\n

Is a political rally\/meeting\/parade more important to you than Sunday worship, prayer meetings, or a church event?<\/p>\n

Matthew 6:33<\/a> tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. Keep the main thing the main thing.<\/p>\n

6. Frustration with Church Leadership<\/h2>\n

If your pastor doesn\u2019t mention a pressing national or political issue (a good happening or a wrong action), you get upset and speak your mind to him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Your pastor knows 1 Corinthians 9:16<\/a>. He understand the weight of preaching the Gospel and the woe if he doesn\u2019t preach the Gospel and spends his time speaking on worldly affairs instead. The Gospel is the only means of salvation to a lost and dying world.<\/p>\n

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7. Social Media<\/h2>\n

If you hold a position of authority within your church or among the body of believers, how are you using your social media account? If your top priority is pushing your political opinions on your church\u2019s audience, then it may be becoming an idol. Proverbs 12:15<\/a> says, \u201cThe way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

8. Only One Way<\/h2>\n

Believing that only your chosen candidate or party is the right one is an outright statement of a haughty spirit. Proverbs 16:18<\/a> states destruction follows pride.<\/p>\n

9. Attacking Others<\/h2>\n

Politics may be an idol for you if you find yourself attacking the politically ignorant or the candidate or members of a different party. Romans 12:18<\/a> puts a halt to a contentious spirit, \u201cIf\u00a0possible, so\u00a0far\u00a0as\u00a0it depends on you, live peaceably with all.\u201d<\/p>\n

10. Misplaced Pride<\/h2>\n

There is great pride in saying, \u201cI helped change things,\u201d thinking you can hurry the kingdom come by helping create a \u201cChristian nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The only Christian nation is that which is in Christ and is now within each believer. We can no more bring about a Christian nation than a camel go through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24<\/a>). No one can change or hinder Christ\u2019s return based on works of men. God\u2019s timing is perfect (2 Peter 3:8-9<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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11. Pushing Politics, not Evangelism<\/h2>\n

Kingdom work is thwarted and subverted by politics over evangelism \u2014 a distraction to keep Christians from focusing on spreading the Gospel.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hebrews 12:1-2<\/a> speaks of all who have gone before us, all who have kept the faith. And no one greater than the Lord Jesus Christ, \u201cwho for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

12. Feeling Hopeless<\/h2>\n

When the political situation has you feeling hopeless, believe it or not, this may be a sign of a growing idol. This world can seem overwhelming with its problems, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar in your personal life or in the life of a family member or fellow church member? It\u2019s a presidential election year. Where will you find your focus? On God\u2019s sovereignty? Or will you be like one whom the psalmist points to in Psalm 20:7<\/a>a, \u201cSome trust in chariots and some in horses\u201d?<\/p>\n

Instead, be like the person in Psalm 20:7<\/a>b, \u201cbut we trust in the name of the LORD our God.\u201d In other words, will you trust in God or in men? As we prepare to vote, remember to pray<\/a> for God\u2019s will to be done and for Him to be glorified.<\/p>\n

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