"Politics and Religion are Poor Substitutes"

The answer for solving the problems in America is not to be found in politics, or in a specific political party or in a specific political leader.  The answer is for the Church to heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 and for believers to become authentic followers of Jesus.  Let the Church be the Church . . . not political action committees.

Politics, church programs and events, become a substitute for being authentic followers of Christ Jesus . . . they become idols that we worship . . . they require less time and investment on our part . . . they are not as costly as following Jesus (Matthew 10). 

Some authentic followers of Jesus may be called into the world of politics to serve in positions of civil leadership in our communities and they should be obedient to that calling of GOD.  That may be a legitimate way to be “salt and light” in our world.  But the most effective part of their service will be as authentic followers of Jesus who are bearing Spiritual fruit where they serve.

It is the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST that is the power of GOD unto salvation (Romans 1:16), not religious institutions and certainly not political parties or platforms.  It is the onslaught of the true Church of Jesus Christ proclaiming the truth that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” that the gates of hell will be unable to stand against (Matthew 16:13-19) . . . not party platforms.

As true followers of Jesus Christ we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for GOD’s own possession” (2 Peter 2:9) aliens to this world; and yet we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but we are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of GOD’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).  America is not our home . . . we were redeemed for an eternal destiny.  Heaven is our home.  We are not primarily a citizen of the United States of America . . . we are citizens of the Kingdom of GOD first and foremost.

Out of authentic intimacy with GOD through Jesus, Holy Spirit begins "life-ing" out the life of Jesus in us and through us. Holy Spirit then begins producing Spiritual fruit through us (Galatians 5:22-23).   As a result of this spiritual redemptive work of GOD within us we become "salt & light” within the communities in which we live.  Then the people around us who are living outside of GOD’s purposes become more important to us than their sinful lifestyles or their political viewpoints.  (Matthew 5:1-16)

When we begin investing in the lives of the people all around us and they begin seeing Jesus in us they will either be drawn to the Jesus within us or they will be repelled by Him in the same way people were drawn to Jesus or repelled by Him when He walked on this earth in human form.  Our part is simply to be faithful.

Jesus is the hope of the world, not Obama or Romney and not the Democratic or Republican parties.  I think we should stop praying, “God, bless America” and we should repent in humility and brokenness in order that we (America) bless GOD.