David Whiting Live

Politics - part 4

I hope you don't misinterpret my previous three posts (read part one HERE, part two HERE, and part three HERE).

I firmly believe you should VOTE!  There are at least three reasons to vote:

• If our culture and society are debating a biblical issue - your vote matters (abortion; marriage; immigration). If God has a viewpoint on abortion, and I think He does - voting is part of praying, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If every Christ-follower voted, we'd more likely see God answer that very prayer, it seems to me.
• When the people of Israel were carried off to Babylon, they were commanded to pray for the blessing of the place where they were going. So we should vote in a way that we believe is best for this country.
• I thinking voting is part of the privledge and responsibility of living in our blessing country. If people don't vote - what is the purpose of our form of government? Vote! Every political system is corrupt because fallen human beings run every political system.  But voting is what keeps this imperfect system from becoming completely and totally corrupt. So VOTE!
• Just because my citizenship is in heaven, and just because my hope isn't in politicians - that doesn't mean that politics don't matter. THEY DO! They just need to be kept in proper, Biblical perspective. Voting without being obsessed is a good way to maintain that balance (it seems to me). But because of reason #1 (see HERE) - I don't talk about WHO I vote for.

I just felt I should add this final post - so I wasn't misinterpreted. VOTE! Just don't place your hope there.

The way to change our society is not by voting in the right party. It is by winning people to Christ - one life at a time. And until Christ followers really believe and live that, I will probably continue my political frustrations.

Why I Hate Politics - part 3

There is one more reason I dislike politics. (read part one HERE and part two HERE).

The final reason that comes to mind (as to why I dislike politics) is that politics tends to make us forget that we are citizens of heaven.

Philippians 3:20 says:
"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

SO many things I love about this verse.

1) HOME is heaven (not the USA). We've never been there, but once we trust Christ - THAT is our home.

2) We eagerly await a Savior. Often, it seems the political party NOT in power is awaiting a Savior. But according to Philippians 3:20 - the REAL SAVIOR comes "from there" - that is, heaven. Obama wasn't the Savior, and neither will the Republican that he runs against in 2012.

3) And just to make it VERY clear... the verse tells us WHO that Savior is... the Lord Jesus Christ.

I LOVE THAT VERSE!

So the third reason I dislike politics is that it easily makes us forget that we are primarily citizens of heaven. And any "hoping" for the future ought to be the return of Christ - not the next election.

Why I Hate Politics - part 2

Yesterday, I mentioned one reason that I dislike politics (you can read that HERE). I would summarize it this way: You can't win your enemies to Christ; you win your friends to Christ, and politics alienate at least 50% of my potential friends.

There is a second reason I dislike politics. Too many Christians talk and live their lives as if politics is the hope for our country and for their future. When challenged, they will say that the country's only hope is Christ, but that only seems to happen once their thinking is challenged. In reality, by what they read, watch, listen to, think about, and say - their hope is found in who gets elected in November every two years.

Years ago, after having the privilege of meeting with Steve Largent (at time the #3 Republican on "the Hill") - I remember being amazed at how a politician has less hope in politics than the average Christian. That interaction changed me. Mr. Largent helped me clearly see that writing legislation for the good of society is a noble, worthy task. Public service is an honorable vocation. But no matter their motivation, politicians can only do so much. What I discovered was not how powerful congressmen are, but how limited their power really is.  All they can actually do is rearrange the yard markers on the playing field of life.

They can't change a human heart.
They can't heal a wounded soul.
They can't turn hatred into love.
They can't bring about repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation or lasting peace.
They can't change someone's eternity.
In other words - politics can't change the world.

The ONLY thing that can bring those miracles is the power of the love of Jesus Christ. That is a love that conquers sin and wipes out shame and heals wounds and reconciles enemies and patches broken dreams and ultimately changes the world - one life at a time.

I don't like politics because it TOO EASILY causes Christ-followers to forget where our hope is. It is always and only - in CHRIST!

Why I Hate Politics

One reason I hate politics... You can't win your enemies to Christ. You can only win your friends. Politics creates enemies.  If I am a strong proponent of a party - I am alienating half of the people I want to win for Christ.

Politics mean nothing to me. Christ means everything. And changed lives is why I do what I do. 

Views on politics isolate and polarize potential friends. That is why you will never see a political sign in my yard or a [political bumper sticker on my car. That is why I will never tell you who I voted for. If there are biblical issues, I will address them (abortion, etc...). I hate political ads. I don't care if the Democrats stay in power or the Republicans "win back" the House or Senate. None of it will win people to Christ. Neither party will change the world. Only the love of Christ will do that.

But I will never win my enemies to Christ... just my friends. That is one reason I dislike politics.

A Thought on Politics and Poverty

Yesterday I finished a five-week series called, "The Gospel, Politics, and the Poor."  In the series I didn't talk about the political views of poverty nearly as much as I originally planned. I was advised to avoid it more than I was thinking I would. I simply tried to make it clear that politics aren't the answer, but I never got specific as to WHY each political solution isn't a real solution.

In one service yesterday, I promised more about the political angles of poverty. This is a quote from a book I recently came across by Tim Keller, called "Ministries of Mercy." I haven't read it yet, I just heard an audio book of it, but I look forward to reading it. I love Keller's perspective on politics.

1 John 3:17 - If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

While accomplishing that task [of confronting social problems], Francis Schaeffer said Christians may be at times, "co-belligerents" with the Left of the Right, but never allies. "If there is social injustice, say there is social injustice. If we need order, say we need order.... But do not align yourself as though you are in either of these camps: You are an ally of neither. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is different from either -- totally different."

The ideology of the Left believes big government and social reform will solve social ills, while the Right believes big business and economic growth will do it. The Left expects a citizen to be held legally accountable for the use of his wealth, but totally autonomous in other areas, such as sexual morality. The Right expects a citizen to be held legally accountable in areas of personal morality, but totally autonomous in the use of wealth. The North American "idol" - radical individualism -- lies beneath both ideologies. A Christian sees either "solution" as fundamentally humanistic and simplistic.

The causes of the our worsening social problems are far more complex than the secualrists of the Right or Left understand.

We wrestle not with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities...

Neither a simple redistribution of wealth nor simple economic growth and prosperity can mend broken families; nor can they turn low-skilled mothers into engineers or technicians.

Only the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the millions of "mini-churches" (Christian homes) throughout the country can attack the roots of social problems. Only the Church can minister to the whole person. Only the Gospel understands that sin has ruined us both individually and socially. We cannot be viewed individualistically (as the Capitalists do) or collectivistically (as the Communists do) but as related to God. Only Christan, armed with the Word and Spirit, planning and working to spread the kingdom and righteousness of Christ, can transform a nation as well as a neighborhood as well as a broken heart.

 

American Flags and Church - part 3

One final thought about American Flags and Churches.  (You can read the previous posts HERE [part 1] and HERE [part 2].)The biggest reason that I don't want an American flag on the church platform is because of the law.

According to Section 175k of the U.S. Flag Code, "When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience."

There are two problems that Section 175k creates for follower of God when it comes to a church meeting. 

• First, if a stage has an American flag and a Christian flag - the Christian flag - BY LAW - must be in the subservient position.  The American flag must be in the "position of superior prominence."  I am NOT an American first and Christiana second.  I am a follower of Christ - first and foremost.  Having an American flag on the platform is a pet peeve.  Having an American AND a Christian flag on the same platform will require me to violate my conscience (by having the Christian flag subservient to the American flag) or break the law (by not giving the American flag the position of prominence).
• Second, the flag - even if the only flag on a platform - is required by law to hold a position of greatest honor on a platform. God has exalted above all things His Name and His Word (Psalm 138:2). I don't think we should exalt any THING except His Word during a church worship service. At a sporting event, graduation, public ceremony, and any secular program or event - I love that the American flag is honored and given the place of superior prominence, but not a service specifically dedicated to worship God, teach His Word, and introduce people to Him.

OK - that should explain why I don't like American flags on church platforms.  But maybe it's just me.

By the way, I discovered a few years ago that the only time a Christian flag can be displayed "above" an American flag is on a Navy ship during a chapel service.  Other than that time - the Christian flag MUST fly below the American flag.  I would rather the Christian flag NOT fly than have it submit to any country or government.

American Flags and Church - part 2

This is a continuation of yesterday's post on American Flags and Church.  You can read part 1 HERE.

There are several reasons that I am personally opposed to having American Flags on church platforms.  Here (at random) are some thoughts:

• The primary reason I'm opposed to American flags on a church platform is because of the singularity of purpose of a church service.  We have gathered to worship God - not to worship or admire a country.  I think everything we do needs to be purposeful and intentional.  And as good as patriotism is - I'm not sure that needs to be a standing value we have when our priority is the worship of God. I am fine and great with displaying our patriotism and national pride at school events, sporting events, and concerts.  But in a place where the sole purpose is to worship God? I think an American flag given a place of prominence is out of place.
• American flags were first displayed in church by Catholics. About 150 years ago, Catholics were accused of being more loyal to the pope than to our country.  So they began displaying American flags to prove they could be loyal to both the pope and also to our country.  Two world wars and churches who sponsored Boy Scout troops increased the popularity of displaying the flag from platforms.
• I would think that Baptists would have been among the latest of adopters of flag display--as it was Baptists who fought and died for the proper practice of Separation of Church and State.
• I remember visiting with a pastor from Germany, and I asked him what he notices about American church services that seems different to him.  He instantly responded with this statement: "It seems to me that Americans confuse patriotism and worship." I totally agree - especially in some old-fashioned, Bible-thumping, King James only churches. They seem to be over the top with Patriotism. 
• Those churches often sing, "God Bless America" - and I can't get this question out of my mind, "With where our country is morally - CAN God bless America?"
• Another reason I don't like flags on a church platform is that the flag represents a "banner" of our loyalty and our authority.  The true banner that we follow is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• And when the word "freedom" is mentioned in church - I don't think American freedom should be the primary thought that comes to mind.  When people at North hear the word "freedom" - I want them to think about being free from sin's power, free from sin's penalty, free from an eternity in hell. Those are the primary thoughts of freedom I think we should have.  I think American flags can distract us from the greatest of freedoms (spiritual freedom) - to political freedoms.

Just some random thoughts. One last thought - I'll save for tomorrow... this is getting a bit longer than planned.

American Flags and Church - part 1

If you've ever noticed, at North - we have the American flag on the platform only three times a year: the day before Memorial Day, the Sunday closest to July 4th, and the Sunday closest to Veteran's Day.  When I first came to North, the American and Christian flags were on the platform all the time. 

Probably one of the regular "complaints" I receive is why we don't always have the American and Christian flag on the platform. 

Before I give some reasons - let me say this clearly: I am a proud American.  I love my country.  If I had been called upon to serve in a war, I would have done so willingly and with pride.  I am one of those people who take off my hat and stand respectfully whenever and wherever I hear the National Anthem at sporting and other events. I don't even like to talk at my house while someone sings it on TV before a sporting event. I've given my children "the lecture" my father gave me at a Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball game when I was a child: "Thousands have died for our freedom, this is but one way we will show respect and love for those who died...."  I've given the same lecture to my daughters.  I also get very annoyed when people abuse the national anthem when singing it.  I'm sure they are great singers and popular in their particular genre of music, but PLEASE - just sing the national anthem in the traditional way.  Showcase our country - not your voice.  OK - enough on the pet peeves.

I do love my country. There is no where else I'd rather live.  I am so thankful for Veterans who have served, and young men and women who have died - for the country I love.  For all our faults, I would not want to live anywhere else.

But - I don't see a place for patriotism during a service devoted to worshiping God.

More on this tomorrow...

My first disappointment with my president

With most of the rest of the nation - this last week I celebrated the 43rd time that a peaceful transition of power has taken place in our country from the 43rd president to the 44th. Is there another country in history that has had 43 peaceful transitions in 230 years of its existence? Although the rhetoric is rarely "full of peace" during election-time, it results in a peaceful transition of power from one president to the next. It amazes me. What an incredible country!!

I am also thrilled that an African-American is now our president. I admit - I didn't know if I'd see it in my lifetime. I imagined that there were too many racists in too many states to ever see this happen.

There are many things about President Obama that I am happy about. Yet - my joyful bubble has been popped. On Friday, President Obama ended the Bush administration's ban on giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions.  Every Republican president going back to Reagan instated and reinstated the policy, and every Democrat president has reversed it.  Earlier in the week, all his signings were mid-day with high media coverage and large fanfare. This policy was signed with no media present, on Friday afternoon - to keep it as low-profile as possible.

The policy change came 36 years and one day after the initial Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. So while we mourn the millions who have died in 36 years, our government is supplying funding to make abortion more accessible around the world. May God grant us mercy.

My Thoughts On the Election

With much help from John Piper and JD Greear - here are some thoughts on the election...

• I am thrilled that an African-American will be our next president. That was unimaginable not that long ago. And sadly, I'm sure many Americans voted against Obama not because of his politics but because of his race. Considering the scars of our country's history of slavery and racism - it is amazing that an African-American is our next president. For that - I rejoice. I wonder if Martin Luther King, Jr. could have imagined this happening this quickly.
• President-elect Obama is God's servant! (Romans 13:4) The way some Christians have already talked about him is embarrassing to me. We owe him prayer, respect, and honor. He has been given his position by God (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
• We don't live for politics. We don't base our confidence in the future on those who do or don't get elected. This isn't our home. This world is passing away (1 John 2:15). This system is disappearing so let's not get so worked up about anyone being elected that we act as if the world is going to collapse. No political party gets my allegiance and not even America gets my primary allegiance. My allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His Gospel, and my home is heaven, and there is no threat of any elected official ruining that home or its economy. My hope is not in any politician. I am not here to promote any political party. I'm here to promote Christ and him crucified. And most times I think that the Gospel probably will be heard better during the worst of times not the best. Let's remember that we are primarily citizens of heaven, not of the United States, and there is no election in heaven. Our hopes, loyalties, and dreams lie there - not here. If electing McCain/Palin is what would give some hope in our country - then I am glad they didn't win. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives hope. 
• I have recently been reminded that believers in China pray for our persecution. They believe it is the best thing for the church. I think they are right. I'm not sure that one president would result in more persecution than another, but if it happens - it is what we need.
• We need a big, healthy dose of belief in God's sovereign control of the world. It is sad to me how bothered some Christians are by the election of Barak Obama. As John Piper has said, "If someone's election hurts the United States - then we need to be hurt!" I would say the same if McCain were elected. God sets up kings and deposes them (Daniel 2:21). This is just as true in this election. Any despair simply shows a lack of trust in God and an absence of belief in His sovereignty.
  
• My biggest concern of this new administration is the issue of abortion, which, as John Piper says, "the true horrors of which are recognized by very few of us." It is an unimaginable slaughter of the weak.  It seems that President-elect Obama has been the most pro-choice member of the current Congress. I will be praying that God will change his mind on this issue.
• My favorite quote from John Piper on the election is this: "Christians sometimes talk as if God will judge us as a country if we elect a President who supports gay marriage and abortion. Those things are the judgment of God. Abortion is the judgment. The spread of a radical, homosexual agenda is the judgment." I do believe that our country is and will continue living out the natural consequences of such agendas.

There is an incredible video by John Piper on this election (filmed before election day).
Check it out HERE (http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=YGjGbZNyIBY).