1/26/17
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for
them a city.” Hebrews 11:16
Dear Congregation,
I have seen so
much division amongst Christians this past year and a half over mere politics
that I have become quite frustrated with the daily chatter of events. It would
seem that in the last week the division has intensified even more. When I make
an argument for something, or take a stand, I want to make sure I have a firm
foundation to stand on. I want to be sure I am right. To preach God’s Word is
to have an authority beyond myself to point to. With politics, so much is
unknown and untested. So much is distorted, neglected, or glossed over that I
never can quite discern where the truth is or where the right is. I like to
think that moral issues are clear if they come directly from the Word of God
but even here politics has a way of tainting them with worldly distortion.
In my
frustration I turn to the Scriptures for direction and answers with politics.
In them I find precious little instruction. I see Apostles concerned with
individuals rather than nations and empires. I see people going out to teach,
disciple, and baptize one soul at a time. I never see Paul, James, Timothy,
John, or Peter lobbying the Roman Senate. I never see the Church
of Corinth or Ephesus organizing political marches or
passing around petitions for new laws. In fact I see a church so separate from
the state that they truly are only rendering unto Ceasar what is his and
focusing on God and His power to rule and transform. I see a church that
appreciates the power in its own political weakness. It may sound like I am
advocating a separatist withdrawal, but I am not. I am merely stating that Christianity
was never meant to be a political force. It never has and never will work well
as one. It became that when it was adopted by Rome in the 4th century and we
have seen the trouble that caused. We desire a better country, an heavenly.
That country does not allow for political division as we understand that
politics will not solve problems, Christ will!
He has
prepared for us a city. With knowledge of that, how can we get so bogged down
in minute by minute talking heads? How can we become frustrated with our
brothers and sisters who disagree over money matters? We are called to better
and bigger things. We are called to a heavenly purpose with heavenly work and
otherworldly goals. The church does not influence through law making and
petition, the church influences one individual or family at a time. We are salt
and light by acting differently from the world; loving our neighbor, leading,
discipling, and teaching all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. For governments pass away, but Christ is with us even unto the end of
the world, Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Basile
