Politics and Religion?

Whoa, have I lost my mind? Everyone knows a pastor should not mix politics and religion. Really? Who says? Seems to me that in Scripture the two were connected. When God's people were in right relationship with Him their political leadership served them well. When they forsook or slighted their relationship with God their political system also suffered and the people suffered as well. Looks to me as if the two are connected.

Rather than a separation of the two I think we are living in a day when the two are tightly joined together. Not for the good though. I think we have many in our country and around our world who have allowed their politics to become their religion. We look to government to do what God has promised His people He would do. God has been replaced by one's political affiliation.

Political programs must be financed to operate. Our government has no means generating finances other than through taxation. So, if we look to Government to meet our needs we will pay the price through increased taxes. Now here is where I saw politics and religion come together in my Bible reading today. In Proverbs 29:4 we read: "By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts (or "he who taxes heavily") tears it down." Do you see the relevance of that? We are seeing our country suffer tremendous financial burdens and yet our governmental leadership can only think of increased taxes as a means of solving our problems. I have news for them - IT WILL NOT WORK!!! I don't say that because I am some smart political consultant or analyst. Nope, I'm just a student of God's Word and He said that high taxes will tear the land down. Creating and worshipping a false god is costly.

The book of Hosea tells the story of what happens when God's people forsake God. It is a tragic story, in that regard. One theme we see is that God's people would turn to Assyria for help. Hosea 5:13 says that they "went to Assyria, and sent to the great king." Much like individuals in our country today they sought their deliverance from the politically powerful of their day. It was a poor choice because the verse goes on to state: "But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound." By the end of Hosea the people of God are challenged to declare: "Assyria shall not save us;" we would be wise to admit the same. There will be no lasting help, salvation, or deliverance that will come from the State House or the White House. Our hope is in the Lord.

Wonder what would happen if we determined not to allow our Politics to become our religion; but rather acknowledged the positive influence we could have upon our political system by simply living in a right relationship with God?

Now, that's something to think about.

Pastor Mike