It is said in most families that things go smoother when religion and politics stay separate. Many have heard it said, “separation of church and state” is the way it should be. But I think this is a major part of our problem…not the solution.
Now please wait before you get hostile (I know hostility and discussions about politics usually happen…but just wait). As a culture we have attempted to compartmentalize our lives. We say things like, “That is just how I am at work…but that is not the real me.” We love to watch shows like Survivor which allow people who are kind and caring individuals when they are not on the show to become heartless killers. And we think this type of living and thinking is okay. So when it comes to politics we read and study one thing on Sunday like helping the poor and the needy…but then when it comes to voting…somehow I am supposed to separate my fundamental beliefs with how I vote? I would argue that you cannot separate something as fundamental as your “beliefs” in regards to God. This should impact everything that you do and say. This is where the problem has occurred. You cannot separate Christ from politics. The world needs followers of Christ who are unafraid to bring with them their beliefs in Christ. The world needs politicians that care about the things that Christ cares about.
But if we are honest we have become so accustomed to separating our faith and politics. We research politicians based on how they better us (individual us) and not looking at does this honor God. People tell me (I had people tell me yesterday after I preached on politics and the Bible) that they know that the Bible says this about life…and they do not care. They are going to vote differently because they want to. Do we see the separation and the problems that this has created.
When I country does not create the duality that we have created we at least know what to expect and how to fix the problems. Our biggest problem is how we have tried to keep our religion separate not just from politics but literally everything. Our hope is not hinging upon the election tomorrow. Our hope is hinging upon a nation returning to unity and I firmly believe unity under Jesus Christ. I know tomorrow as I go to vote I will vote united and unashamedly as Christ would vote. I hope others do not try and keep them separate but instead fight to state united.