Post by Zac Loh on Aug 29, 2009 10:52:34 GMT -5
Politics is an explosive conversation all over the world. Politics is in our nature, consciously or otherwise. My simple reference to politics here is akin to `manipulation'.
I am totally reminded to come before God in humility, trusting Him, being careful not to indulge in manipulation which is a symptom of the carnal self.
Religious Politics Will Lose
Acts 13:44-46
Politics is everywhere. Politics permeates every strata of society, in the government, in the corporate office, in any organization, and even in the family.
Each and every one of us, at different levels, play the politics game. Once in a while, we ALL need to confess to God and repent of this fault.
Shocking to some, politics is played in the church setting. My own simple definition of religious politics is when one manipulates in self-interest for self-benefit. In short, this type of religious politics is void of the agape divine love of God.
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:44-46)
The paramount topic, subject or speech in the church is the word of God. Religious politics has the knack of marginalizing the teaching and preaching of the word of God. Christianity is then turned into `churchianity’. In truth, we ought always to pray in Jesus name, not constantly play the church game.
For their self-inclined motives, the Jews distracted, diverted and objected the preaching and teaching the word of God. Have you ever been to a situation when a chronic church issue overwhelmed the calling and purpose of propagating and promoting the word of God?
Our heart needs to seek the truth. Fullstop. The Jews LOST OUT because their heart weren’t seeking the truth. “Was it worth the price?” My heart cries out …almost in tears.
THE REMEDY FOR RELIGIOUS POLITICS:
The Wisdom Of God
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18)
It is good not to offend anyone unnecessary. Be wise as a serpent, but be innocent as a dove. We can manage a situation to the benefit of everyone. Yes, we work for the larger picture. But we must not manipulate to the detriment of someone else. We need to operate in the wisdom from above.
The key words here are FROM ABOVE.
The Love Of God
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Everyone errs. But when we operate by the love of God in our hearts, it covers everything else. The love of God should overwhelm everything. The tidal wave of the love of God should sweep away the rubbish of religious politics. The church is the hallway of purity, not the back alley of religious politics.
Our motive should spell LOVE.
I am totally reminded to come before God in humility, trusting Him, being careful not to indulge in manipulation which is a symptom of the carnal self.
Religious Politics Will Lose
Acts 13:44-46
Politics is everywhere. Politics permeates every strata of society, in the government, in the corporate office, in any organization, and even in the family.
Each and every one of us, at different levels, play the politics game. Once in a while, we ALL need to confess to God and repent of this fault.
Shocking to some, politics is played in the church setting. My own simple definition of religious politics is when one manipulates in self-interest for self-benefit. In short, this type of religious politics is void of the agape divine love of God.
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:44-46)
The paramount topic, subject or speech in the church is the word of God. Religious politics has the knack of marginalizing the teaching and preaching of the word of God. Christianity is then turned into `churchianity’. In truth, we ought always to pray in Jesus name, not constantly play the church game.
For their self-inclined motives, the Jews distracted, diverted and objected the preaching and teaching the word of God. Have you ever been to a situation when a chronic church issue overwhelmed the calling and purpose of propagating and promoting the word of God?
Our heart needs to seek the truth. Fullstop. The Jews LOST OUT because their heart weren’t seeking the truth. “Was it worth the price?” My heart cries out …almost in tears.
THE REMEDY FOR RELIGIOUS POLITICS:
The Wisdom Of God
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18)
It is good not to offend anyone unnecessary. Be wise as a serpent, but be innocent as a dove. We can manage a situation to the benefit of everyone. Yes, we work for the larger picture. But we must not manipulate to the detriment of someone else. We need to operate in the wisdom from above.
The key words here are FROM ABOVE.
The Love Of God
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Everyone errs. But when we operate by the love of God in our hearts, it covers everything else. The love of God should overwhelm everything. The tidal wave of the love of God should sweep away the rubbish of religious politics. The church is the hallway of purity, not the back alley of religious politics.
Our motive should spell LOVE.