How Jesus Takes Over The Nation

Newsflash: It’s an election year. But of course, you already knew that. Campaign news and ads are already dominating the media outlets, and these are just the preliminary skirmishes. We all know things will really heat up this summer, which is when the real battles begin.

Elections for any public office are always important; Presidential elections even more so. If anything, this particular Presidential election seems even more important than usual. Big things are at stake in our country and our world; and we need wise, effective leadership that is equal to the times. I’m sure you realize this, and I hope you are praying for these elections and engaging with them as you are able.

With these things in mind, it’s interesting to me to ponder the life and teachings of Jesus, particularly as they pertain to political and social issues. Jesus certainly was not blind to the cultural evils of His day. He spoke emphatically against the dangers of wealth and power. But He never called for a revolution. He didn’t start any social programs. He didn’t decry immoral social structures, even though there were plenty He could have attacked. In fact, when He was confronted with the most inflammatory political question of His day—paying taxes to Caesar—He barely raised an eyebrow. Why? Because according to Jesus, evil is not located in social structures themselves. The problem is the individual human heart. Jesus said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mk 7:20-23)

The ramifications are immense. This means, first of all, that we must never look at social and political evils as an “us-versus-them” scenario. It’s never “good guys” versus “bad guys.” It never could be. After all, the gospel reminds us there is only one Good Guy, right? For the rest, sin is always an issue for “we” and “us,” not “them.”

Second, Jesus’ teaching reminds us that God’s kingdom cannot and will not come by force. Coercion only perpetuates the status quo, which is conflict. Jesus didn’t force people into morality. He loved them into freedom—freedom from self-idolatry and freedom to love and serve the living God. That’s how He got you, isn’t it? Newsflash: that’s how He wants to get America, too.