I agree that there is a delicate line between "church" and "state" issues.
This week, there was an issue about what is "right" and "wrong" because our current president made a statement of endorsement regarding the concept of homosexual "marriage." This is "political" in both a "policy" (cause and effect) and in the definition of the word "politics" (where as the Greek word "polis" means "city" or "community"). At the same time, this is a spiritual issue too. It is a matter of righteous v. unrighteousness -- or immorality (as the Word of God describes it).
When legislation is passed by a man who is "elected" by the consent of the "polis," it can have direct impact upon believers. While some have painted the concept of homosexual "marriage" as a matter of equality (it isn't), policy can be extended to the point that it would become "unlawful" for believers to call the lifestyle "immoral." There has already been legislation in which elected politicians or their appointed judges declared the Biblical teaching about homosexuality to be "hate speech." Thus, a believer who continues to teach it (or hand out literature about it) would ultimately become embroiled into the very government legal process that he may have wanted to avoid in the first place.
This is why the issues of "politics" have a tendency to take upon both a secular "political" influence and a spiritual impact simultaneously.
There are many current issues -- like homosexuality, abortion, freedom of worship, publicly funded or protected pornography as "art," etc... -- that have an impact on both the Church and the State.
When I was a teenager, I was sent home from school because I was wearing a Christian t-shirt with an image of Jesus on the cross (from the Jesus Film Project) with the words, "Who do you say that I am?" written on it. An overzealous teacher contacted an overzealous administrator and they told me to go home and change my shirt.
My dad was a Naval officer. He was at home for lunch...and took me back to the school and refused to comply. He waited in the office with me and demanded that the Superintendent of the school district drive to the school in order to meet with him. My dad pointed out that a few kids in the hall were wearing demonic shirts (including an Ozzie Ozborn shirt with demons all over it). Needless to say, I didn't have to change my shirt. This was BEFORE my dad gave his heart to Christ. Yet, a spiritual issue had become a state issue...but was more of a matter of "right" and "wrong" in my dad's mind.
Now, there are many different types of people here on SermonIndex. We come from different backgrounds, beliefs and levels of maturity. There is an old saying in the world about the dangers of conflict that come from discussing "politics and religion." Well, SermonIndex is a testament to the fact that issues of doctrine can often be discussed without meandering into bitter disagreements. There are individuals with whom I disagree about certain issues. However, the danger is when we point them out as "sinful" because of those non-essential views.
For instance, my wife doesn't wear a head covering. She doesn't point out those who do and call it "sinful." Neither should anyone point her out and call her "sinful." It is possible that BOTH are following the Lord with a clear conscience in the matter without necessarily arriving to same exact opinion on the matter. The PRINCIPLE of Biblical modesty and propriety is what matters to both the sister who does and does not feel that it is something that they most practice. Neither should accuse the other of "sin" for following the Lord with a clear conscience. Nor should they be accused of "pride" for disagreeing with someone else's assertion if they maintain a meek disposition about a matter.
Over the next few months, people will likely feel strongly about certain issues. They may feel strongly about the Mormonism cult of which Mitt Romney embraces. They may feel strongly about the Liberation Theology cult that Barack Obama embraces. And, of course, some might find that it is incompatible for a believer to decide that a man who practices Mormonism, Catholicism, Liberation Theology or even some other sectarian religious persuasion as the better choice for a four year job as president. These are acceptable things to suggest. However, we shouldn't be angry (or question the "intellect") when someone doesn't agree. Nor should we introduce myths and rumors into a discussion either (like the "White Horse Prophesy" or that Obama was from Kenya or a Muslim) without identifying it as such.
By the end of November, many of these discussions will probably die down. A president will be elected (or reelected). While this is an important thing in terms of policies and laws in the temporary country that we dwell, I often think that we sensationalize the outcome. Someone used to tell me, "Don't worry, it will all come out in the wash." All of our worrying, concern and debates will not change what is already viewed from Eternity. While I may still choose to share my voice over issues or the positions of candidates (even at the polls), my faith is only in the Living God. He knows the End from the Beginning. I think that we all can rest in the knowledge that God's eye is on the sparrow...and that we are worth more than sparrows.
If I have offended anyone by my words, I do apologize. It was never an intention to suggest that someone should violate their conscience in any such matter. Rather, I would urge believers in all issues like these to go to the Lord in prayer and study of His Word. While we can hear the voices who tell us one thing or another, our direction should only come from God.
So, I do agree that we should be careful to not introduce matters that will distract the Bride of Christ from the Groom. I remember how my wife sometimes felt overwhelmed during our engagement. On top of work and the completion of graduate school, there was a wedding to plan. I would sometimes take her to the side and simply remind her that our focus shouldn't be on the wedding, but on the life for which God has brought us together. She was always grateful for the reminder. I think that the same can be said with our relationship with the Lord. He is what matters most -- and our daily time alone in His presence serves to help us forget the things that matter less in terms of Eternity.
May our hearts be focused on the God of Eternity. With His love in mind, I love each of you.
