Principle or Politics? A Fundamental Choice in Human Affairs

Politics doesn't happen just in government. It can happen in the office, on a sports team or wherever humans interact. What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. tell us about politics compared to the way of principle?

Should Christians become involved in politics?

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. directs us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4 [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
[2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
[4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

See All...). However, generally speaking, Christians do not involve themselves in governmental politics. Jesus Christ said: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
See All...). As ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
See All...), God has not called us to save this world by involvement in human government, but rather to give a foretaste of the heavenly government to come. In doing so, we are to show honor to our human leaders and do what we can for our communities (1 Peter 2:17Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
See All...; Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
See All...).

The question remains though: Should Christians become involved in politics? With regards to being involved with a political party of government, clearly God has given us a different calling. However, we all realize that politics do not just happen in the inner workings of government. Politics happen at all levels of human affairs. There are office politics. Politics in clubs and organizations. Politics happen in sports teams, from peewee to professional. Politics can happen in neighborhoods and in our schools. Yes, even in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. we find a number of illustrations of politics in ancient Israel and in the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. Church.

Should Christians become involved in politics in any form? Is that how God's Kingdom on earth will function? Or much rather, doesn't God expect us to have principle as the foundation of our conduct and interaction with others?

As we assess our spiritual condition prior to the spring festivals (1 Corinthians 11:28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
See All...) and prepare for our future roles as kings and priests (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 1:6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
See All...), the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. instructs us that our love for God is reflected in how we treat one another (1 John 4:20-21 [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

See All...). The choice of principle or politics is a fundamental one in human affairs.

Definitions

Before we go further, let us establish working definitions for the purpose of this article. These are based on The American Heritage Dictionary: College Edition.

Principle: "Rule, law or standard of moral and ethical behavior. Virtue of character." The concept of principle concerns itself with who you are. A person of principle bases his words, actions, decisions and relationships on what is right and objective.

Politics: "Intrigue or maneuvering within a group. Artful, shrewd, crafty, cunning." This definition of politics concerns itself more with who you know. (Anyone ever hear of the saying: "It's not what you know but who you know"?) A person participating in this definition of politics bases his words, actions and decisions on personal gain and promotion through manipulating those he knows and the relationships he has with them. (Note: While "politics" can be defined validly in different ways, the purpose of this article is to focus only on the above aspects of "politics.")

In the remainder of this article, we will contrast the way of godly principle with wrongful politics, examining biblical examples in the process.

Humility Versus Self-Promotion

The biblical contrast that is obvious here is Jesus Christ and Lucifer. With regards to Jesus, we read the following in Philippians 2:3-7: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men." (Please also see Mark 10:42-45 [42] But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
[43] But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
[44] And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
[45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

See All....)

By contrast, we read the following about Lucifer (Satan). "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning... For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High'" (Isaiah 14:12-14 [12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
[13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
[14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

See All...).

The principle of humility means that a person has a modest opinion of himself. He focuses the attention on what God is doing and on the accomplishments of others. Like Christ, a person seeks out God's will for where he can best serve—within the Body of Christ and in other areas of life. Humility is based on the give way of life, concentrating on giving to others and God. A humble person does not focus on himself, but rather on the task at hand, seeking to give honor to others.

Self-promotion means that a person is actively seeking to improve his image in the eyes of others. The attention is on him. He is trying to move up. He promotes himself. He is probably not content with his position in human affairs and interaction. Like governmental politics, he seeks name recognition. Self-promotion is part of the get way of life.

Is it wrong to receive a promotion at work or be recognized for our accomplishments? Of course not. God will reward us for our works when Christ returns and that will be very good. In 1 Timothy 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
See All... we also read, "If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work" (although this does not automatically mean that the desire is good).

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. also reminds us that true promotion "comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another" (Psalm 75:6-7 [6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
[7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

See All...). With regard to the Church, God places a person where He wills (1 Corinthians 12:18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
See All...). True promotion comes from God.

How does that work? It is based on who a person is and not who a person knows. "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:11-12 [11] But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
[12] And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

See All...). God is looking for people with a servant character of leadership—like Jesus Christ. Christ humbled Himself, and certainly was exalted (Philippians 2:9-11). Satan tried to exalt himself, but was abased (Isaiah 14:15-19 [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
[16] They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
[17] That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
[18] All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.
[19] But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.

See All...). Can you think of an example in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. of someone trying to promote himself to a higher position that worked out well, that God honored?

Diligence Versus Ingratiation

The story of Ruth is an inspirational pearl in the period of the Judges. Ruth, a woman from MoabAn ancient nation bordered by Rueben in the North, Edom in the south, and the Dead Sea to the west and the desert to the east; the descendants of the firstborn son of Lot and his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:30-37)., had married a Israelite man. He, his brother and father all died in MoabAn ancient nation bordered by Rueben in the North, Edom in the south, and the Dead Sea to the west and the desert to the east; the descendants of the firstborn son of Lot and his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:30-37).. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, then decided to go back to Israel. She tried to persuade Ruth to do the logical and sensible thing—stay in MoabAn ancient nation bordered by Rueben in the North, Edom in the south, and the Dead Sea to the west and the desert to the east; the descendants of the firstborn son of Lot and his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:30-37). with her own people. Ruth would not hear of it. Not thinking of her own happiness, comfort or wealth, she said: "For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me" (Ruth 1:16-17 [16] And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
[17] Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

See All...).

After arriving back in Israel, the two poor widows quickly found themselves rather destitute. Again, showing sacrifice, diligence and selflessness, Ruth found a field she could legally gather grain in. Her outstanding reputation for hard work and her care for Naomi generated handsome compliments from the owner of the field, Boaz. But that was not the end of her reward. Boaz eventually married Ruth. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical., whose lineage, of course, led to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ruth had not sought wealth, position or prestige. She was simply diligent to do what was right, which in this case was caring for Naomi. In the end, God cared for Ruth. Ruth followed principle. (See Proverbs 10:3-4 [3] The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
[4] He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

See All...).

Success in unrighteous politics often involves not diligence in deed, but ingratiating oneself to those in power. In the history of Israel, King DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. had the power. Twice individuals thought they could win favor with DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. by claiming to have killed DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical.'s (supposed) enemies. The first story is in 2 Samuel 1. The second story is in 2 Samuel 4. DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. though, was a man of principle and rejected both attempts to curry his favor. He had the men executed.

There are two main ways in which ingratiation (trying to win someone's favor) is attempted. One is through flattery. Another is by first doing something for that person, in hope of receiving something in return. Both are condemned in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24 [9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

See All...). The meaning of the word simony comes from that incident: "the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment" ( Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary ).

Jesus Christ could certainly distinguish between a sincere compliment and deceitful flattery. "And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?' But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, 'Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?'" (Matthew 22:16-18 [16] And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
[17] Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
[18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

See All...). Like DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical., Christ saw through the thin veil of flattery and correctly addressed the situation.

Proverbs provides a good deal of counsel on this subject.

•Proverbs 25:6Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
See All...—"Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great."

•Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
See All...—"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips."

•Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
See All...—"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

Ephesians 6:5-6 [5] Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

See All... states: "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."

In Israel, judgment was not to be tainted by bribes. "And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous" (Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
See All...). While most people are not legal judges, the principle still applies. The judgment needed in the affairs of life should not be tainted by those who are trying to be deceitfully "nice" or "bribe" with compliments, loyalty or favors. The concept of "I'll scratch your back if you will scratch mine" (or quid pro quo ) as a political strategy has no place in a Christian community. As kings and priests in the Kingdom of God, we will be expected to exercise the righteous judgment of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 11:1-5 [1] And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
[2] And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
[3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
[4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
[5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

See All...)—decisions that are right, objective, lawful and fair.

Service Versus Influence

In both the Old and New Testaments, Moses is praised as one of the great leaders in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. His attitude was a meek one of service (Numbers 12:3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
See All...). In Exodus 18:13-16 [13] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
[14] And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
[15] And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
[16] When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

See All... we read: "And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, 'What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?' And Moses said to his father-in-law, 'Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.'"

Moses was a leader dedicated to serving the people by pointing them to God. He was also humble enough to realize that his father-in-law had a better method that could serve more.

By contrast, Absalom is a classic example of a leader trying to serve himself by influencing others to look to him. "So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, 'What city are you from?'' And he would say, 'Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.' Then Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.' Moreover Absalom would say, 'Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.' And so it was, whenever anyone came near him to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:2-6 [2] And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
[3] And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
[4] Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
[5] And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
[6] And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

See All...).

Moses used his position to serve those under him. Absalom used his position (as a prince) to undermine the rulership of King DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. and to win people over to his cause. Moses was sincerely and deeply concerned for the welfare of the people, based on God's instructions. Absalom sought to influence others to see his point of view and support him in the wrong way.

A servant's heart is one that looks out for people for whom he has responsibility. Maybe we are a supervisor on the job or hold an office in a club or organization. The principle of service means we want to make sure that those under us are well taken care of. It is the attitude of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-14 [1] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
[2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
[3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
[4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
[5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
[6] This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
[11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
[12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
[13] The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
[14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

See All...; 1 Peter 5:1-4 [1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

See All...).

The political attitude is to use others (especially those of lesser authority) to create a momentum of personal loyalty. Such a person wants a personal following, but is willing to undermine those above him in order to move up. This creates division. It was division based on personal loyalties that Paul strongly condemned in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 [10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
[11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
[12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

See All.... The concept of political influence is wrong; the results are negative.

Objectivity Versus Favoritism

For us as Christians, probably one of the most encouraging attributes of God is that "there is no partiality with God" (Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.For there is no respect of persons with God.
See All...; see also 1 Timothy 5:21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
See All... and Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
See All...). All humans who have ever lived have the opportunity for salvation. We can all expect penalties for our own sins. We can look forward to rewards for our own works. God is the ultimate in fairness and objectivity.

Peter and Paul were leading apostles in the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. Church. In many ways, they rightly deserved honor for their loyal service to God. However, it is interesting to note that—despite Peter's position and overall good character—he was not perfect and had to be corrected. Paul showed no favoritism to him on one occasion, and openly rebuked Peter. "Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy" (Galatians 2:11-13 [11] But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
[12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
[13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

See All...). To Paul's credit, he addressed a wrong, even though it was a fellow apostle who was in the wrong. To Peter's credit, we have no record of him showing animosity towards Paul for his correction.

Being objective with issues of right and wrong means that a person looks honestly at the issue at hand and makes a decision based on the truth of the situation—not based on who the person is (or is not) or on other subjective factors. Israel was told not to show partiality to the poor (Exodus 23:3Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
See All...). Then, in verse 6, they are told not to discriminate against the poor either. James admonishes Christians not to show favoritism to the rich (James 2:1-4 [1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

See All...).

When is it most difficult to be objective and resist favoritism? Probably when the situation involves a friend. We don't want to offend him. We want him to benefit, because he is our friend. Yet we are challenged by the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. not to show partiality. Being a true friend means being objective—helping our friend realize the truth—and not favoring him unfairly to the detriment of someone else. If the friendship is strong, there won't be a personal offense over objective matters. Proverbs 27:6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
See All... states: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

Of course, there is then the opposite scenario—trying to remain objective when the person is not a friend, but perhaps even an "enemy." Personal offenses can cloud our judgment on objective matters. It is vital to see the strengths and good in people, even if we might personally have differences with them. That is the principle of objectivity.

Choose Principle, Not Politics

Satan has corrupted the entire world with a foundation of self-promotion (or the get way of life), ingratiation, wrong influence, favoritism and lies. This world is in the process of collapse. Jesus Christ set us the example of the Kingdom of God: humility, diligence, the mind of a servant, objectivity and truth. (Of course, there are many other righteous principles that could be added to this list.) It is upon this foundation that Christ will usher in a new order and a new government to this earth. Kings and priests in the Father's family will lead using this foundation.

Through God's Word and the life of Christ, we have the opportunity now to establish our lives and relationships on principle. Let us take advantage of that privilege, and look forward to the day when the whole world is established on that foundation—principle, not politics. UN