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 Bible tell us about politics compared to the way of principle?
by Matthew Fenchel
Should Christians become involved in politics?
The Bible directs us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). However, generally speaking, Christians do not involve themselves in governmental politics. Jesus Christ said: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). As ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), 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 2:17; Galatians 6:10).
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 Bible we find a number of illustrations of politics in ancient Israel and in the New Testament 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 11:28) and prepare for our future roles as kings and priests (Revelation 1:6), the Bible instructs us that our love for God is reflected in how we treat one another (1 John 4:20-21). 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.)
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).
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 3:1 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 Bible 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). With regard to the Church, God places a person where He wills (1 Corinthians 12:18). 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). 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). Can you think of an example in the Bible 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 Moab, had married a Israelite man. He, his brother and father all died in Moab. 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 Moab 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).
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 David, 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).
Success in unrighteous politics often involves not diligence in deed, but ingratiating oneself to those in power. In the history of Israel, King David had the power. Twice individuals thought they could win favor with David by claiming to have killed David's (supposed) enemies. The first story is in 2 Samuel 1. The second story is in 2 Samuel 4. David 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 Bible. Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24). 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). Like David, Christ saw through the thin veil of flattery and correctly addressed the situation.
Proverbs provides a good deal of counsel on this subject.
•Proverbs 25:6—"Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great."
•Proverbs 20:19—"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips."
•Proverbs 26:28—"A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
Ephesians 6:5-6 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 23:8). 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)—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 Bible. His attitude was a meek one of service (Numbers 12:3). In Exodus 18:13-16 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).
Moses used his position to serve those under him. Absalom used his position (as a prince) to undermine the rulership of King David 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 Peter 5:1-4).
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. 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 2:11; see also 1 Timothy 5:21 and Galatians 3:28). 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 Testament 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). 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 23:3). 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).
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 Bible 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 27:6 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 | 
