Politics and God

Has it become obvious lately that we live in a political world?

It's kind of infiltrated everywhere, it seems, that even all of us, it seems, drive to be politically correct. If you notice how that's impacted just about everybody, it seems. Today it seems like your bedroom is no longer cluttered, it's passage restricted.

No longer are you having a bad hair day. Instead, you're having a rebellious follicle syndrome.

Or not gossiping. No, not at all. This is just the speedy transmission of near-factual information. And so it seems to infect even the little ones, the students. The students are no longer being sent to the principal. You're going on a mandatory field trip to the administrative office. Or, perhaps your homework isn't just missing, you're having an out-of-notebook experience. Has politics infected us? Okay, that's kind of a silly level. Someone was telling me earlier that politicians are kind of like diapers. They need to be changed often. And for the same reasons.

And, of course, here we are, just three days away from a monumental election, here in the United States. What is your perspective on the upcoming election?

More importantly, what is God's perspective on the political situation in America? Should we, as God's people, be active in politics? Is that appropriate for us as members of the church? As the people of God? Where is our place? And how does God look upon the whole scenario of governmental politics? Let's think about that this afternoon. What is your perspective? Does it match and rise to the level of God's perspective? A couple of things we need to think about as we begin is, where is the foundational principle of the world? Is the foundational principle of how we can begin to even come to a concept of where we should look for a perspective? I think there's a familiar section of Scripture that we all know. If we said Hebrews 11, anything come to mind specifically? We'd probably say, oh, that's the faith chapter. But do we realize that the faith chapter has a wonderful foundation for where we should begin as we consider this overall question? What is God's perspective of politics? And should I, as a member of God's church, be active in politics? Turn over to Hebrews 11. And let's notice what God inspired to be written about all of those who died in the faith. Those who were those spiritual heroes, those people that were in the hall of fame, spiritually speaking, had a perspective when it came to this very topic. Let's notice what it says. Hebrews 11, verse 13. It says, Does these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth?

So what was their perspective when it came to their life, to their physical life? You see, it has to do with where they envisioned their true citizenship. Where did they belong? Where did they fit in? When it came to this life, it says they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims. And these are a couple words that aren't used a lot in Scripture. In fact, strangers, you just find one time. Pilgrims a couple more times throughout the New Testament. But it points to something significant. If you were to look up what a pilgrim is, or maybe think about what is a pilgrim when you hear that word?

What comes to mind? Well, this time of the year, we're getting close to Thanksgiving time. That picture may come to mind. And we're not really talking about the pilgrims that came to the United States. Yet there is a connection. There is a connection because why did they come here? They came to seek religious freedom. They came to a new land to leave and escape a land that didn't fit with their beliefs. And that is part of the essence of what this Greek word for pilgrims is all about.

It's about someone that comes to a foreign country or comes to another city to live. And they live there side by side with the natives. And of course, we all know the stories from early America, where the pilgrims had a great meal with the Native Americans that were there. They were sojourning. They were living in a strange place. They were temporary residents. They were what we might call a resident foreigner. This wasn't their country, but this became this foreign land where they lived. And now we see there's a connection here between the faithful who saw themselves just like that, like this resident alien, a resident foreigner, that this is not the place that they belong.

And in fact, when they add the word stranger to that concept, it rounds out this whole idea even more. Not only just being a foreigner or an alien, but this word for strangers carries the idea of one that doesn't have knowledge or one that doesn't have a stake in. So they don't have a stake, not talking about turkey or steak or that sort of thing, but they don't have a share in this country.

They don't have a part in this place because they're foreigners. They're aliens to this land. And so here we find the faithful people of God saw themselves as sojourners who are in a foreign country. They're residing there with everybody else that's living here, but they don't fit in. They're strangers. They don't have a stake in this land, in this way of life. And in fact, we see that they're waiting. What are they waiting for? It says, verse 14, for those who say such things declare plainly they're seeking a homeland, because this is not their homeland.

Verse 15, if truly they'd called to mind that country which they'd come out, they would have had opportunity to return. So are we thinking on a physical level? Oh, the pilgrims could have went back to England. They could have went... No, that was unacceptable, because that was really not their home either. And for you and I, this points to something greater.

Verse 16, but now they desire a better, that is a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. That's what they were seeking. That's what offset them from everyone else in the world. They were sojourners. They were without a stake in this land. They were resident foreigners, because they were looking... Well, look at verse 11. They're looking for that city whose builder and maker is God. So when it comes to our perspective, is this our outlook?

When it comes to what's going on in our country today, are we seeking a homeland? Are we a resident alien? Do we recognize this isn't our country. We've got a spiritual homeland that is so much more important than what goes on in the governments of this world. In fact, the Apostle Paul talked very specifically about this first aspect. As we consider this concept of what is God's perspective when it comes to politics?

What should our perspective be? The first thing we've got to do is consider our citizenship. And that's exactly where Hebrews 11 points us. Where do we abide? Where is our mindset? What is a real homeland? Well, here Hebrews tells us very plainly it's a heavenly country. It's a spiritual kingdom whose originator is God Himself. In fact, the Apostle Paul substantiates this even more with a very familiar scripture over in Philippians 3, verse 20.

Let's take a look at Philippians 3, verse 20, a familiar passage. But let's notice it in this context. What about our citizenship? It really is a core foundational beginning in order to identify what should our perspective be on the politics of this world. Philippians 3, verse 20, it says, our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.

Now, if you were to read this in the King James Version, it says something just a little bit different. It says, our conversation is in heaven. And it offsets that word for citizenship or conversation. Where is it located? Well, it says it's in heaven. And it points to something very specific because this is the word where we get our English word, politics, from. The Greek word here is polytia. Polytia, conversation, citizenship. It really strikes to the heart of administration. The administration which we connect to is not in Washington, D.C. Our administration comes from heaven, comes from the very throne of God. And so it points to the Constitution that we abide by, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of True Believers. That's what this citizenship, that's what this conversation is pointing to. It's pointing to a form of government by which the laws are administered. Well, what government administers the laws of God?

Well, the government of God, God Himself. And so Paul is drawing a distinction here. I think that one that certainly applied in the first century because Roman citizenship was so valuable. Everybody wanted to be a Roman citizen because there were so many benefits that you could experience because of that. But Paul's saying, wait a second, how much more valuable is Godly citizenship? How much more valuable is the administration of God? The truthful Constitution of the Commonwealth of Believers. That's what God's pointing us to here, that form of government. That's where our thinking should go. That's where our Constitution is. That's where our conversation lies. That's where our citizenship is. In fact, if you read this passage, look back at verse 20 again. Here's what the amplified version says, but we are different. Hebrews 11, we don't fit in. We're different because our citizenship, our Commonwealth, our homeland is in heaven. See, its seat is right there at the throne of God. It goes on, from there we eagerly await the coming of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And so it's interesting the way this falls within the framework of Philippians, because if we go to verse 18, just go back just a little bit, here Paul is concluding this chapter with admonitions and warnings, exhortations you might call them. And did you notice what he says? Look at the contrast here. He says, verse 18, "...many walk, of whom I've told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame." Now we read that and say, well, that's kind of a disconnect between verse 20, as it talks about our citizenship, our Constitution, our conversation. And yet it's not, because there's a commonality between these warnings, between these exhortations, that line them all up together and contrast them to what a true believer is focused on.

What's the commonality between these things?

He says it right here, end of verse 19, "...their end is destruction, whose God is their belly, whose glory is their shame." Why? Because they set their mind on earthly things.

They set their mind on earthly things. So people have their hearts, their affections, on the temporary things, the things that won't last. And people love that, and they want that. And they have some kind of confidence in the fact that some election of human beings will bring about some kind of great change and save the human race. Paul says, how ridiculous is that? Have we set our mind and allowed it to get distracted so that we're focused on earthly things? You see, that's the challenge for us. Our thoughts, our affections, our mindset, must already be focused on the Kingdom of God. It's not something we should just do every four years. But it has to be there already because our life as citizens, as the Commonwealth of God, our life is found in the New Jerusalem. And we have to be living that way already.

Already we have to be living under the government of God. In fact, you read this, verse 20, in the ERV version. It gets right to the heart of things. It says this, but the government that rules us is in heaven. You see, right now we're under that rule, but we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from there.

Does that describe our mindset? Does that truly define our focus? Because we are the spiritual Commonwealth of citizens. And our conversation, our citizenship, is in God's form of government that supersedes any and every claim on our allegiance. Our allegiance has to be to God and His government. And so when we begin to frame what God's perspective is on politics and what our mindset should be, we have to start here. Where is our citizenship? Where is our conversation? Where is the basis for the law of God found? And we have to go to this very point. And it reminds us, I think of a second aspect that's also critical.

Where does that put our focus then when it comes to being physical beings living in this world? Well, we have to live here because we are physical. This is what life is right now.

But should it engulf our thinking? Should it distract us? Should we get involved in all the hoopla that's going on in this political election? Should we take sides and promote one side over the other? You see, I think Christ spoke so directly to this. We're to be in the world, but we cannot be of the world. And it was so critical to Jesus Christ that as He is at the very end of His physical life, this was on His mind. This was something He was praying to the Father about. It was that critical to Him that just before He's crucified, He makes this very clear foundational statement. So let's go and look at it. It's over in John 17, verse 14.

Let's notice what Christ has to say about how we are to be in the world, but we cannot be apart or of the world. Let's notice it. John 17, verse 14.

Here's Christ praying just before being taken. He says, I've given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Verse 15. I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

And so what is it that offsets us from the rest of politics, government, humanity? What is it that offsets us? Well, he tells us how. Verse 17. It's the truth. Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth. And so then Christ says, as you sent me into the world, I've also sent them into the world. And for their sakes, I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by the truth. And so we are offset from the rest of the world because they don't understand God's truth. Their minds haven't been opened yet. So we are a part of this world. We live in it, but we're not of it. Yes, physically, we live here, but our citizenship isn't here. We are not spiritual citizens of this foreign land that we live in. We are called. We are chosen out of the world, and we're bound for a whole other kingdom. That's what Christ taught. Yes, we are alive physically, but this is not where our mindset is spiritually at all. In fact, Christ lived that. He didn't just say it. He lived it. He lived this. In fact, if we look over at the next chapter, have you noticed this before? Here, Christ comes before Pilate. And he says something critical when it comes to this concept of not being involved in the ways of this world. Notice what he says as Pilate confronts him. John 18 verse 33. Here it says, Pilate entered the praetorium again, called Jesus and said to him, Are you the king of the Jews? Are you think you're the king? You see Pilate saying, Hey, I'm in charge here. That's what he's saying. Jesus said, Are you speaking for yourself about this or did others tell you this concerning me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? I'm in charge. He says, Your own nation and the chief priests, they've delivered you to me. What have you done? Does Christ answer that question?

No. He gets to the heart of the matter. He gets to the heart of the matter. Are we in the world or are we of the world? Where's our mindset? Where's our behavior? Where does it fit? Well, Christ answered in verse 36, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I should not be delivered to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here. Now what he does is he gives us a representation. He gives us some insight. He gives us really the makeup of the kingdom of God. He tells us very clearly, it's not of this world. It is a whole different kingdom. Christ is certainly king. He has a kingdom, but it is not a part of this world. And what's going to happen? That kingdom is coming in opposition to man's governments. Because where do the governments of men come from? Even prophetically it speaks to this very point. You turn to Daniel 7, or you go to Revelation 13. It talks about men's governments arising. They arise out of the earth, or they arise out of the sea. They are physical governments, but that's not where God's government comes from. The holy city comes from God out of heaven. It's not by election. It's not by man's choice. It's not by succession. It's not by conquest of human beings. It comes by the divine will of God. That's where it comes. And so Christ says, my followers, they're not going to fight.

So first century Christians were not in an uproar. They didn't attempt to rescue Him. He didn't order them to fight. Instead, He actually says the opposite. They're not going to fight. He didn't need their help anyway, did He? He could have called on legions of angels. So He wasn't worried about Pilate being in charge. He wasn't worried about the Romans. He wasn't worried about the Democrats or the Republicans or the Libertarians. None of those things had any effect on His power and His authority. In fact, He was willing to be given up and delivered to the Jews because He knew where His focus was. He knew that His kingdom was not of this world. And as servants of Jesus Christ, we don't fight militarily, do we? We don't join the army. We don't participate in the political affairs of this world. That's the plain and simple fact of Christ's teaching. We don't fight. We don't have to vote. We know who's in charge. God's in charge. And His kingdom will come about.

And we live with a different perspective. In fact, it speaks to who we are. It speaks to our identity. And when we consider where our citizenship is, it also reminds us who we represent.

Who do we represent? We are delegates, not for Chicago or Cleveland or some political party, but we are delegates. We are delegates of God. Let's think about that for a moment. It's the third aspect of this topic that we recognize certainly where the foundation is. Certainly we recognize that it's not here in this world. We understand that very clearly. We understand we're not to be of this world, but we do need to be representatives. The Apostle Paul wrote to this familiar passage, 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20. Let's notice it. 1 Corinthians 5, hearkening back to our citizenship and not being a part of this world, yet at the same time we are delegates. 2 Corinthians 5, 20. We sing a song with these very same words, don't we? Verse 20 of chapter 5 of 2 Corinthians. He says, Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. As though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

You see, we get off in our thinking. We get distracted by what's going on in the world. He can throw us off. And he says, Come back. Let's get back together. Let's be reconciled to God's frame of mind. Let's not get caught up in the ways of this world, because we are ambassadors. We're representatives of God. We're His agents. We are His diplomats. And so as representatives, as delegates, we could say, of God, we're like a physical ambassador. Ambassador from a nation goes to a foreign country. That's not his country. He's representing a different government. We represent that different government, that government of God. And so we don't involve ourselves in the political wranglings of that country. We're just a visitor. We're just a stranger. We're just a pilgrim there. We don't involve ourselves in their governmental wranglings, because we know we're from a different country. We're from a spiritual kingdom. And so Paul tells us here, we are spiritually diplomats and are a part of that spiritual diplomatic core representing the kingdom of God. That's where our heart should be. That's where our mind should be, because as spiritual ambassadors, we don't get messed up and involved into the political or military or governmental uselessness of the host nation. We just don't do it. And so we represent something totally different. That's where God says our mindset should be. And it really comes down then to the idea of, what should I be thinking?

Whose opinion really counts the most? Because we can all come up with our own ideas. I mean, think about that. Whose opinion counts most? Well, whoever had the best debate the last round, is that what people are going to remember? I mean, think about God's opinion for a moment. Does God have an opinion on the issues that are facing our nation today?

Absolutely! Of course He does. Well, should that be a reason we get involved in these things? Or instead, if you think about it this way, does God somehow give some kind of blanket support of the liberals? Let's say it another way before we get too carried away. Does God give any blanket support to the conservatives? Does God give His blanket support to the libertarians, or the Communist Party, or whatever it may be? You see, biblically, I think we have to come to the conclusion God doesn't give any universal support to any particular party, government that's ever been devised by human beings. Even the best ones! Even the best ones. Because, of course, we as Americans would say, we're the best. We have the best form of government. Really? I was reminded about that when I recalled a famous statement that Winston Churchill made. It was after World War II. He said something to the House of Commons that was really getting to the heart and core of things, at least initially. Here's what he said. Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried, in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all wise. Indeed, it's been said that democracy is the worst form of government. Of course, it might be a good thing to stop right there. Of course, he didn't stop right there. He said, indeed, it's been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that man has tried from time to time. Okay, it's the best form then. Is that right? Is that what we have a tendency to think? What do we base our government on? What do we have our Constitution? Is it the Constitution of God? You see, when you really get down to the heart and core of things, you see, God told us, Christ spoke and said, man doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Is that where our government is based? Think about it. Is God a liberal? Is God a conservative?

No, and neither.

Is God liberal? Is God conservative? Okay, we know He's not a-liberal. And A, is He liberal? Is He conservative? Yes, and both.

And so when we try to put our perspective in terms of a human way of looking at things, it comes down to the fact that we better look at what the foundational principles of what the Bible teaches us. God is God. We are His children. God's truth is God's truth. And at times, political parties, ideas, platforms may swing through the truth of God. But inherently, are they truth? They may proclaim, oh, we've got God on our side. Really? Yeah, that's probably from an unconverted human viewpoint that we've got God on our side. But God's perspective and His philosophy on man's government has never changed. It's never changed. Political movements swing through the truth. It may well be, but that doesn't make them right. So you have to get down to the fact, who's got the solutions to our problems? We'd like to frame it as liberal, a conservative, Republican, or Democrat. But the real answer is neither. Neither. None. Do we so easily forget whose opinion really counts? We know the passage, Jeremiah 10.23. We know it. I know the way of man is not in himself. That's the inspired word of God. It's not in man to direct his own steps. Oh yeah, but democracy can do a pretty good job, right? Yeah, we try to soften it like that. But the clear word of God says that. When you look through the book of Isaiah, there are so many amazing prophecies. One of them says, the way of peace they have not known. We probably rehearsed that at the Feast of Tabernacles. There's no justice in their ways. It's what Isaiah prophesied. They made for themselves crooked paths. Of course, then we could get into all the jokes about the crooked politicians. But the fact is, God's word points to the fact you don't engage in politics. He didn't engage in social movements. Christianity was not a reform of man's government. His purpose is the restitution of all things to the heart and core of where He began with the government of God at Eden. That's where it all began. And so He focuses on what's most important, the gospel, the inward change of every individual, the ultimate purpose for all mankind. And when we compare that, what our focus really should be, to the tenets of democracy, what do we find? There's no doubt the United States is based on the democratic principle. And we have grown up saying that's the best form of government.

Wait a second. Where is the essence of democracy?

The essence of our democratic system is compromise, isn't it? It's compromise. The essence of the democratic system is rejecting absolute truth. Because we're going to get together, we're going to decide what we can agree on and get the votes for. It's a rejection of absolute truth. It's a rejection of absolute moral values. It's a rejection of the higher authority of God Himself. Plain and simple. Now we can kid ourselves and say, oh well, it's the best system out. But that's what it comes down to. It's absolute rejection showing that well, we know best. We'll decide, we'll figure it out and come to some kind of agreement with whatever the majority thinks.

But that's not God's way. That is anti-biblical. That is anti-scriptural. It is against the Kingdom of God in His way. Because it points us to the clear facts, there's only one solution. There's only one way. There's only one way that leads out of this mess that we've been in. And certainly God's concerned about it. God's concerned about politics. He's concerned about government. He watches. He knows. He's recognizing what's going on in this world. And in fact, Daniel spoke exactly to this and gave us God's direction. Look at Daniel 2.20. God is intently concerned with what's going on in the United States. What's going on with the election? What's going on in the world, for that matter? He is extremely interested and concerned about it. Daniel spoke to this. God inspired him to say these words. Daniel 2.20.

Daniel said, Bless be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and raises up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Is God concerned about government? Absolutely, He is. Is He concerned about politics? Absolutely. Does He manipulate human beings in order to get this person elected? No. We have free moral agency. We get to choose. That's not what this verse is saying, that somehow God sets up these little puppets and so He's going to make this guy king and that guy the president. That's not what this is referring to. It's pointing out the fact that God is the source of all power and all authority, and He is sovereign over everything. It's pointing out the fact that even though human beings have free moral agency and free choice, even that does not hinder the purpose and the power of God. He's the source. And so they reign, they rule, because God pleases to allow it. And He can still work His purpose. He can still work His plan, no matter what man decides. And so whether He removes them when they die or otherwise, God allows free moral agency and free choice to give us what we deserve. Will America receive what it deserves? You see, it speaks to the providence of God that Christ is King of Kings. He is Lord of Lords. He has all power and all authority. And no matter what men decide, God is still in charge. God will determine the ultimate outcome. That's how powerful our great God is. And so we begin to see this amazing contrast between the kingdoms of this world and the ultimate government.

Maybe we should think about that for just a moment. Let's think about the greatest government of all time. Of course, that's God's government. So maybe in a way, maybe we could think we're sort of a part of a political party, as long as we're not thinking about human parties. But in a sense, as a part of God's people, as a part of the Church of God, we have insight and understanding the world doesn't have. We know the way. God has shown us that way. We don't know it inherently, but because God's called us and opened our minds to His truth, we know the way to peace. We know it's not just a slogan. It's not just a commercial on TV. It's not just a yard sign that we put out in front of our house. That's not what we're talking about here. We know the spiritual way. We understand that. And yet, even Christians somehow think that they can decide these things, and that's God's will.

Maybe you've been like me. Have you got a lot of little mailers in your mailbox lately? I've got a couple of interesting ones. I've got a lot of them. But these two really caught my attention because they're directed at Christians. They're directed at Christians, so both of these actually from the same source. But it was interesting because it really caught my mind.

At the bottom of this card, a big bold print, it says, dare we now remain silent?

On the back, it says, stand up for what is right and true.

Can I? How do I do that? Is it possible, through the political process of human beings, to stand up for what's right and true and participate in that process?

You see, I hope we've seen by now it's not possible. This is not what it's about. Of course, they give some scriptures and try to show how that might make all the difference.

But it's a farce when you really get down to understand what God's purpose is. And we understand God is concerned about government, but He's looking forward to His government on earth. And that's the focus. In fact, if you turn with me over to Mark 4, verse 11.

Mark 4, verse 11, as a part of God's people, as a part of His commonwealth, as a part of the people of God, we do know the way. We do dare to live for the truth, to speak the truth, to be examples of that truth, because we do know the way, because of God's grace and mercy. And so Mark 4, verse 11, reminds us of that very fact. Christ Himself said, To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those who are outside, all things are parables.

Here Christ is speaking to how He taught. And people didn't understand His stories. They didn't get the parables. But to His disciples, to you, me, we get it, because He has opened our minds. The mystery of the kingdom of God. We know that God won't remain silent. We know we can stand for what's right and true. But it's not standing at the ballot box, pulling the left. That's not what it's about. We understand Christ is going to come and change this world. And it's not by politics. It's by establishing the government of God on earth. The laws of the land will become God's laws. War will cease. It will be over. It won't be studied. It won't be prepared for any longer. Leaders will lead righteously. They will lead actively, living the truth. There will be government that will truly serve the people, where there will be justice for all, where there will be liberty. And those crooked places, that crooked government, God says it will be straightened out.

In fact, the passage we probably heard during the feast comes to mind. Isaiah 9, verse 7.

Perhaps a summary of the amazing attributes of the greatest government of all time. Isaiah 9, verse 7. One of those feast passages we often think of.

Isaiah 9, verse 7. It says, "...of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with justice and judgment from that time forward, even forever." The choice of a political candidate will perform.

God will do it. The Lord of hosts, the zeal of the Lord of hosts, will perform. Will our participation in worldly politics bring this about? Can't. It can't. And so I think we have to ask ourselves, are we furthering the cause of this kingdom? Are we preparing for the world that's beyond today? The world tomorrow? Can we do that by choosing a candidate, promoting an individual? No, I think we've seen that's impossible. That something should be far from us.

Instead, we seek first the kingdom of God, that government, that authority, those laws. And we do that by transforming our lives to the mind of Christ. And so we pray daily, we pray fervently, as Jesus Christ did. Because if we're going to influence this world in any way, that's how it's going to happen. It's going to happen by our submission to God's Holy Spirit so that we can be a representative, so we can be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. It's not by pulling a lever at the ballot box. That's not it at all. And so it becomes the concept of growing closer to God, studying His Word, striving to put on His heart, His mind, His attitude. Philippians 2 speaks to that. And so we study that. We study the lives of those in Hebrews chapter 11. Their faithful perspective should be our perspective, and so that we learn that perspective so that we then are preparing for that Kingdom. Because when you get right down to it, the only perspective when it comes to government and man's government is that we are apolitical. We're apolitical. We don't participate in the ways of this world. And when we do that, we leave that aside. That gives us greater focus. It gives us greater clarity. It gives us greater emphasis on preaching the true Kingdom, the righteous Kingdom, the ultimate government of God. And so we don't get involved in the ways of this world. We don't bear arms, because just like bearing arms, we don't participate. We don't participate in the system of this world. We substantiate our beliefs by looking to that far-off country, to the Kingdom of God. And that keeps politics out of the Church. It keeps it out of our congregation. It relieves us from the possible dissension that there can be, the possible disagreements, the schisms, the division. We don't need that. Politics is just going to introduce that into the Church. And it's not up for grabs. God says the way that it is. Who needs a political fight? Leave that to the world. Christ is coming to settle that dispute. And that's where we want to be. That's our purpose. That's our commission to preach that coming Kingdom of God, not just to the Democrats, not just to the Republicans, but to all nations. Because Jesus Christ isn't just coming to take over as head of state. Jesus Christ is coming to be King of Kings, and He's going to be head of all states, all governments, the entire world. So let's have that focus. Let's have that single-minded, specific purpose to make it our goal to fully seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Because we know that is the only real, viable solution to this political mess that surrounds us. I'm Steve Myers, and I approve this message. And I pray that God approves it as well.