A Reflection on Politics

First things first, we absolutely must talk about idols.

Yes I know this is a reflection on politics, but I’m sure your hackles came up and about two dozen things to say about politics came to mind when you read that title. It’s only natural. The word politics today is synonymous with division, arguing, and disagreement, and I want to get to why that is, but before we tackle the dangerous realm of politics, we first must tackle idolatry.

So what is it? What is idolatry?

Pastor and theologian Tim Keller writes “Idolatry is treating anything as more important than Jesus Christ for your meaning in life, for your happiness, for your security and hope, or for your self-regard.” 

A quick look into Romans 1 confirms this definition. “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things… Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” (Romans 1:21-23,25).

To put things simply, and in my own words… Idolatry is receiving value, comfort and hope from some aspect of God’s creation, rather than from God himself. 

Now we get to play the substitution game.

Take a moment and reread my simple definition, but this time take out the words “some aspect of God’s creation” and replace them with the things you spend your time, effort or money on. Make it a question even, if you’re one of those people who really likes a punch to the gut. 

It might read like this…

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my work, rather than from God himself?” 

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my family, rather than from God himself?”

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my strengths, rather than from God himself?” 

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my independence, rather than from God himself?” 

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my wealth, rather than from God himself?” 

Some of the idols I know I personally struggle with…

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my reputation, rather than from God himself?” 

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from my relationships, rather than from God himself?” 

“Do I receive more value, comfort and hope from myself, rather than from God himself?” 

I have to admit that John Calvin was right, I am a little “idol making machine.” I am quick to want to find a sense of value in how people view me. I am quick to look for comfort in the quality and quantity of the relationships I have built. I am quick to hope in my own strength of will, in my own ability to get things done. And, more noticeably, I am quick to despair when all of these idols inevitably fail me. When my reputation is tarnished, or my friends depart, or my strength runs out, I fall into fear and worry and anger. 

This is where idols leave us.

And this is why this is a reflection on politics. 

Because let's face it, if you follow politics to any extent these days, you should recognize these emotional states. The United States, and really the world at large, seems to be full of people in two seperate but not mutually exclusive camps. On one side there are those who search for value, comfort, and hope with a political party, ideals, system, or power. On the other, there are those who fall into fear, worry and anger as their party, ideals, systems, and powers begin to fade. And most individuals bounce between these two camps faster and with more violence than a tennis ball being spiked across the court. We find hope in this person, only to lash out in anger when they are voted out. We feel valued because this ideology represents how we think, and then become fearful when others think differently. We get comfort from our political party having power, and worry when that power wanes.

Politics is an idol.

I will even go so far as to say politics is perhaps the most common and least confronted idols of the American Christian. 

Now before you crucify me, let me clarify myself. I am most definitely not saying that Christians ought to stay out of politics whatsoever. In fact, issues of social justice, peace, and environmental stewardship are given to Christians as worthy of pursuit. Do I believe you should vote? Absolutely! Should Christians run for office? Please do! (and you’ll have my vote!) 

But I am saying this… Far too many Christians find more hope in a political candidate than in the gospel of Christ.  Far too many Christians fall into fear and anger due to the state of politics in their nation, instead of trusting in the security of Christ. 

To those in Christ who read this, I beg you, don’t worship a small god. For a small god is no God at all. Escape from the tennis match of fear and hope that changes with the circumstances. You have a new source of hope. You have a new source of value. You have a new source of comfort. One that is stable and unchanging. Christ Jesus. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…” 1 Peter 1:3-4

And if by some chance there are some who read this who have rejected Jesus, know this; politics will never save you. Even if every brilliant idea you hold gets implemented, and even if every candidate you vote for wins their election, things will not be fixed. But for arguments sake lets say that everything does get fixed and the world is good… death still lurks. You have  a need that cannot be met by any system, idea, or party. It’s the same need that every person has - a need for Jesus. 

Vote, be a political person, be involved. But keep a close watch on your idols, and remember that all of your value, hope and comfort is in the person of Jesus Christ.