Getting involved in politics on the mission field is a slippery slope. In restricted nations around the world, especially in those that are Islamic states or those that hold Islam as their state religion, evangelism is illegal and persecution of believers is commonplace. If we are not careful, it is easy to get sucked into endless debates and forget why we are working in foreign countries.
Recently, several individuals have approached me about the issue and inquired what my position on this issue is, and I want to address it briefly in this post.
Brace yourself, but I do not care what your political party is. In fact, I really don’t care which political system is running a country. It does not affect our message.
Jesus Christ did not call us to change the political climate of the world. He did not command us to go into all the world and preach “democracy.” Although I am proud to be from the U.S., I am not an ambassador for our government. I represent another kingdom, not yet of this world, and a democratic republic is not Jesus’ chosen system.
None of the Apostles ever preached political reform. Paul could have done so when he stood on trial before kings, but instead of telling them that they needed to grant freedom of religion to the people, he preached Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
If I read church history correctly (starting with the book of Acts), the church flourishes under persecution. Rome was a republic that poured out its political wrath on believers throughout the kingdom and believers still multiplied. Persecution is nothing new and it can happen under any form of government. We, as believers, should not fear it but understand that “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).
We have one mission and one message (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! We should say at the end of our life and ministry, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Stay out of politics!
Pray for the leaders of these countries, ask the Lord to open doors of opportunity, and preach the word boldly.
(check out bcwe.org for more)
Link:
What is Our Mission?
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