;)
Morality, Politics, and a Broken Heart
Posted by David Rogers in News & Culture
It would appear that, in many ways, those who view themselves as fighting the battle for morality in America are losing ground. Although with the passage of Proposition 8 in California, and similar measures in Florida and Arizona, homosexual marriage is banned for the present, the general trend in America, at least in matters of sexual morality, is towards greater and greater licentiousness. With the election of Barack Obama, and his stated intention to push forward the Freedom of Choice Act, the pro-life movement has undoubtedly been dealt a major blow for years to come. Whether or not there was ever any substance to the implied claim behind the name, the existence of a bona fide “moral majority” in America seems to be on the fast-track to becoming a relic of the past. In a democratic system, the opinions of the majority rule. And, as much as we might hate to admit it, the results of the recent election make it clear that the majority in America are not prepared to give those with a consistently biblical worldview a mandate to carry out their convictions through the legal system and governing institutions of our nation.
In other areas, there are encouraging signs of moral and ethical advance. Although we are still clearly light-years away from totally obliterating the blight of racism from among us, the general tendency does seem to be toward equalization and reconciliation. I have personally been deeply impacted on the several occasions I have visited the National Civil Rights Museum on the premises of the old Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was brutally assassinated in 1968. The walk down the symbolic corridor of the history of civil rights is a living memorial to the fact that, when people stand up for what is right and refuse to cave in to the pressures around them, it is indeed possible to effect change for the better. I believe that, in many ways, the election of Barack Obama is, as it were, the crowning jewel on the long trail of struggles and accomplishments towards the goal of racial equality and justice.
As Christians, however, we are called to be more than moral and ethical crusaders. As the Body of Christ, we are called to take upon ourselves the father heart of God for a corrupt, dying, and desperate world that has lost its way on the path of truth and justice. It is also true that we are called to take a prophetic stance toward the evil and unrighteousness we see around us, and that at times this may involve a righteous indignation similar to that shown by Jesus when He overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple courts. But I believe there is one element that determines whether our words and actions in support of morality and ethical justice truly reflect the heart of God or not. And that element is a broken heart.
In some ways, a moral and political agenda driven by a broken heart can be hard to distinguish from one that is not. On many occasions, the actual votes that are tallied may end up being the same on both accounts. But, deep down, at a root level, they are worlds apart. To illustrate, I believe we could well add another verse to the beginning of 1 Corinthians 13: If I have a 100% “moral report card” rating, and give all my time, all my efforts, and all my money to support all the right causes, but have not love—if I am not motivated at the core of my being by a humble, contrite spirit, and a broken heart before the Lord—I am nothing, and I gain nothing.
In the world of politics, the key is expediency. In order to move your agenda forward, you must know how to form coalitions. You must be loyal to the party platform. You must know how to use the media and the power of persuasion. If given the chance, you must know how to “stick it” to your opponent. For us, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, I see a special danger in taking our cues from those in the public media who may share a commitment to certain planks of our moral agenda but who do not share our commitment to the Lordship of Christ, and who are not motivated at the core of their being by a broken heart.
In practical terms, how does this play out? I believe that the following questions may help us to sort a good bit of this out:
- On the issue of abortion, what is it that truly drives us? Do we really and truly grieve the tragic loss of millions of innocent lives? Do we feel the pain of mothers and fathers who are deceived by the enemy into sacrificing the precious life of their unborn children? Are we sympathetic to the social and economic plight of many, which, in one way or another, plays into their deception?
- On the issue of gay rights, do we really and truly “hate the sin” and “love the sinner”? Do we feel compassion for those who sense they did not choose to be the way they are (whether we agree with this assessment or not)? Are we really and truly broken-hearted for the children that might possibly suffer the negative consequences of being raised in a home without a healthy mother-and-father parenting team?
- On the issue of racism and civil rights, are we truly moved by a desire for friendship, understanding, repentance, and reconciliation with those who are different than us? Do we feel the pain of those who have been systematically discriminated against, and whose lot in life has been pre-determined, to one degree or another, by the color of their skin, their national or ethnic background, gender or religious beliefs?
- On the issue of war, do we truly mourn the casualties—not only the deaths, but also the physical, psychological, social, and economic trauma—suffered on both sides of the conflict? Independently of what we feel are the best means to accomplish it, are we motivated more by a desire for freedom, justice, and protection of oppressed people around the world from the cruel hands of tyranny and terrorism than by a desire for vengeance and defense of our national pride?
- On the issue of the economy and social welfare, do we really and truly desire a society in which the weak and helpless are taken care of with dignity and compassion? Independently of what we feel may be the best path to get there, do we honestly long for an economy that is able to provide a worthy job, a decent education, adequate housing, and basic health care for everyone? Do we want to see a system in place in which everyone who is physically and mentally able is encouraged to work productively with the hands and minds God has given them in order that they might have a healthy sense of well-being and accomplishment?
- On the issue of the environment, does it sadden us to see God’s creation selfishly exploited for the unfettered advance of commercial interests? Do we really and truly take to heart the stewardship God has given us to care for the world around us as well as we possibly can?
- On the issue of immigration, independently of what we think may be the best solution, do we feel compassion for the plight of those born and raised in contexts that do not allow them the same privileges and opportunities we enjoy as native-born Americans? Do we feel genuine sympathy for those who are doing the best they can to scrape together enough to provide for the basic needs of their family? Are we truly generous and big-hearted with the blessings God has showered upon us as a nation?
- On the issue of crime, are we motivated by a sense of grief for the pain inflicted upon the victims, and the losses they suffer? Provided the rights and well-being of the victims are taken care of, do we also have a heart that desires the repentance, forgiveness, restitution and rehabilitation of those who have given in to the temptation of the devil and ended up committing criminal acts against their fellow man?
In the end, we may never know for sure the political consequences of our actions and approach. It may well be that God Himself is working against our efforts for moral reform in the political arena with a view towards bringing His judgment upon America. However, none of that takes away from our responsibility to do what is right, and even more importantly, to do what we do with an attitude of humility and brokenness before God. It may well mean losing many more elections. For the captives of Judah in Babylon, God had determined a period of 70 years. Personally, I do not believe we have biblical warrant to expect true and lasting peace, justice and morality on the earth until Jesus Himself comes back to establish His kingdom. But, in the meantime, we do have a biblical command to be salt and light in the midst of this morally insipid and dark world in which we live.
It may just be that some of those who are put off by the smug, sarcastic, and arrogant attitude of some of the moralists around us will eventually be won over by a kinder and gentler approach, and a heart that really cares. I certainly hope so. But, then again, we can never be sure of that. After all, the same world that opposes us and our efforts for good ended up crucifying the One who embodied more than anyone who has ever lived a genuinely broken heart for the griefs and woes of fallen humanity.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
Is there anything happening now, that doesn’t seem consistent with Biblical hints, even direct statements, about the end times?
What would things look like if Satan took over a city? Donald Grey Barnhouse said the bars and pool halls would be closed, pornography banished, pristine streets and sidewalks would be occupied by tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The kids would answer “Yes, sir,” “No, ma’am,” and the churches would be full on Sunday—-where Christ is NOT preached.
I don’t fight for morality, I don’t fight for issues because that is wasted time. Spent time is one thing, wasted time is quite another. When we reach our Lord’s Heaven is someone going to say: “Oh thank you for fighting to get that proposition passed.” Uhhh, no. Paul would get thrown out of a city the same day he arrived. Today’s Christian would not be in danger of that because they’re more like Lot, living too close to the world and ultimately, losing their effectivness.
John in St. Louis
David,
I believe that biblical morality and a biblical worldview best arrives from an authentic and transformational relationship with Christ. For my part, I am praying for President-elect Obama to have such a relationship with God. Even more important than voting (though very important) is the need for the church to pray! Our risen Lord’s purpose of drawing the nations to Himself has not yet changed.
David,
Excellent questions. I fear the answers. I wonder what is missing in our view of God and world that either numbs us or prevents us from, in a Christian perspective and method, working towards resolutions for each of the questions. I am sure that some do work in these areas both acedemically and practically, but where are the churches?
For abortion, we seem to have the troops rallied (though I would question the method), but how about the others? Does the normal (whatever that means) church goer that truly does seek life with God view these questions as good spiritual questions?
Bob,
Yes, the “signs of the times” do appear to be gathering steam. But I think we must be careful not to let that distract us from the task Jesus has given us. As has been said before:
“We’re to live as if Jesus could return today but work as if we had a thousand years before his return.”
David,
Good thoughts and questions. True secularization has, it seems, come to the forefront in the U.S. through this recent election.
I agree with most here who would state that our true call is to live in a Christ-like fashion in a lost world. Our call is to work to transform one soul at a time … not, necessarily to transform our culture around us. I fear that, in recent decades, we may have gotten our pragmatic carts before our theological horses.
I will admit that, out of pure selfishness (I suppose) I would like to maintain more of a moral, Christ-centered worldview among the majority of our people in this country … just so my children and grandchildren (someday) could experience the religious freedom and blessings that I have known all my life. But, I sincerely believe those days are waning. We are rapidly approaching a time when the wheat will be separated from the chaff … when it must truly mean something when one claims the name of Christ.
I may be a bit different from most preachers in my area. I simply don’t do issues … I try to teach the Word, minister, and love people into the kingdom. All of our preaching brethren would, I believe, be better off if they would do the same.
Anyhow, I feel like I’m rambling. On a side note … I’m not quite sure where you’re coming from on the social welfare scene. Our social(ist) efforts at welfare in this country are a fiasco. (That old “teach them to fish instead of give them a fish comes to mind.”) That would be an interesting conversation in itself.
Geoff
John,
Though I agree with the main thrust of what you are saying, to be honest, I have a little trouble with the Barnhouse quote. As John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” And I think we have good evidence, both biblically, and as we look around us, to conclude that this activity is not just reserved for eternity, after we leave this world. However, according to 1 John 3:8 (Amplified Bible), “The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].” I believe Jesus also described His task in Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And then, in John 20:21, He said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Bottom line: I think there is a social, and even, political aspect to our task as believers. But we must work out of the conviction that the ultimate answer is found only in the cross, in the redemption gained through the shed blood of Jesus. And we must work against evil and for good in this world in which we now live motivated by a broken heart that only comes as a result of repenting of our sins and trusting in Jesus with all our heart.
Dave,
Totally in agreement.
Zach,
Good questions on your part as well. I believe that when we as the church form alliances with non-believers to accomplish moral ends we end up confusing our “constituency” on what we are really all about. Some, as a result, totally retreat from working towards morality and justice in this present world, while others seem to, for all practical purposes, place all their eggs in the basket of politics, and neglect the preaching of the gospel. Once again, I believe the answer is a truly broken heart that comes only by way of the cross.
Geoff,
I think that is a good observation on whether our motive is “out of pure selfishness” that we “would like to maintain more of a moral, Christ-centered worldview among the majority of our people in this country.” Having lived in another country for 18 years in which the majority is far from moral, at least in the sense we as conservative, evangelicals usually perceive it, I can testify that life goes on. The believers there are able to love God, serve Him, and live their lives in the same way as believers here. Also, I am not so sure that 1950s American society, underneath the veneer, was necessarily anymore godly or moral than today’s American society. True godliness and morality is much more than living in “Pleasantville.” It means getting our hands dirty, and serving the unlovable.
As far as the questions on social welfare, I included the phrase “independently of what we feel may be the best path to get there” for a reason. I agree with you that the socialist experiment, especially in its totalitarian versions, has proven itself a major failure in its attempt to better the physical welfare of the individuals in the societies in which it has been tried. But that doesn’t mean we should be indifferent towards the physical welfare of the poor and underprivileged. I believe that an objective reading of the Bible, starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation, does not allow us to take “social welfare” off our agenda as God´s people. I agree that “teaching people how to fish” does indeed seem to be a much more productive strategy over the long haul, though.
David … dude … get a gravatar!
Geoff,
I’m trying. It looks like someone may have stolen my Gravatar identity. When I enter in my e-mail, I get a message that says: “Sorry, that email address is already used!”
Dear Brother David,
Amen to your article, We must see sin as God sees it. It grieves Him.
WE DON’T NEED CRUSADERS AS MUCH AS BROKEN-HEARTED BELIEVERS BEFORE THE THRONE OF GRACE.
Yet we need to be active. One area we can support is decency in the media.
We need to protest sexual impurity on the TV, and internet. These are fueling the fire of human lusts.
Dr. Paul W. Foltz
Paul,
Thanks for your comment.
As far as supporting decency in the media, and protesting sexual impurity on the TV and internet are concerned, I suppose it is not a question of “either-or,” but “both-and.” However, I think that we are going to reap more fruit for eternity pouring our time and efforts into teaching our disciples how to fight against the lusts of the flesh, and walk in the Spirit, than we are by means of petitions and boycotts. I guess it is question of finding the proper balance. I also think we need to give the proper emphasis toward providing restoration and rehabilitation to those who are addicted to pornography, and to defending the rights of children and women who are abused by the pornography industry.
Hurray! Gravatar success!
Brother David,
Amen!
FTME,
Amen to Gravatar success?
I like your comments David and agree 100%. I was pressed from church members from both sides of the isle to be more political from the pulpit during this election season. This is my first church where I am the Lead Pastor, so I felt how I handled this year’s election would set a precedent for our fledgling church. My response was simple, I told them that as a pastor I am called to proclaim Christ and thus challenge us commune with Christ and consequently live for Christ, and that all our actions (political and non-political) should flow out of that genuine and interactive relationship with Christ.
My Republican members in particular were upset with me and were quite upset when I wouldn’t even allow them to put voting guides at our welcome desk. I felt that these guides in particular were nothing more than thinly-veiled partisan propaganda.
For me it is easy to see where too much politics can weaken or even discredit our witness. I don’t think we can very easily remain salt and light if we identify too formally with red or blue. The name of a very prominent Christian author and leader is in my mind as a clear example of a Christian leader who was widely respected and whose influential books on family and parenting penetrated even the secular discussions on such topics, but his willingness to become associated with highly partisan politics and political groups has severely damaged his witness. I don’t fault him for standing up for Biblical principles and taking the Scriptural position on controversial topics, but I do fault him for doing so in a manner that put his name into the bucket with political operatives that care more about power than they did the glory of Christ.
Steve,
Thanks for your comment and your example in your church.
I personally am willing to give people a vote of confidence, even if I may not agree with their reasoning or strategy, if I sense they are truly motivated by a broken heart before God. I know I have made, and will continue to make, many mistakes as well. We do well, though, to give those we feel may have drifted a bit off-course a loving admonition every now and then. We must be especially careful, though, to never trade vitriol for vitriol.
What especially concerns me is the degree many Christians let secular media personalities who are most definitely not driven by a broken heart influence their thinking and approach to these issues.
David,
I truly respect this statement:
“For us, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, I see a special danger in taking our cues from those in the public media who may share a commitment to certain planks of our moral agenda but who do not share our commitment to the Lordship of Christ, and who are not motivated at the core of their being by a broken heart.”
I think this has been a problem for too many years.
I also like this statement:
“As far as supporting decency in the media, and protesting sexual impurity on the TV and internet are concerned, I suppose it is not a question of “either-or,” but “both-and.” However, I think that we are going to reap more fruit for eternity pouring our time and efforts into teaching our disciples how to fight against the lusts of the flesh, and walk in the Spirit, than we are by means of petitions and boycotts. I guess it is question of finding the proper balance. I also think we need to give the proper emphasis toward providing restoration and rehabilitation to those who are addicted to pornography, and to defending the rights of children and women who are abused by the pornography industry.”
At the same time, I also believe and know there is a time to be a Crusader, but only when motivated from a heart which is broken before God.
cb
CB,
Thanks for the love and respect. It sounds like you have captured well the thrust of what I am saying.
The only place I would differ is I would not write crusader here with a capital “C”.
A good example of someone who comes across to me as a crusader with a little “c” and a Broken Heart (big B, big H) is Randy Alcorn:
http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/11/its-over-but-its-not-over-one-day-it.html
David,
Notice how I always sign my name and think about it just for a moment:-)
David,
One more thing; I used the word “respect.” I said nothing about “love.”
We ain’t gonna start swappin’ Bubble-Gum:-)
cb
cb,
It looks like you have captured well the thrust of what I am trying to say once again. Whether we actually write our names with big letters or small letters, may we all strive to consider ourselves the least of the least.
cb,
I felt the love anyway. But I don’t like bubble gum, so you don’t have to worry about that.
cb,
You aren’t by any chance the Gravatar identity thief, are you? Strangest thing how it comes and goes just like that.
David,
I went in and checked your comments. The last three have your IMPACT e-mail on them. You need to go to your gravatar account and add that e-mail to the account. It’s super easy to do. See if that fixes it. (I guess this happened because you were logged on to site admin when you made the comments.
Voila! Super-Moderator Geoff to the rescue again!
Good article David. I was recently reminded of the priority of Christ’s ministry on earth when reading Mark 8: 31-33. Peter’s confession is recorded followed by his response to Christ’s teaching them that He must be ‘killed.’ Peter rebuked Christ. I am sure Peter had in mind that the Messiah would restore the earthly kingdom of Israel at that point. I think this incident reminded Christ of Satan’s temptation in the wilderness to bow to Satan in exchange for earthly kingdoms. Christ returned the rebuke by telling Peter: “Get behind me Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” This, for me, put politics far down the list of priorities, the top of which being Christ and the gospel.
PS: I think I will have T-shirts and mugs manufactured emblazoned with “GBMS” and the above verse to keep all those who would supplant Christ as my Lord by telling me what I should be doing as a Christian (vs. letting Christ tell me out of my relationship with Him.) Of course this may not go over well with some church committees.
Jeff,
Good observations. God has his time for everything. And, when Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of this earth (whatever that implied), it wasn’t God’s time yet. God’s plan involved a cross before a crown. When Constantine proclaimed that Christians were free to practice their religion, and then, when Theodosius made Christianity the official state religion, many of the believers of that time were no doubt ecstatic. But, looking back, we are able to see that it was disastrous for the spiritual health of the church. We must never trade faithfulness to the task God has given us for influence and power among the institutions of this world, even if it seems to advance the Christian cause.
David,
I am challenged by your consistent attempts to respond to readers’ comments (no need to respond to this one). It shows a lot of humility. You seem genuinely to care about people. Keep it up. Blessings.