Christian or Politician?

The first-century Pharisees and many Christian denominations today—from conservative to liberal—often mirror the ways of statesmen or politicians, whose cooperation, submission, and compliance aim not to honor Christ but to appease religious peers and indulge vain desires under the guise of Christian or kingdom piety. The following contrasts illuminate the chasm between “church politics” and authentic Christian devotion:

Truth’s Acceptance: A politician tailors truth to suit the preferences of his audience, bending it to gain favor. A Christian, however, pursues Truth incarnate—Jesus, the despised and rejected Man of no reputation—clinging steadfastly to Him despite scorn.

Godliness vs. Sacrifice: A politician trades truth for a superficial veneer of godliness to preserve church unity. A Christian recognizes that true unity in the church demands forsaking all worldly attachments to be the body of Christ.

Zeal’s Role: Politicians claim fervent zeal cannot sustain a church’s cohesion. Christians understand that without wholehearted, abandoned devotion to Christ, only political maneuvering holds a church together.

Leadership Selection: In matters of church leadership, politicians campaign for influence and authority. Christians rest in the assurance that Jesus alone appoints and anoints His chosen leaders.

Counting Losses: A politician weighs the personal losses of standing for righteousness, wary of the cost. A Christian counts all losses as refuse, valuing only the surpassing gain of knowing Christ.

Conformity vs. Conviction: Politicians conform their actions to the crowd, doing what is true only when it aligns with what is popular. Christians humbly uphold truth, unwavering, regardless of the actions or inaction of those around them or detriment to reputation.

Fear of Loss: Politicians dread personal sacrifice, fearing loss of status or security. For Christians, personal loss is transformed into Christ’s eternal gain.

Reputation’s Lure: Politicians compromise to safeguard their reputation, craving the applause of men. Christians strive to honor God with their entire being, yet are often regarded as the filth scraped from the soles of the religious world’s shoes.

Discerning Action: Before acting, politicians gauge the opinions of others to ensure approval. Christians act only after discerning the mind of Christ, guided by Him alone.

Esteem’s Pursuit: A politician studies what is necessary to earn esteem among those he admires, crafting an image of piety and wisdom to grow his social status. A Christian studies to follow the uncelebrated Christ, who became their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Self-Preservation: Politicians cling tightly to their own lives, prioritizing self-preservation. For Christians, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The Cross’s Call: Politicians proclaim the message of the cross with eloquence. Christians embody its sacrificial reality, living it out in their daily walk.

Church Focus: Politicians represent and serve the interests of their constituents, bending to their desires. Christians stand resolute for Christ, serving Him alone with unwavering allegiance.

The Holy Spirit finds no rest in the heart of a church politician, whose sincerity, though perhaps genuine in intent, ultimately aligns with the ways of this world. Only in the heart of a true Christian, wholly devoted to Christ, does the Spirit dwell. The church politician, despite lofty aims, risks being exposed as a friend of the world, estranged from the purity of Christ’s call.