Years ago, as a new Christian, I sat down and started reading the book of Acts. I was a young college student with a deep hunger to know more about my Savior and His work. So I sat and read Acts from start to finish. By the time I got to chapter 28, one thing was sure; I wanted to live the Christian life. It wasn’t the Apostles, tounges’ or miracles, but the boldness to fully live out a crucified life in Jesus Christ. The courage to live for Him and suffer as He did in the work of the ministry. Now, this didn’t mean I was looking to become a martyr, but it was a desire to live unashamedly for the cause of Christ.
I worry today, though, that if the American church were placed into the book of Acts, we would indeed be the odd duck. If we had to read about ourselves, would we identify with biblical Christianity or American cultural Christianity? It would seem for some; the badge of honor is not Christ’s cause, but a political and cultural ideology. The question we must ask ourselves, do I garner more joy for being maligned with my political ideology or the cause of Christ?
The Apostles knew where they stood. In Acts six, we find the Apostles, Peter, and John in hot water with the Sadduccees. They were warned not to preach in the name of Jesus. Yet, the true Biblical believer is stubborn for the glory of God. Arrested, but miraculously freed, this left the officials beyond livid at this turn of events. They couldn’t scare them, contain them, so they threaten and beat them.
Yet, it is their reaction following the flogging that should humble our hearts. The Bible tells us, “Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name,” Acts 5:41. Things Jesus never said:” Blessed, are you when you are persecuted for your political party.” Yes, we should be engaged with the world around us and even our nation’s political process. However, as believers, we must balance these realities and not be consumed by them. In all that we say and do, we must approach it from a biblical worldview.
Here is my point; our cause is the cause of Christ. No political party or politician can do what Jesus has and will continue to do. My argument is not one of silence or even an apathetic approach to engaging in our country, but it calls us believers to take stock in what we are rejoicing in. We see the videos with the titles, so and so gets owned by so and so. We share, retweet, and rejoice that our side scores another point. Yet, if people despise you for your political stance and have no clue you belong to Jesus Christ, what have you done?
Are you more interested in making political disciples than biblical disciples? Take stock of your social media, conversations, and thoughts. If you left a legacy, could anyone say you helped others to know Jesus? In fact, who can you point to in your life right now that you are helping to know Jesus more? The disciples rejoiced that they were counted worthy of being treated shamefully on behalf of the name of Jesus. Sadly for many, they rejoice more in being identified with a political ideology and candidate than the King of Glory. The goal is not making more republicans or democrats, but seeing those who are dead in their sin and trespasses come to new life in Christ.
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