Don't Make Politics an Idol

Tim Keller wrote in his book "Counterfeit Gods" that an idol is anything that becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, to your meaning in life, or to your identity.  It absorbs your heart and imagination more than God.  The scary thing is that anything in life can become an idol.  We can take good things like love, church, even family and friends and turn them into counterfeit gods, making them the ultimate things that bring us joy and fulfillment instead of God Himself.  An idol is anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts and minds.  And politics can be one of those things.    

As followers of Christ, we are to forsake all idols in our lives.  But in this election season, which is important, which is contentious, which is emotional, which can be consuming, we need to guard our hearts and not allow politics or the elections to become an idol.  As Christians, it should not be an ultimate thing for us.  Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it!"  For God is the ultimate source of our joy, contentment, and meaning in life.  Psalm 73:25–26 says, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

God does not share His supreme status or the affections of His people with earthly creations or systems.  That's why idolatry, allegiance to anything above God, is forbidden.  Isaiah 42:8 says, "I am the Lord; that is my name! My glory I give to no other, not my praise to idols."  God also warns directly against looking to political rulers or governments as our source of security or hope.  Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."  God is an eternal God who holds our salvation in His hands.  Our trust is in Him alone!  Psalm 146:3 says, "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."

Philippians 3:20 tells us our hope and allegiance should be to Christ's eternal kingdom, not temporary earthly governments or political parties.  "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."  As God's people, Jesus instructs us to put God’s kingdom first, and that His reign and righteousness should be our top priority.  Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Jeremiah 17:5-8 says, "This is what the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord . . . blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.'”  

Voting is a good thing.  Voting is an important thing.  Vote thoughtfully and prayerfully.  But do not place your hope in a leader, political party, or election outcome to bring about the justice, peace, or human flourishing that only Christ can provide.

Pastor Darren