Nothing like starting out the week by discussing two of the three forbidden topics: politics and Jesus. I used to be a rabid political guy. I once believed that with the right political leaders we could change the culture. I was right about the dream but wrong about the method. Getting certain political leaders in place might help with some issues that matter to me. But even if I get my “dream team” elected we will still have a problem in our culture.

Sin.

Politics and law don’t change that inconvenient truth (apologies to Al Gore) that we have an inherent human problem that I believe can only be addressed by one solution.

The Gospel.

Jesus gave us a perfect example of what it looks like to be a good citizen while recognizing what really changes the heart of man. The religious legalists (the Pharisees) were trying to trick Jesus and get Him in trouble with the Roman government. Nice try.

“Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”

Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin,^[c] and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

His reply completely amazed them.

So I am no longer rabid political guy. I am a concerned citizen who studies issues and candidates and always votes. I love this country and believe in this country but revival will not come from Washington D.C. It will come from heart changes in every nook and cranny of this land from people who understand their deep need for grace, forgiveness and redemption.

Christians should certainly understand that lawmakers can only restrain a culture at best. Only “Grace-makers” can change a culture.

Tim Keller brilliantly identifies what happens when we make politics an ultimate thing.

If you center your life and identity on a “noble cause,” you will divide the world into “good” and “bad” and demonize your opponents. Ironically, you will be controlled by your enemies. Without them, you have no purpose.

Both sides of the aisle believe they have a noble cause. And we have seen the devastation to our political system when we demonize our opponents. We must not fall into that trap as representatives of Jesus.

I will believe what Paul wrote to a church in Rome that certainly had to deal with some political issues

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  (Romans 13:1, NLT)

That is a hard one for believers on both sides of the aisle to stomach but I didn’t write those words in Scripture.  The real power to change our broken world comes from the finished work of Jesus and the transformational power of the Gospel.