Are You Thinking in Political or Biblical Categories?

When dealing in politics, the terms “conservative and liberal” or “democrat and republican” are normally used to describe the competing ideas, priorities, and philosophies dealt with in the capitol. These terms automatically bring up an adversarial and antagonistic relationship. It is easy to see folks on the other side of the issue or the other side of the aisle as an enemy that must be defeated.

I would encourage us to make it a priority to think in more biblical terms. This will help us keep a proper attitude towards those on the opposing sides of issues.

What are the biblical categories? Scripture simply refers to those who are lost without Christ and those who have repented and placed their faith in Him.

There are tremendous implications for thinking in these proper biblical categories:

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:14-16

We must remember that those without Christ cannot think morally, biblically, and spiritually about issues.

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4

We should remind ourselves that those without Christ are perishing and that they are blinded to the truth of the Gospel.

When we look at a politician or a leader, we do not first see their political party or their ideological label. We first consider their spiritual condition. This is not to say that we ignore the political implications and realities that might arise. But our first thought must be that those on the opposite side of issues may well be lost and perishing without Christ. Their minds and hearts are blinded and they need the Holy Spirit to use God’s Word to convict them and open their eyes to the truth. Our priority as believers must be to share the Word and the Gospel. Thinking in these terms and categories will greatly change our attitude towards those with whom we differ so greatly.