How should Christians live in the world? Some answers to that question provoke cries of “No politics in church!”

I’ll start with obligations, not politics. The Old Testament teaches our obligations in the commandments. We are to honor our parents, not bear false witness, not to kill or steal, and so forth. The prophets believed the law required people to care for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers as well as to do justice.

Jesus teaches us to exceed the letter of the law. It’s not enough not to kill, we must not even be angry with others. He instructs us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, care for the sick and imprisoned. In short, to love one another.

We must care for others. A problem for Christians is whether they should advocate that the government engage in activities that care for people–like feeding the poor. This has been a problem because Jesus teaches little about government beyond the obligation of paying taxes.

All I can say is we have to live with differences on this point. Those who want to advocate that  the government do certain things for the sake of others should do so, but respect those who choose not to be advocates. Those who prefer a personal or institutional approach rather than a governmental approach should act accordingly, but respect the advocates. We do what we are obligated as Christians do, but respect those who fulfill their obligations differently.

I’ve probably offend almost everyone. That’s a hazard of living in the world.

Read Matthew 25:31-40 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne