Messiah or Anti-Christ

“Be not deceived. . . for as lightning cometh out of the east. . .” (Matthew 24:24-27). When the Messiah, Jesus, comes back to earth, we will know. We won’t have to read about it on Facebook.

The Real Question

The real question is, “Does Jesus care about who leads our country?” When asked if he was the king, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). In another place, Jesus was asked a question on the issues of governmental authority. He answered, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). This was not just a clever statement to keep him out of trouble. It was an important principle that he was establishing. Jesus was not interested in supporting or challenging the authority of the government.

So, if Jesus doesn’t care about our Government, why is this important to us. Because he wasn’t neutral, Jesus sided with the poor, sick, and immigrant. We should desire to be like Jesus. Jesus didn’t live in a democracy. He didn’t have the responsibility of choosing the governmental leaders. . . but we do. Our understanding of politics will determine our choices.  Our choices will impact our witness and our ability to influence our world.

Left or Right?

So, here is a civics lesson you should have gotten in high school. The American politics can be placed on a spectrum. You can answer almost any political question by knowing where a person falls on this spectrum. However, to find the center, we must learn about a Scottish economist named Adam Smith. Adam Smith wrote a book entitled The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776, in which he defined capitalism. His theories were central to the foundation of Western Democracies, including the United States. 

Adam Smith’s most noteworthy concept was that of the “invisible hand,” which would cause markets  to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with capital, for example owning a factory, to make as much wealth as possible and, thus, do what is in the best interest of the nation. The theory of supply and demand is based on this concept. With the Great Depression, however, we learned an important lesson. Those with capital, capitalist, would definitely act in ways to allow them to produce as much wealth as possible, but they would not always act in the best interest of the nation, particularly if the interest of the nation was to help those without capital (i.e. workers). Therefore, the government has an important role in regulating the economy. 

This question defines where you fall on the political spectrum: “What is the Government’s role in regulating the economy?” If you believe the government has a role. . . then, you are on the left. The government should enact policies to make life better for workers (i.e. those without capital). If you believe the government has no role, then you are on the right. The government should protect the “status quo,” meaning “things are good like they are” and protect those with wealth.

Hot Button Issues

Can you really predict a leader decisions based on where they fall on this spectrum? Well, it does get fairly complicated, but you can come very close. Let’s explore some hot button issues to see if we can provide answers based on Adam Smith’s “invisible hand.”  

• Abortion — First, we must understand that no one is arguing for more abortions. Left: It is a fairness question. The government must ensure that poor women have the same access as wealthy women. Right: Things were good like they were; we need to “uphold the social order.” 
• Big government – Left: The government has a role in regulating the economy, business, and industry though taxing and spending policies. Right: Let’s give big tax cuts to the wealthy. They’ll do what is right.
• War – Left: Protecting the interest of American capitalist is not worth the lives of young Americans. Right:  We must protect American interests (capital) and free markets.
• Welfare – Left: We need to help those who cannot help themselves. Right: We need to help those who help themselves.
• Equal pay for women – Left: The government is the only institution strong enough to interfere with the market and ensure equity for women. Right: The market will take care of itself; stay out of it. 
• Worker’s rights – Left: “One for all and all for one.”  Right: “Survival of the fittest.”

Back to the question of “Why does any of this matter?” It is true that politics is not the end and purpose of being Christian. However, our politics influences our witness for Jesus. We must protect our witness. What will an unbelieving world say if we brush off immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency. If we are not careful, will anyone take anything we say about justice and righteousness seriously? Can we say with a straight face that the character and actions of our nation’s leaders don’t really matter?

Mission of the Messiah

This reminds me of what Jesus, the Messiah, said was important. When he was in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus announced his mission. . . his purpose for coming to earth and, by extension, our mission. . . our purpose, as Christians.  Jesus was setting for us what should be our priority. Jesus said,   

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 4:18-19

As Christians, this mission should be reflected in everything we do. I believe we should keep these words in mind when we elect leaders and when we proclaim our support, or lack thereof, for policies and actions of our government. The question is, “How will the world judge our actions in light of Messiah’s mission?”

Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Will We See the Rapture?