There is an old saying that states that, “there are two subjects which you should never discuss: GOD and Politics!”
We can surely understand why people wish to avoid these two topics. GOD and politics can be two divisive subjects of conversation that lead to heated arguments and verbal fisticuffs. Sadly, there have been horrible wars of religion across the centuries that have led to much loss of life.
The discussion of GOD touches us at the deepest fiber of our being dealing with what we believe and how we should live. The discussion of politics involves how we seek to “order our lives together in community” and how we engage in making choices that affect our lives and bind us together within our country.
The question we pose is this: how do we as disciples of JESUS Christ navigate our beliefs in GOD and also converse and engage with others in the political arena?
This is no easy task.
To this end, we at the Atlanta Vineyard propose utilizing what has been called “Ten Commitments”
These Ten Commitments act as a North Star that express how we at the Atlanta Vineyard Church fellowship wish to lovingly engage one another and our neighbors in discussions that touch the two volatile areas of GOD and Politics.
Our ultimate goal in embracing the Ten Commitments is that we desire to align our convictions; heart motivations; and our thoughts in a manner that will be pleasing to Almighty GOD and loving of our neighbors.
We seek to do all of this for our LORD’S Eternal Glory!
THE TEN COMMITMENTS
#1. We will exalt Christ as Lord over all kingdoms of this world and remind ourselves that our primary allegiance and
loyalty is to His kingdom.
Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and
gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
#2. We will prioritize the things that have been central to the Church for the last 2,000 years: worshipping Jesus as Lord, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, shepherding the flock, teaching the Word, doing mercy and justice, and engaging in mission.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations,endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
#3. We will uphold our spiritual unity in Christ as far more important than our political or national unity.
1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
#4. We will resist temptations to embrace political ideologies that are contrary to the Gospel, or to look to any political leader as a savior.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human
tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
#5. We will not compromise Christ’s kingdom values because of personal, cultural, or political pressure.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
#6. We will not give in to the temptation of partisanship, and we will resist the hateful and angry rhetoric of the Right
and Left.
Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse
you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
#7. We will resist cancel culture and condemn violence in all forms from the Left or the Right.
Matthew 5:21-22 MSG “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.”
#8. We commit to ensure that our speech and conduct, especially toward those we disagree with, reflect the character and humility of Christ.
Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
#9. We will choose to pray and be at peace with those whom we disagree.
1 Timothy 2:8 MSG Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men [and women] to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God.
#10. We will seek to overcome impasses through kingdom-oriented perspectives and solutions.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.