Since the presidency of Donald Trump, I have painfully learned that my political opinions must remain my private opinions. If there is one subject that has the power to rip good relationships apart, or suddenly shift a pleasant discussion into a raging volatile debate, it is POLITICS! I have learned that overlapping my passions in ministry with my passions in politics will serve counter-productive in the long run, if I desire to effectively uphold the cause of Christ. Politics and religion is indeed a risky tight-rope to walk on because eventually, you will fail one or the other. It is interesting how the issues of life that are passionate to both politics and religion often overlap. So, is it possible to effectively lead in ministry and in politics simultaneously? Can a minister be an effective politician and can a politician be an effective minister? If the task is going to be undertaken, I believe there are a few things that must be considered if in ministry, we desire to be true, to the cause of Christ.
I believe the most effective stance is a clearly defined one. In each endeavor, the underlying conviction should be, for the “Cause of Christ.” This is the cause that shapes and provides meaning and purpose to all other missions. Truthfully, it should be the defining convictions of every godly leader. Whether your leadership is in ministry, politics or any other profession, the underlying conviction of your mission (as a believer) should be the “Cause of Christ.” So, what is the Cause of Christ? I believe Matt. 5:13-16 illustrates this well.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Cause of Christ
The cause of Christ is essentially God’s voice, message, and principles embedded and impressed upon every aspect and condition of creation that his word speaks about. However, this is quite challenging when leadership, fame and power is presented like a “hand-in-glove” to those appointed to influential positions. The temptation to compromise, over indulge, relish in liberties, manipulate people, systems and opportunities for personal gain is an enormous weight for any human being to carry. This is why the cause of Christ must be the conviction that shapes every professional endeavor and the heart of every godly leader.
So is it simply temptation that makes godly leadership hard? I propose it’s not the compromise, nor the privilege, it is not all the liberties and it is not the power because all of these luxuries are too easy to obtain by leaders. Instead, it is the “Cause of Christ” that creates the challenge. It creates the sacred demands upon our faith that often results in tough decisions, and being misunderstood, ridiculed and it may require from us a few painful sacrifices. The stark reality of this challenge is that honesty, self-control, taming the tongue, guarding our eyes, ears and appetites, while examining our hearts and true motives will always require much more courage, integrity and spiritual grit compared to the carnal, worldly minded, self-serving alternative in leadership. You see, the underlying question of every spiritual leader who is considering to walk that infamous tight-rope should be, “What are my CONVICTIONS? I propose, the answer to that question should always be, for the “Cause of Christ.”
The Balancing Act
A clear fact, seen in history, is that few political or spiritual leaders have blended these two unique professions particularly well. This is because the spirit, mission and message of each profession has a way of demanding complete servitude to the passions that shape its cause. Historically, we have had many well-known activist lead meaningful causes but were greatly compromised spiritually and morally or they were motivated by their own personal anger and turmoil. Is there any question that this must have played a major role in jeopardizing or overshadowing the Cause of Christ, that now only speculation leaves us to consider what might have been the outcome if it were intact?
On the contrary, we have seen great spiritual leaders offer admirable services to the people they serve, while remaining silent or even turning a blind eye on the political and social issues they were divinely appointed to stand for and fight for. These are the spiritual leaders who (biblically), were divinely appointed to be a support and change agent within our communities. They are the spiritual representatives whose collective leadership has the ability to impact our nation, for the Cause of Christ.
To compound matters even more, it is very likely these same leaders are also bombarded with opposition of a spiritual nature. There is no doubt that each of them may be encountering specific problems, unique their profession, and because of their calling, they have been anointed and gifted to deal with these issues and understand them like no other. Therefore, if you’re considering this juggling act, you not only want to be appointed for the job, but you better be anointed for it also. This is why it is probably best for you to, “Know your lane, Walk in it, and Stay in it” in order to remain most effective at what you do.
In 1 Tim. 6:10, Paul states, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” In Matt. 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” In Rev.3:15-17, the Angel states, “I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other. So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spew you out of My mouth!”
So from the above passages it is clear, you cannot serve two masters 100%. The scriptures suggest, you are either, “All-In” or you will be putting EVERYTHING at risk all for the sake of COMPROMISE.
Missional Over-lapping
So, how do we know when our message has been spewed (vomited) from the mouth of God? It is when a leader’s mission has been compromised. Their mission will lack supernatural power and a clear vision. The plans of the leader will lack wisdom, understanding and foresight. The leader will have a limited investment in the work because they lack the grace of God to carry it out. Their message might appear confused, offensive, disjointed and inconsistent with their primary message. Their message will be incongruent with their true call. All this can happen simply by what I’m defining as, “Missional Overlapping.” You see, each leader’s anointing was designed to honor them so if you cross over too deeply onto a platform you were not anointed for, it will be very apparent.
Practically speaking, each leadership platform will require a unique set of gifts, skills, insight, shrewdness, savviness and wisdom that is common to leaders. What might be acceptable, strong and effective on one platform may be offensive, weak and ineffective on another. This is also true as it pertains to the content of a leaders message. Each leader’s missional message must be clearly defined and relevant to their call. An overlapped mission will also have an inconsistent, missional message. This is why knowing your purpose in God must be a divine conviction because too many lives are at stake when we are confused about who we are and what we have been gifted and inspired, by God to do.
You see, anytime a minister’s message begins to assimilate too deeply with a political one or a politician’s message begins to assimilate too deeply with a religious one, both will come up lacking and ineffective in their true call. This is because it is the Cause of Christ that makes each calling unique, purposeful and distinct (by design). The key here is, they are a TEAM! These uniquely anointed leaders were called to server one another. In fact, their mission, work and effectiveness as leaders is most realized when they lead independent of one another yet interdependent of each other’s mission, gifts, and skills. The sad reality is that this beautiful camaraderie is hard to find because there is no awareness of a Cause for Christ in the hearts of many leaders today. When we are frustrated with such limited vision, and lack of leverage and support from our leaders, there becomes the need to pray and cultivate the leadership we have and look towards a future hope to perpetuate the Cause of Christ.
The cause of Christ is essentially God’s voice, message, and principles
embedded and impressed upon every aspect and condition of creation
that his word speaks about.
Are you frustrated with your leadership? Well, let me encourage you. Praying for and strategically working with your current leadership is godly POWERFUL (1Tim. 2:1-3, Jam. 5:18-17). Now, consider if these two leaders (bearing the Cause of Christ), came together to pray. Well you can just imagine the impact they will have. I think we all can agree that religion and policies are two elements that has shaped nations throughout history. This is why the politician’s and the minister’s calling (when lived out as a Cause of Christ) are two, of the most powerful and influential roles to impact our world. Now, make no mistake, this leadership anointing is not exclusive to politicians and ministers alone. It is also relevant to leaders in our families, on our jobs, in our communities, schools, essentially any platform where appointed leaders are positioned to govern and lead a body of people both large or small.
Leaders in High Office
In a perfect world, all leaders would serve with a Cause of Christ. This is what the kingdom of the millennial reign with Christ is referencing (Rev. 20:1-5). So, because this is a challenging task to achieve, do you think we should not pursue it? Absolutely NOT! That’s because the Cause of Christ should begin with YOU! As believers, we are inspired and moved by so many things around us and the most we do is talk about it. Well let me be the first to challenge you, “if you want change…then get some conviction and help make change.” Life is pretty simple that way. When you don’t do anything, you get what you get! However, there are some things that will remain out of our control. Yet, this is still no reason to lose hope. When leaders are placed in high offices (whether honestly or dishonestly), this is no accident and whether we agree or disagree with their appointment, we must always remember that God allowed it and in his sovereign will, he will deal justly with those who are sovereignly placed in these coveted positions.
As prophetic believers (and this is who we are as Christians), it becomes our responsibility to heed the word that commands us to pray for our leaders (1Tim. 2:1-3) because if they are compromised, they are capable of doing far more damage than they will good and this is why the believer’s most important asset is PRAYER! The Believer’s life individually and corporately is always expressed apostolically, as a “Divine Assignment.” If we are living out that assignment, it is not to talk about our leaders or tear them down but primarily, to pray for them because within their appointment, God has a greater agenda that he’s accomplishing, and it is only through prayer that we get “tuned in” to what God is working out. Remember, God can use anyone to accomplish his agenda on the earth. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again, and he’s currently doing it now in this present day. You see, the Cause of Christ is ultimately about the Father’s business and every godly leader has a part to play in that plan.
We must also not forget that our biblical history had many wicked kings as well as godly kings and leaders. As we read, it becomes very clear to see who was for God and who was against him. This is seen primarily through the king’s character and relationship with God. When wicked kings and leaders dishonored God, wickedness, perversion, war, class systems, corruption and civil unrest permeated the land. When godly kings and leaders honored God, peace, fear of God, victory in battles, economic health and godly principles governed the land. While these attributes may represent at the most basic level, a contrast of fruit among godly and wicked leadership, they do serve as markers for preliminary discernment. When we become imprisoned and abused by wicked leadership it is important to remember that God used a Judas, God used a Pharaoh, God used a Nebuchadnezzar, God used the Pharisees, and God will use (before Jesus returns) an Antichrist (a global leader) who will rule and deceive the nations. This is why the Cause of Christ must always be the foundation of leadership. It is also why our world desperately needs godly leaders on every leadership platform; politically, spiritually, socially and economically and environmentally.
So let’s not get confused about our present leadership and fear the state of the world and it’s perceived future. God is in control! It is only important that we stay in tune with God’s agenda so that believers, wherever they are, both individually and corporately are doing the will of God effectively, in partnership with him, anointed, and divinely assigned – for the CAUSE OF CHRIST.
Karen Gaithers-Life Discipleship 