Politics and Evolution
“Darwin’s theory of evolution suggests that first came the baboon and then man. Politics is proving that it can go either way.” Anonymous
A bit of humor does little to lighten the polarizing effects of politics. Whether it is found in uncivil civil government, business, marriage or among associates, acting for personal gain rather than from moral principle is ungodly and destructive. It destroys the common path.
How is it that one’s path so easily becomes broad and destructive? Jeremiah wrote,
“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Willingly apart from God, the best anyone can do is to literally devolve into something of a debased nature. In other words, into something animalistic on the spiritual level. This verse is a stark reminder to the wise to willingly recognize God’s sovereignty over their lives in every aspect.
In speaking to some Pharisees, Christ talks indirectly about the destructive effects of politics in general. “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand’” (Matthew 12:25). The United States, a once great nation, is in the process of being brought to destruction over political division. And as Christ said, it also applies to cities. Many U.S. cities are nearly unrecognizable in their present condition. Failing marriages are prime examples of acting for personal gain rather than from moral principle.
The Church of God, singular as it is, is to a large degree, divided right now. It has, however, not been brought to desolation. Thankfully, we know that it never will be. Christ Himself said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). That means that there will always be some who will reject church politics in favor of God’s eternal moral principles.
What proactive steps can each of us take to erase division and enhance oneness within God’s church? To the Corinthians, and to us, the Apostle Paul says, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). Political thinking and behavior fit nowhere within Paul’s admonition. Becoming complete signifies a process. So, we work at focusing on doing our individual part at restoring unity and harmony. Good comfort is achieved by willingly receiving admonition and giving it. Being of one mind means we don’t compete. Instead, we help to mutually complete each other. And living in peace means we do whatever it takes to cultivate it.
Without question, we do not personally want to devolve on a spiritual level. Rather, we do want to grow up into just what Christ and our Father are together — unity and love. Politics are prohibited!
Marshall Stiver
