Churches must tread warily

WITH voting open for elections I have noticed a rise in pastors who have become involved in politics.

I may be keen on politics but I am also aware that my interest in politics must not overshadow my interest in the Gospel. Many pastors and Christian leaders have allowed their interest in politics to subvert them from preaching the glory of God.

Satan would gladly give Christians a victory at the polls if it meant a great many would no longer listen to the proclamation of the good news of Jesus.Or to put it the other way around, we should be happy to lose every political battle if it meant we would win more men and women to a genuine obedience of faith to our Lord and Saviour.

I am not naïve. Political and cultural issues do affect the proclamation of the Gospel. The Biblical doctrine of common grace means Christians should work to bring betterment to society. We do know that issues like abortion reflect upon the value that is placed on human life. Issues surrounding sexuality and sexual identity have implications on everything from marriage to the structure of a better society. But if we achieve a better society but lose Gospel influence, we have lost the greatest part of what God expects us, pastors, to do in the community.

If, as a pastor, you chose to engage in the political realm in your individual capacity, does that not tie your church to a political candidate and take away the right of a church member because they do not stand for politics or what that party believes in?

Authority is God’s. Jesus said: “His kingdom is not of this world.” He acknowledged Caesar’s place, commanding his followers to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s while recognising God as the ultimate authority of the universe (Matthew 22:20).

SHARLIN MOODLEY | Pietermaritzburg