Faith and Politics

An article I read the other day still has me thinking.  It was a write-up of a "60 Minute" interview of Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition and potential candidate for the Prime Minister role at the next national election.  The article reads, "Mr Abbott, who once trained for the priesthood, said religion would not play a part in how he would govern if he won office.  He said faith was important and had helped shape him as a person.  "But it must never, never dictate my politics,'' he said."  I frankly admit I struggle with the concept that it is admirable for a man's character and principles not to dictate the decisions he makes in political office.  Looking at the quote from another tack, I wonder if these words can possibly be true.  Politics has the potential to rip the heart and will out of the very people in whose hands rest the power to forge government according to the same faith and values which made that person a fit candidate to lead in the first place!

This goes way deeper than politics, of course.  There are many people with genuine faith in God that never allow it to dictate their way of doing business, their way of parenting, their way of conducting their lives outside the confines of a church building.  What good is your faith unless it is lived out?  What profit is there is a mental ascent to truth which never reveals itself in your actions?  What good is it to have Christians in public office unless they are willing to live like Christians?  I understand being a politician today is the art of rhetoric, posturing, sympathising, party and self-promotion, and offering future promises.  It is about working together with people and groups which are often fiercely divided, making demands or offering concessions if it aids the party to promote legislation and policies.  Parties in government seek to provide "checks and balances" to limit one group from having all the power.  Because in Australia we have a representative government, it makes sense that a Prime Minister whose job it is to represent their party should not allow their personal convictions to dictate policy.  The Prime Minister is not a king who makes all the laws as he personally sees fit.  He must operate within the current system.  But here is the point:  IF the Prime Minister is first a servant of the King of Kings Jesus Christ, and second a public servant in Australian politics, should his or her faith in God "play a part in how he or she governs" through decisions and policies?

I expect there to be a divide between the answers.  I expect people to answer "Yes," "No," and "Yes and no!"  When we share beliefs and principles with people in office, it is natural we would desire they openly uphold them with their policies.  But when people with views contrary to ours hold office, we appreciate when they show restraint in adopting hard lines according to their personal views.  Perhaps this is a bit of a double standard.  People are amazingly hard to please.  Christian bands have been rejected by people because they are "too Christian" and others because they are "too worldly."  It is hard to know if we merely toe or cross the arbitrary lines of public favour.  It is fine and good to have an opinion of others, but how carefully have we examined the way we conduct our own lives?  It is a double standard we ought not to perpetuate, no matter what others do.  What or who dictates your principles, character, and decisions?  Maybe being a good Christian means you are a bad politician.  I believe Christians make the best politicians, but only when they allow God to dictate their politics as well as every other part of their lives.  Those who have submitted under the rule of Christ in humility are made fit by the Holy Spirit to wield authority governed by love.  Each must make his own decision of how he will live, for we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  Every Christian will have his works put through the fire.

If we would only weigh our words, attitudes, thoughts, and actions according to scriptural truth now, we will undoubtedly have more to show for our efforts when we enter into eternal rest.  To stand in judgment of politicians is useless.  Let us examine our own hearts and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  Why do we labour to please men and forget about glorifying God?  Man is impossible to please.  Is there any cost or sacrifice too great when it comes to pleasing God?