In regards to political freedom to stand up for our rights, I think this is both a blessing and a curse we face. It is a blessing, because we do have the option to take issues to the courts for resolution or pursue legislation. We see Paul utilize his rights of citizenship in Acts as he appeals to Caesar, and in doing so furthers the spread of the Gospel.
At the same time, because our system allows so much participation, I also fear pursuing political resolution can become an idol. We’re told in Scripture that the world hates Christ and therefore will hate us and that we’ll face persecution. While certainly it is within our right to use systems at our disposal (as Paul did above) I fear that we’ve turned the political process into an idol, trying to use the political process to bring about effects only God can bring through hearts regenerated by His Gospel. I think we have a right and on some level a responsibility to use the political system at our disposal, but it is such an easy thing to misplace our trust in a system for protection rather than the Almighty. Sometimes I wonder if it might be easier (probably not the right word, and I certainly don’t want to make light of persecution) to live in a society that completely outlaws Christianity and follow God despite the circumstances. The Bible is full of wonderful stories of men who stood in the face of tyrranical persecution and said, it is better to obey God than man, so do what you will and I trust He will deliver me.
Discussion
NewIn regards to political
In regards to political freedom to stand up for our rights, I think this is both a blessing and a curse we face. It is a blessing, because we do have the option to take issues to the courts for resolution or pursue legislation. We see Paul utilize his rights of citizenship in Acts as he appeals to Caesar, and in doing so furthers the spread of the Gospel.
At the same time, because our system allows so much participation, I also fear pursuing political resolution can become an idol. We’re told in Scripture that the world hates Christ and therefore will hate us and that we’ll face persecution. While certainly it is within our right to use systems at our disposal (as Paul did above) I fear that we’ve turned the political process into an idol, trying to use the political process to bring about effects only God can bring through hearts regenerated by His Gospel. I think we have a right and on some level a responsibility to use the political system at our disposal, but it is such an easy thing to misplace our trust in a system for protection rather than the Almighty. Sometimes I wonder if it might be easier (probably not the right word, and I certainly don’t want to make light of persecution) to live in a society that completely outlaws Christianity and follow God despite the circumstances. The Bible is full of wonderful stories of men who stood in the face of tyrranical persecution and said, it is better to obey God than man, so do what you will and I trust He will deliver me.