I’m a business guy, not a politician. As an executive coach to Christian CEOs, one of the issues we address is the integration of faith and business. For many, this is a novel concept, as they’ve been taught not to mix business and faith. I disagree. In fact, a key concept in the Bible is that our lives are to be integrated, not separated. One of the oldest words in the Hebrew text is “Avodah,” which, in one word, means Work, Worship and Service. I wrote a bestselling book about this concept of living an integrated life, called The AVADA Principle. Check it out on Amazon.
Now, as I launch a political campaign to run for State Representative, I’m hearing a similar message from smart political people. They are advising me to avoid talking about faith…to not mix faith and politics, as it will “turn voters off.” I don’t believe so. I value and appreciate people who have well-grounded beliefs, regardless of whether they are the same as mine, and I’ve found well-intentioned people extend the same courtesy to me. In any event, we are designed to live an integrated life of Work, Worship and Service, whether we are engaged in raising kids, education, law enforcement, medicine, media, business, or politics. Therefore, I intend to integrate my faith into my work in the political sphere…and be authentic and transparent about that. I’ve also been cautioned not to use Biblical references in a political context. Again, I disagree. The Bible is the greatest book of wisdom ever written. Our US and State Constitution, Bill of Rights and Constitutional Amendments flow out of Biblical wisdom. Most of what passes for secular wisdom is derived or adapted from Biblical wisdom. Most people who object to Biblical references simply have not studied the Bible and experienced its wisdom firsthand. I understand some people will object to the integration of faith and politics, just like some people do not like it when I express my faith in the business domain. Here’s the thing. I care what people think about me in business. I want them to like me. I want them to do business with me. I also care what you think about me in politics, as I run for State Representative. I want you to like me. I want you to vote for me. However, I care more about God’s perspective on my Work, Worship and Service. In the Book of Colossians, the Bible says it this way: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving.” So, here are some of my thoughts about what it means to integrate faith and politics.
Regardless of your faith perspectives, I trust you’ll at least conclude that the approach of honoring God, seeking wisdom and engaging in rigorous discernment is a good thing for one seeking public office and that it will serve you well. I hope you like me. I hope you vote for me. Mostly though, I seek to run a righteous campaign and to serve righteously if elected. That’s faith in politics.
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February 2022
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