Faith and Politics

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. 

• God Created Everything and Everybody. This means what it says. God created the earth and everything in it, on it and about it. Everything flows out of that, including countries, cultures, business and politics. This has huge implications for all human interactions and endeavors, including stewardship of the earth, equality of all people in the eyes of God and how we behave while here on earth. We MUST remember our place in the order of things. God is God and we are not. Perspective matters. 

 

• God is a God of Order. The universe is not chaotic. It is ordered according to the will of God. Where we see disorder, discord, and chaos, this not God's desire nor His doing.

 

• The Point of Government Service. Romans 13 says the authorities that exist have been established by God. Those in authority are to be God’s servants for your good. Holding a position of authority comes with a sacred charge: To serve the Lord first, and to do good for those governed and led. The Book of Proverbs says that reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom...in families, business and politics. 

 

• Decision Making. There are three ways to make decisions: 

 

1. Rely on your own emotions and reason. This happens over and over through history. In the book of Judges, the Bible says: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” And this mindset is prevalent today, as people claim their own “truth.” The Book of Proverbs says: “Those who trust only in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
   
2. Rely on unwise opinions. As the Proverb says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to wise counsel.” Our world is filled with people who think their way is the only way, simply because they think it’s the right way. The Bible says these people are unwise, i.e. fools, and when fools congregate to share foolish viewpoints, only foolishness is the result. We see this everywhere in politics, social media and in our culture today.   
3. Rigorous Discernment. The best decisions arise out of a deliberate five step process of rigorous discernment that is comprised of: a. Prayer, b. embracing Holy Spirit insight, c. considering Biblical perspectives, d. seeking wise counsel, and e. evaluating the circumstances (in other words, using common sense). 

 
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.