What would our school become if we began discussing politics in it, debating which course of social development is right and what consequences particular laws and decisions would bring? I do not think we would have unity among us or the joy that happiness, love, and friendship bring.
I have noticed that peace and friendship in relationships are very quickly destroyed when people begin expressing political views or ambitions. I always have many questions for those who consider themselves invincible within the borders of their own country while remaining enslaved to sin.
‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’
If I raise above my little house of happiness the national flag of the country I consider my homeland or a great power, what will my building testify to? It may testify to anything—but not to my holiness in this matter.
Politics is the study of the state, its governing institutions and political power, relations between two or more nations, the work of public organizations that influence life in a particular country, and trade relations both within a country and in foreign markets. Everyone is connected with the country in which they live or work, or whose citizenship they hold.
Whether I want it or not, I am surrounded on every side by political information, which is sometimes highly contradictory or inconsistent with my convictions. How should I respond properly to various events?
As a believer, I can see in world events the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and the approach of the final events of human history. The Lord Jesus foretold what would happen at the end, and now we can hear about—and even see—His prophecies being fulfilled day by day. In the past, only believers spoke about this; now the whole world does, realizing that something dreadful is approaching and is ready to overtake all humanity.
Widespread tension, fear, and uncertainty paralyze the minds of people who seek answers to their questions but cannot find them. Politicians try to solve such problems by forming alliances, imposing sanctions, or engaging in military conflicts. Yet nothing changes for the better; matters only grow worse.
The rich become even richer or lose their savings, while the poor become still poorer. Some people are simply trying to survive. There is chaos and turmoil everywhere.
Where can I find an answer to the question of how I should live?
The life of Jesus helps me understand His attitude toward the politics of His day. He knew what was happening around Him. He knew who governed the country in which He lived and the places He visited. He was surrounded by cruelty, corruption, lawlessness, moral depravity, nationalism, hatred, and a spirit of rebellion. Yet Jesus never once expressed political views and never condemned government officials. When people came to Him with questions about world events and the lawlessness in His own country, He declined to discuss those subjects and directed their minds toward eternal values. Jesus taught that unless we repent, we will likewise perish. By His attitude toward politics, Jesus gave us an example of holiness and of His separation from this world and its passions.
By His life, Jesus showed which values and interests must come first and which should have no place at all. He is the true Example for us to follow.
Holiness in politics means that although I live in this world and see and understand what is happening in it, I should not publicly express my political views, participate in political programs, or belong to political parties, alliances, or movements. Instead, I should seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
God created this world and permitted events to unfold, but He set His Kingdom apart and declared that it is not of this world. The Kingdom of God exists; it has its own laws, and it is spiritual. It is planted in the heart and is within a person. My faith in this determines my actions.
God has much to teach everyone, and He has enough information to occupy my mind with what is useful and necessary. He knows better than we do what a person needs for happiness and peace, and He provides it. The choice is mine.
The book of Revelation tells us in symbols about the early and final events of history. It describes the succession of eras and ruling powers. In harmony with the book of Daniel, it reveals the periods in which nations rise and fall. Both books of Scripture lift the curtain on future events, and through their prophecies God prepares us for what we will face and cannot avoid. At the same time, He offers a way of escape and protection from disaster through union with Himself. God alone can preserve us, protect us, and give us victory. By revealing future events to me, Jesus calls me to complete and absolute dedication to Him. He knows what to do and what to teach me. He is very wise and therefore makes no mistakes. And He is very kind and therefore understands and accepts me.
If I decide to remain outside politics and seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, He will be able to use me as His witness in this world—someone who can direct people’s minds away from turmoil and toward eternal values.
Jesus gives His love. He establishes me in this love and teaches me to use it to heal deceived souls, support the discouraged, comfort those who suffer, and satisfy those who thirst. Love stands outside politics; it is given so that we may love people, transform them inwardly, and bring them healing.
Love lives in this world, but it is not of this world. It is a Heavenly treasure that lifts the soul toward Heavenly values and reveals the true character of its Creator and Lord.
Love stands outside politics, yet it influences politicians as well, for they too are people originally created for love and for a happy life in Jesus.
Politics unites only those who share the same political views, but love unites everyone and establishes its kingdom wherever it goes. Its banner can safely adorn any home and draw thirsty souls to itself.
The prophetic books tell us that at the end of time certain religious and political powers will form an alliance to impose the mark and image of the beast upon everyone living on Earth. This plan will succeed, but it will not touch those who remain outside politics and bear the seal of God.
Love directs my eyes to Jesus, Who is the King of kings and Lord over every authority. As I learn the science of love and happiness, I withdraw from politics and receive Heavenly citizenship. This citizenship gives me the right to Eternal life in God’s Kingdom. And the seal of God’s approval will be my permanent visa, opening the borders of the entire Universe so that I may travel freely through its vast expanses.
I cannot avoid political events, and I must respect and obey the laws of the country where I live. But no law can dictate to my conscience how I should serve God or obey God’s commandments. For example, if a country’s laws approve of adultery, that does not mean I must live that way.
The safest course in life is faith in God, love, happiness, and friendship. Even if every earthly power should rise against such an outlook on life, none of them can deprive me of this state of mind. And no force can conquer a country armed with agape love.
Bible verses for this chapter:
John 15:17–20; Jeremiah 29:7, 11–13; Luke 13:1–9; 1 John 2:15–21; Matthew 20:20–28; Romans 13:1–10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 1 Peter 2:11–25; John 19:8–16; Revelation 13:5–8, 15–17; 17:12–18; Daniel 2:21, 28, 46–47; 6:13