Before jumping on a bandwagon
The polarity of modern politics often leaves us grappling with the social and moral issues that tug at the fabric of society. In the search for solutions to the problems of sin and moral decay, it can be tempting to align with a political stance, be it left or right, that seems to offer the correct answers.
When the political right focuses solely on the punitive aspects of sin without the temperance of grace and forgiveness, they mirror the attitude of the Pharisees whom Jesus frequently rebuked. The Pharisees were criticized for their hypocritical and judgmental attitudes, as they neglected the “more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). The danger lies in reducing sin to a series of political issues without acknowledging the necessity of a transformed heart. Legislating a moral condition might establish a criminal code, but lawbreakers continue to break the law.
The political left often blames societal structures for inequality, injustice and oppression. Their approach can echo biblical calls for social justice and care for the marginalized, which is consistent with Jesus’ teachings such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and his actions toward the downtrodden. Paul reminds us that God is not a practitioner of partiality as “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
However, the left can miss the mark by disregarding the personal dimension of sin. While addressing systemic issues is crucial, the Bible also stresses
‘This suggests a path forward that doesn’t fully align with any political ideology but is centered on scriptural truths. The Bible does not negate the value of political engagement, but it does prioritize spiritual engagement when confronting sin.’
— Don Overcrash, president of Overcrash Consulting LLC
individual repentance. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). While applauding the societal good desired by the political left, there is a risk of focusing so much on the communal that the personal aspect of sin’s corruption and the need for individual repentance and sanctification are virtually ignored.
Therefore, both sides, in their respective views, can inadvertently marginalize the dual call of Jesus (Matthew 22:36-40): To love God with all our hearts (which requires personal holiness and repentance) and to love our neighbors as ourselves (which mandates social action and justice).
True healing requires addressing sin. Both sides find themselves practicing sin management. They nobly believe that man can correct the problem without any outside interference. Scripture, however, points out the need for personal transformation. In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul encourages Christians to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, while the psalmist David cries out for God to create in him a “clean heart” (Psalm 51:1012).
This suggests a path forward that doesn’t fully align with any political ideology but is centered on scriptural truths. The Bible does not negate the value of political engagement, but it does prioritize spiritual engagement when confronting sin. Rather than advocating for any political ideology, it calls for a personal adherence to Christ’s teachings and the fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
To truly grapple with sin and its societal consequences, we must turn to a holistic understanding of scripture. We are reminded that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). This unity supersedes political affiliations and any other man-created divisions. It calls for a comprehensive approach that seeks to reconcile, redeem and restore based on the love, grace and wisdom of God.
As we approach Easter, now is an opportune time to come to grips with the sin issue facing all of humanity and to personally consider the solution made available by the love of God toward us regarding sin, especially before jumping on any political bandwagon which historically over promises and fails to deliver. God, on the other hand, is faithful.