Q&A: Is there a difference between our civic duty and our Christian duty?

Is there a difference between our civic duty and our Christian duty? ~anonymous

I think I understand the question and I believe it is coming from the current temperature in the nation. Christian duties and civic duties seem to be meshed these days into a hot mess. Let’s explore how they are different and alike.

I could write a lot about this, but I will try to keep this brief and not explore very deep, because, we have Thanksgiving dinner to get to this month!

How are they alike? Both duties can bring about change.

Civic Duty: Voting is our civic duty, and it is a gift and a privilege to live in a democratic country BUT recognize that voting & politics is ‘of this world.’ Voting gives us a voice for the direction we would like to see our country take. Our votes can bring about change; change in policies and about who will run things. We get to have a say, but the majority always wins. It’s called Democracy.

Do your homework and vote your conscience. Pray about it. Don’t let someone tell you who to vote for, not even your pastor. Study, know the facts, do not listen to gossip or hearsay. Be your own person, not a follower of what ‘everyone else is doing’, and use critical thinking, it is a skill! You don’t have to tell anyone who you voted for, yup, you can keep it private! It’s a right in our democracy.

We are not to use the civic platform to force our Christian beliefs and values on those who know nothing about it or who worship another god. The God we worship gave everyone on this earth freewill to choose Him or not. To choose the gift that only Christians have received. It’s not to be forced. However, we can use the platform to vote for what lines up best with our viewpoints.

Christian Duty: Our Christian duty can bring about changes for people and in the immediate as well. As Christians we are instructed by Jesus to go and make disciples. We are to take care of our planet, the animals, as God gave us charge over them. Christians are instructed to take care of the orphans, the widows and the poor, as there will always be those in need.  We have a duty to follow His commandments, His Will, and to plant seeds for the Kingdom! We have a duty to do His works and to do so cheerfully and continuously until our last breath. Why? Because He told us to.

The Measuring Stick. Remember the Fruit of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Regardless of if it is our civic duty or our Christian duty, the Fruit of the Spirit should always apply to us.

I don’t understand those who claim Christianity while causing so much mayhem in the political world. It’s ugly, and it is giving the Chrisitan faith a really bad look. And if everyone doesn’t jump on board with their agendas, then YOU must not be the Christian. Divisiveness. I don’t see that word amongst the Fruit of the Spirit list. It’s okay to stand up for your cause! We have free speech. But measure your actions against the Spirit.

So, is there a difference? Yes. We are to place our Christian duty above our civic duty. We are only to worship God and place Him above all things. Not a political ideology, not a person, not a cause.  We have a King, Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate savior.

As Christians we should be able to have meaningful discussions about politics with others, without being judged or judging.  Can we have our own opinion? Absolutely. Can we explore options with others? YES, it’s healthy!

Remember this: God is not going to rewrite His Word because of who we voted for, or what we protested about, or for some good deed that we did! We don’t get to have a vote in this…at all. The world is predestined to be destroyed. Why? Because of sin. We will not change the outcome with our shenanigans or good deeds. Some reactionaries believe that by desperately pushing their agendas, they will change the outcome for the world. This can’t be done.

Let’s make space here to put things into perspective. The most important things we need to be concerned about is relationships with others and God. We should see all people through Jesus’ eyes and work on mending, growing, and cultivating relationships. Wow, talk about seeing a change in the world if we did things this way! No civic vote needed. Let’s not get caught up and off balance by ‘things of this world.’

The two are different, and yet can be the same. Our civic duty, if we let it, can take our eyes off the Kingdom and Kingdom work. Some say that their civic duty is Kingdom work. This can be true, as well, if it is a calling from God and it stays in check. I grew up in politics and I know without a doubt, it can be a calling. And at the same time, we can let our Christian duties, our busyness, take our eyes off the Kingdom. The good things that we do, and participate in, can take us away from God. Yes, even those things can put distance between us and our relationship with God.

At the end of the day. The most important vote we can make is where we are spending eternity. Have you done that yet? Have you helped others with making that decision? It’s a duty. And yes, vote, do your civic duty, it’s your right to have a say. Then we need to let God handle the outcome. After all, He’s got this and has the full plan, we don’t.

 

Debra Lee | Author & Keynote Speaker | Life Coach & Biz Coach | Blogger

“Making Wise Choices…the most important life skill to master”

“It Is What It Is…But It Wasn’t A Tragedy

Both books found on Amazon.com or at DLBizServices.com for signed copies

WEB: DLBizServices.com