Politics is defined as “gaining control over the distribution of scarce resources.” This is why each party attempts to gain control of the White House or Congress. Every four years the United States has a contest of leaders to see who gains this control over the distribution of scarce resources. With that power in hand, they can gain influence and accrue power.

The President of the United States will be surrounded with trustworthy advisors who will be loyal. Failure to remain loyal to the President will lead to a fast dismissal. If Congress agrees with the President, he can pass legislation that will further enhance his power. Front- and back-room maneuvering is required to maintain power.

Politics leads to personal attacks in the pursuit of power. The President faces personal attacks and scrutiny of every move. Opponents tear apart the opposition’s program, policies, and personalities. Negative campaigning has become a familiar feature of politics. In politics, if you cannot gain power with better ideas than your opponents, you attack their character.

Politics is about alliances and spin, which twists truth for the greatest personal benefit. When the same features found in politics become tools for Christian leaders, alarms should sound loudly. We may not expect good behavior from politicians, but we certainly expect different standards for Christian leaders.

In fact, many times it’s difficult to detect whether one is dealing with politics or the church, the lines have become so blurred. This happens when the desire for power enters the heart of the Christian leader. Power is political in nature, not Christian in nature. Power needs the grab bag of tricks used in politics. Power wishes to control the distribution of scarce resources. Power never wishes to be the minority party. Power will destroy everything and everyone who stands in its way. Power is intoxicating.

It is the politics of the church that destroys lives. It is the politics of the church that brings cynicism. We must be able to detect quickly which field of play we’re in, political or biblical. Am I dealing with politics? Or am I dealing with biblical servant leadership? Being able to discern between the two may help some people keep their faith intact and abate signs of cynicism. If one looks at the political games of some who identify themselves as Christian leaders, it’s too easy to become so skeptical that one walks away from any organization claiming to be Christian. Perseverance in the faith can come to mean persevering within the politicized setting of the church.

Jesus Christ did not come to bring us politics. He did not choose us to make us good politicians. His kingdom work is the opposite of politics. This is so clear in the Gospels as we follow the many encounters Jesus had with the Pharisees and other political leaders. Christians should be wise enough to make the same assessments of the present-day situation as Christ did in His day.

Politics is appearance. Christianity is a matter of the heart.

Politics is spin and the twisting of information. Christianity is bound to truth.

Politics is whitewashing the outside and not dealing with the heart. Christianity is openness and authenticity.

Politics is all about making converts “for the cause.” Christianity is making converts for Christ.

Politics is turning people into devils. Christianity delivers people from the devil.

Politics uses people. Christianity serves people.

Politics makes people into liars. (”Yeah. I heard Jesus say He would destroy the temple!”) Christianity does not parse words to twist meanings in order to trap other Christians.

Politics twists Scriptures to say what the political/religious leaders wish it to say. Christianity exegetes Scripture honestly.

Politics seeks to “kill” people in any way possible for the leader’s political advantage. Christianity casts aside politics and power and enhances the other person’s ministry.

Politics is deadly to the soul. Christianity brings people alive in Christ.