Christian Citizenship (Biblical Reasons Why I Want to Be a Christian in a Multi-Faith Nation) Part 15

 

This post is part 15 of a series on Christian citizenship, and why I believe mixing Christian identity with American identity is bad for both. I hope to give you little bite-sized thoughts, which represent themes you'll find throughout the Bible and historic Christian teachings.

I hope they make you think.

Today's reason why I want to live as a Christian in a multi-faith nation:

Jesus told his disciples that Gentile rulers expect to be exalted above others and served, “but it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). To seek greater political power for Christians, or greater attention to their concerns than those of their non-Christian neighbors, goes against Jesus’ basic principle of leadership.

For better and for worse, lobbyists have become a part of our political ecosystem. To invest time, money, and staff into lifting up one group's needs before legislators and policy makers is considered "par for the course." The assumption is, If you don't make your own voice heard, you'll get lost in the noise. 

Jesus says, "it is not so among you." 

Our Lord calls us to servant leadership. This does not mean that we never speak up on public issues, but that when we do speak up, it's on behalf of others, especially those who can't speak for themselves. I invite you to take a look at the ELCA Advocacy Page to get a look at what type of work we can do together as Christians in the public sphere. It's less important to Jesus that his name is lifted up in the halls of power, than that we are lifting up the voices of those he called us to serve. 

For some thoughts on Jesus' model for leadership, check out tomorrow's post.