What about Political Issues in Sunday School?

As a teacher of the Word of God it is no doubt that you have begun to establish certain beliefs and convictions based upon the Word of God. It is also certain that your biblical beliefs and convictions will guide you in your personal stands and decisions on political issues. As a Sunday School teacher it is also imperative that we create an atmosphere in the classroom in which people of all political parties can hear the gospel and be reached and discipled for Christ. Finding good balance can be difficult, but absolutely necessary, especially during seasons of political emphasis. I hope the following will help us walk this difficult tightrope.

First, we should distinguish between political and moral issues. It is easy to fall into a trap these days. The politician refuses to take a clear stand on an issue because it is considered a “personal moral issue,” while church leaders are afraid to make statements because the issue is considered “political” in nature. Clearly there is a difference between abortion, for example, and how much is spent on the public radio. Every issue is not a deep moral issue. Even well-respected Bible heroes had differing opinions at times and we need to allow for that in our discussions as well.

God has worked through various forms of government for millennia. When Jesus returns, it will not be a democracy or a republic, but a monarchy ruled by the King of kings! He has not specified which American political party is His favorite. The Bible is clear, however, on the value of human life, on honesty, corruption, homo-sexuality, adultery, compassion for widows, etc. When the Bible speaks to these moral issues, we must do likewise.

Second, we should be respectful. We cannot shirk our responsibility to teach what the Bible says about social issues, but we must do so while demonstrating proper respect for those in positions of government authority. The Bible teaches us to have a submissive, respectful spirit for our government leaders whether we voted for them or not! There is no need to tell politically charged jokes in class. We can literally be in violation of Scripture while attempting to defend a biblical cause.

Third, as we teach on sensitive issues, it is important to do so in love and humility. I’m not suggesting the “political correctness” of today’s media needs to be applied to the Sunday School class, but it is important to realize that someone in your class may be dealing with the pain and guilt of a past abortion. Someone in your class may have a close relative that has chosen an immoral lifestyle. It simply is an act of kindness to avoid slang terms that are needlessly offensive when teaching God’s truth on a potentially painful topic.

Finally, it is also important that our church is not seen as endorsing a certain candidate for office. The mission of the church is to reach and disciple people for Christ, not to promote a political ideology. In addition, there are laws in place that threaten our tax-exempt status if we practice such political endorsements. We can provide comparisons on the issues, but we cannot endorse the candidate. Throughout Bible times, Believers learned to deal with various forms and practices of government without compromising the message, and we need to do the same today.

For me the biggest issue is evangelism. As we teach the class God has entrusted to us, we want everyone in attendance to know that we are there to learn God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him. It is certain that some will want to talk politics at times, but it really isn’t that difficult to get the class back on track when the people hear a gentle reminder of what we are really there to do. We want everyone to know our Lord Jesus Christ regardless of their political preferences and we as teachers are responsible to “keep the main thing, the main thing!”

Priorities in the Church

I heard about a happily married couple who had certain struggles because old Aunt Emma showed up at their door one day needing a place to stay. Emma was loud and demanding, and generally ungrateful. The couple held back their feelings because Aunt Emma was family; and besides, Emma could really lay on the guilt trip any time there seemed to be any hesitation in meeting her many needs.

After seven long years, Aunt Emma died. On the way home from the funeral the husband said, “You know dear, if I did not love you so much, I don’t think I would have put up with your Aunt Emma all these years.” The wife looked at her husband in total disbelief and said, “My Aunt Emma? I thought she was your Aunt Emma!”

I have noted that some times churches can be bamboozled by the enemy into accepting responsibilities that are really not theirs. God has created and designed the church to do three basic things: Worship God, Build up Believers and Share Christ with a lost world.

Because we are people committed to being loving and compassionate, we can sometimes be drawn toward activities and causes that are very good, but may be a distraction from the real priorities of the church. We are a people of conviction and moral standards, but we need to be cautious that we are not sidetracked into social or political activism when the lost are dying without hope. If we are not careful, even our desire for personal holiness can take us down a path of legalism, causing us to neglect the Great Commission.

Yes, we must remember to be salt and light to the world, but we must also remember why.