“Not In It To Win It” by Andy Stanley might be the most important book of this decade… If you are an American and claim that Jesus is your king, or if you are someone who has turned away from Jesus because of the way that American Christians behave regarding politics and power, this is an essential before we get into the thick of the 2024 politics and social polarization.
King Jesus has something very different to say about how we live our lives and love one another than either of our dominant political parties… Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely love our country and love the God of the Bible at the same time, but not in that order. Jesus requires our first, and full, loyalty. At times, following Jesus may lead us against certain parts of our preferred political party’s platforms. If that stresses you out (or excites you), I’d like to invite you to read this book, and along with Pastor Andy I’d like to ask you the question “are you willing to follow Jesus regardless of where he leads you politically?”
Quotes:
“How should Jesus-following Republicans and Democrats treat, speak about, and respond to one another? Publicly and privately? The way Jesus treated, spoke to, and responded to those who disagreed with him.”
“Political and ideological alignment is not a prerequisite for carrying one another’s burdens. I can love you the way Jesus loved me regardless of who you voted for.”
“The moment our love or concern for country takes precedence over our love for the people in our country, we are off mission. When saving America diverts energy, focus, and reputation away from saving Americans, we no longer qualify as the ekklesia of Jesus. We’re merely political tools. A manipulated voting demographic. A photo op. Again, we lose our elevated position as the conscience of the nation. We give up the moral and ethical high ground.”
“Any admonition that declares that we must rule should be checked with the immediate reminder that Christ did not. It is the cross—not the boardroom, not the Oval Office, and not the box office—that is the absolute center of the Kingdom of God.”
Links:
Pastor Aaron Brown 
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