Pastor or Politician, Is There A Difference?

   The other night on the news there were two prominent pastors on that were the guests on a segment about endorsing political platforms that support positions that conflict with christian doctrine and biblical values.  As I was listening to the commentary I was appalled to say the least and it spoke volumes to me about the state of affairs in many churches today in America.  The host was asking if the pastors had any hesitation or qualms about endorsing their candidate despite the fact he endorses Planned Parenthood's existence and funding and is openly pro choice.  Now, we all know that the abortion issue is the great unspoken tragedy in our society, like it or not, that happens in our country to the tune of almost 3,000 babies a day.  It's real, shocking and absolutely appalling to me as a christian man, father and human being.  Even more so these pastors are African American and in their own communities the abortion rate is as high as 6 out of 10 babies.  That means that their own population and existence is dwindling as a vital part to our country.  Needless to say the influence these men have over the congregations they are preaching to is powerful and dangerous in it's hypocrisy. 
   This is not an essay on race and the problems of individual ethnic and racial groups in our country.  Across the board racially and ethnically I am just stating a fact that is highly relevant to the issue.  However, this stark example brings me to the crux of my argument.  Many in the pastorate, many not all folks, have taken watered down positions socially that are in direct conflict with both church doctrine and biblical teaching.   The unmitigated dangerous rhetoric fostered through their weekly teachings and sermonizing is causing many a rift between the church and it's members.  When you have a belief system that is based on morality, ethics and a daily standard to live by, in this case the teachings and Lordship of Jesus Christ and The Holy Bible and you accept His gift of redemption and salvation wholeheartedly, then you believe or preach the opposite I am sorry but you are a hypocrite of the highest order.   You have no credibility and you have compromised your position as church leader and need to step down.   How many people today sit in church and are being taught false doctrine and manipulated scriptural references that modify their faith.  Too many! 
  Jesus reserved some of His harshest criticism for the religious leaders of His day and spoke of the importance of having a pure heart and mind in order to be a church leader.  Too often today there is little or no preaching about conviction of sin and the order of approaching the cross for forgiveness.   Pastors speak half truths and tell us all that we are all good and salvation is in order for us all regardless of our current depraved state.  We are leaving out the vital part of the salvation process and that is the changing of heart, mind and body for His royal service.   Church attendance is down and in many cases the belief systems and moral codes that defined our society have been under attack and changed by very progressive and secular forces for decades now.  The largest population sector in our country that has no religious affiliation whatsoever is the 30 and under group.  That fact alone is chilling, as this significant voting block and citizenry has the ample power to affect elections for the next generation or so.  What do you think that does for the Christian principles and values for America?
  The last book of the bible, Revelation deals with seven letters.  Those letters are not addressed to kings, presidents, governors or leaders of countries, but rather churches.   They are scathing in their critiques and cut to the heart of where we were then and where we are today.   Some of the harshest judgement will be unfortunately be reserved for the shepherds that have led the flocks astray.  I suggest you read The Word and see for yourself.  We need to be careful in what we say, how we believe and what we endorse and why.  Our own personal motivation is always in conflict with our faith walk and service to the Lord.   I've said it before and I'll say it again if we want to effect change then it begins with each of us.  Our leaders for the most part both in secular society and now the church have bought into the world system and that my friends is terminal and without cure.  There is no hope without the One who created hope to begin with.

Matthew 7: 21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’