Early in his ministry Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. The story states that the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and promised to make him ruler over all of them if he would worship him. Jesus answered that he would worship and serve only the Lord His God. Matthew 4:10.

Thinking about this story, it seems clear that Jesus did not envision political rule as the basis of his church. In fact, he eschewed politics throughout his ministry. It is interesting to remember that at the time of Jesus’ ministry, many of the Jews in Palestine were looking for a Messiah who would remove the Romans from the occupancy of their land. Because Jesus did not fit that political expectation, he was not recognized by many as the Messiah. 

Jesus understood clearly that a church built upon a political platform cannot last. Rather, his teachings went to the core of how each individual could experience the Kingdom of God for herself. That path included loving one’s neighbor, helping our fellow man, purifying our hearts of hatred, greed, selfish motives and being merciful.

On the heels of the most recent election, Christians might ask themselves whether they observed these clear teachings in their approach to the election. The Founding Fathers got it right when they determined that Church and State should be separate. It made sense politically because ignoring that principle could easily lead to the loss of what we hold very dear — freedom of religion itself. It is also the only way for religious practice to be untainted by political divisions.

Later in the book of Matthew, Jesus was asked if it was lawful to give tribute money to Caesar. He answered that question with the same unwavering clarity as he did all the other similar temptations that he faced. He said, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. Matthew 22:21.

As tempting as it sometimes is to jump headlong into political frays while carrying the banner of Christianity, we would do well to remember these teachings. Had Jesus not honored God first and foremost, he might have gone down in history as just another political leader and not the Messiah. 

— Charles Wellington is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.