In a time of intense political division, many Christians find themselves caught between partisan loyalties. But what if there’s a higher calling that transcends political affiliations? This message explores the biblical principle of faithfulness and how it applies to our current cultural moment.
The Challenge of Christian Nationalism
In today’s politically charged environment, many church leaders are falling into a concerning pattern. Some pastors are bowing down to what could be called “the golden calf of Christian nationalism,” using political figures and parties to grow their churches. Whether it’s showing Donald Trump speeches or Kamala Harris videos from the pulpit, this approach misses the heart of the gospel message.
As the scripture reminds us, “kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there’s something about the name of Jesus.” While there may be no United States in heaven, there should be heaven in the United States. Our primary allegiance must be to the Kingdom of God rather than any political party.
The Call to a Quiet Life
The Apostle Paul gives us profound wisdom in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.”
This counter-cultural instruction challenges our modern obsession with platform, influence, and visibility. In a world of constant striving and self-promotion, particularly in places like New York City, God calls us to something different – the pursuit of faithfulness in the ordinary.
Understanding Biblical Faithfulness
The Greek word “pistos” (faithful) appears throughout scripture as a fundamental characteristic of God Himself. 1 Corinthians 1:9 tells us, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This divine faithfulness should be reflected in our own lives. Just as God worked six days in creation and called it good before resting, we’re called to embrace work as part of our worship. The Sabbath isn’t meant to be an escape from work but rather the reward of work well done.
The Crisis of Consumer Christianity
One of the challenges facing the modern church is what could be called “consumer Christianity.” Like social media users constantly scrolling for the next dopamine hit, many Christians hop from church to church, seeking entertainment rather than commitment.
This approach misses the beauty of long-term faithfulness. In previous generations, it wasn’t uncommon for people to attend the same church for decades, creating deep roots and genuine community. This kind of faithfulness creates space for authentic relationships and real spiritual growth.
Working With Your Hands
The biblical instruction to “work with your hands” carries profound implications. Whether it’s office work, manual labor, or creative endeavors, our work should be done “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). This principle transforms even mundane tasks into acts of worship.
Many of today’s challenges, from anxiety to addiction, might find their solution in honest work. As the message points out, “Lust is the luxury of someone who’s not doing the will of the Father.” When we’re genuinely engaged in meaningful work, many of life’s temptations lose their appeal.
The Power of Small Beginnings
Success in God’s kingdom often starts with faithfulness in small things. As Luke 16:10 teaches, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This principle plays out throughout scripture. David wasn’t aspiring to be king when he faithfully tended his father’s sheep. His dedication to that humble task proved his readiness for greater responsibility. Similarly, if we aspire to lead a quiet life and keep our hands busy serving others, God may entrust us with greater influence.
Unity in Division
As we approach contentious political seasons, the church has an opportunity to demonstrate a different way. When the world is divided along racial, political, and social lines, the church can show true unity in Christ. As Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This unity isn’t based on political agreement but on our shared identity in Christ. It’s demonstrated through practical acts of love and service, like feeding the hungry and caring for the needy, rather than waiting for political solutions.
The Journey of Faithfulness: A Personal Testament
My own journey of faithfulness began in humble circumstances. Twenty-five years ago, my mother worked at White Castle, taking orders and making sliders, while I worked for the Chicago Water Department. Without a father in the house, we combined our incomes to pay the bills. My job involved what we called “grave digging” – excavating holes to replace water pipes.
As a full-time college student, I would put my textbooks in a garbage bag and throw them in the hole I was digging. I’d write study materials on my arm in marker so I could read while shoveling. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I was determined to be faithful with both my education and my work. The way I served in that hole was the same way I now serve in ministry – with complete dedication.
From Water Department to Stadium Events
During those early days, my mother and I scraped together enough money to attend a stadium event with a renowned preacher. Standing in the nosebleed section after waiting hours in line, my mother looked at me and said, “Dolittle” (my family nickname), “one day we’re going to go from up here to down there.” We were just a fast-food worker and a blue-collar worker dreaming in a stadium, but we were dreaming with faith.
Prophetic Fulfillment and Open Heavens
Recently, at a gathering in Kansas City Chiefs’ stadium, a prophecy by Bob Jones was shared about how the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory would signal the rising of apostolic leaders in this generation. During this event, I received a prophetic word about conducting stadium events in America’s hardest cities.
This was further confirmed when prophet Jeremiah Johnson shared a word about “open heavens over the gates of hell.” This connects directly to Jesus’s promise that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against His church (Matthew 16:18). It’s important to note that Jesus used the plural “gates,” suggesting there are multiple strongholds to be overcome in different cities – from San Francisco to Chicago to New York City.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Revival
The path forward isn’t found in political allegiance but in faithful presence. Whether through stadium events in major cities or quiet acts of service in local communities, the church’s mission remains the same – to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.
Just as R.W. Schambach sparked revival in Chicago through bold faith and action, we believe God is positioning the church for similar impact today. Our vision isn’t just for one-time events but for lasting transformation in our cities. We anticipate seeing measurable decreases in crime rates and tangible evidence of spiritual awakening in the neighborhoods we serve.
A Call to Kingdom-Minded Leadership
In today’s polarized environment, church leaders face unique temptations. Many are being invited to closed-door meetings with political figures from both parties, each seeking to leverage pastoral influence for political gain. However, true kingdom leadership requires maintaining the purity of our pulpits and refusing to bow to the idol of nationalism.
This doesn’t mean we disengage from civic responsibility – we should vote and participate in society. But our primary identity and message must remain rooted in the gospel rather than political affiliations. As we approach electoral seasons, we must remember that our unity in Christ transcends political divisions.
Conclusion
In a world fixated on political solutions, the church is called to demonstrate a different way. Through faithful presence, quiet service, and genuine community, we can show that the Kingdom of God transcends political divisions. As we navigate challenging times, may we remember that our ultimate allegiance isn’t to the donkey or the elephant, but to the dove – the Holy Spirit who unites and empowers God’s people for His purposes.
The call to faithfulness (pistos) isn’t always glamorous, but it’s the path to genuine impact. Whether we’re digging holes, serving customers, or leading congregations, our faithfulness in small things opens doors for greater influence. As we aspire to lead quiet lives, work with our hands, and build lasting community, we may find that God uses our faithfulness in ways we never imagined.
When the world erupts in division and strife, they will find in the church a different way – a community united across racial, social, and political lines by the love of Christ. This unity isn’t built through political agreement but through shared devotion to Jesus and practical demonstrations of love. In the end, it’s not about building our kingdom but participating in His, knowing that faithful service in the ordinary often precedes extraordinary impact for the Kingdom of God.
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