Our Attitude in Regard to Politics
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act in harmony, in Christian fellowship. They will not wear political
badges, but the badge of Christ.
What are we to do, then?—Let political questions alone. “Be ye
not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or
what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” [
2 Corinthians 6:14,
15
.] What can there be in common between these parties? There can
be no fellowship, no communion.
The word “fellowship” means participation, partnership. God
employs the strongest figures to show that there should be no union
between worldly parties and those who are seeking the righteousness
of Christ. What communion can there be between light and darkness,
truth and unrighteousness? None whatever. Light represents righ-
teousness; darkness, unrighteousness. Christians have come out of
darkness into the light. They have put on Christ, and they wear the
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badge of truth and obedience. They are governed by the elevated and
holy principles which Christ expressed in His life....
Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish
themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work
and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with
them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on
political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who
is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions,
should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His
influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls
to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not
change, he will do harm, and only harm....
“Be Ye Separate”
I call upon my brethren who are appointed to educate, to change
their course of action. It is a mistake for you to link your interests with
any political party, to cast your vote with them or for them. Those who
stand as educators, as ministers, as laborers together with God in any
line, have no battles to fight in the political world. Their citizenship
is in heaven. The Lord calls upon them to stand as a separate and