The Christian faith includes both personal and public ramifications. However, most churches in America overemphasize personal faith and underemphasize public faith. For example, all churches care deeply about individual moral behavior, which is obviously important.
But Scripture teaches us God also cares passionately about public matters like poverty, the environment, race relations, peacemaking, health care, immigration, taxes, debt relief, just court systems, fair wages, prisons and hunger. Since these issues matter to God, they also should matter to God’s people.
Martin Thielen
A central concern of Jesus was advancing “the kingdom of God.” The kingdom of God is what the world would look like if God’s will was done “on earth as it is in heaven.” A great biblical example of this can be found in Isaiah 65.
In this passage Isaiah says, “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days” In God’s kingdom infant mortality does not exist. Therefore, issues like health insurance and prenatal care are kingdom issues.
Isaiah then says, “Never again will there be … an old man who does not live out his years.” In God’s kingdom senior adults live long, productive and healthy lives. Therefore, issues like Medicare and Social Security are kingdom issues.
Isaiah continues, “They will build houses and dwell in them.” In God’s kingdom every person lives in a decent house. Therefore, issues like fair mortgage rates and affordable housing are kingdom issues.
Isaiah keeps going, “They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” In God’s kingdom, food is plentiful. Therefore, healthy, accessible and affordable food are kingdom issues.
“The kingdom of God is what the world would look like if God’s will was done ‘on earth as it is in heaven..'”
Isaiah goes on to say, “They will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not labor in vain.” In God’s kingdom, people get fairly compensated for their work. Therefore, issues like minimum wage and employee benefits are kingdom issues.
Then Isaiah says, “They will not bear children doomed to misfortune.” In God’s kingdom, children thrive. Therefore, issues like child nutrition and early education are kingdom issues.
Finally, Isaiah dreams of the day when “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. … They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain.” In God’s kingdom, violence and warfare are contraband. Therefore, peacemaking between peoples and nations is a major kingdom issue.
Because these kinds of social issues are priorities for God, they also should be priorities for the people of God. Individual Christians, local churches, denominations and the entire worldwide Christian community must constantly seek ways to advance God’s kingdom — personal and public — both locally and around the world.
Years ago, while driving to a meeting, I noticed a little white church on the side of the road. A huge sign in front of the church said, “A Full Gospel Church.” I thought to myself, “That’s exactly what the world needs. We need full gospel Christianity that emphasizes personal faith like loving Jesus and living ethically.”
But we also need full gospel Christianity that emphasizes public faith like caring for God’s creation, seeking peace, fighting poverty and treating immigrants compassionately. In short, we need to become “full gospel” Christians.
Martin Thielen, a retired United Methodist minister and bestselling author, is the founder and author of DoubtersParish.com.