25. A Kingdom Perspective on American Politics (w/Michael Wear)

Today is our day to shine, and where better to shine than the world of politics? John is joined in today’s video by Michael Wear. He’s the CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and author of The Spirit of Our Politics. In this conversation, Michael reminds us that politics isn’t just a stage where others act and we observe; in a democracy, we are participants. When people of faith treat politics like a place where ‘shining’ doesn’t apply, Michael suggests, we leave behind an opening for darkness that quickly fills the space. The thing about hate and contempt is that the moment we think we’re using them, they’re using us. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444 SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team 😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/ 🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/ Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF 00:00 — Why our world and politics need shining today 01:00 — Michael Wear: The Spirit of Our Politics explained 02:00 — Why our politics is sick with dark passions 03:46 — Why we are not just spectators but participants 05:08 — Why politics needs light, not darkness 06:06 — Do everything without grumbling — even in politics 07:14 — What Paul meant by “our citizenship is in heaven” 08:40 — How Roman citizenship helps explain Paul’s words 09:57 — Why salvation does not come from Caesar or politics 10:56 — Isaiah’s vision: swords into plowshares 13:25 — Taking off the old self with its practices 15:14 — Why hatred is not a viable source of belonging 17:09 — How anger and contempt end up using us 18:09 — Why we must confront the spirit of violence in us 19:20 — How to hold on to hope in political life 21:36 — Dallas Willard’s phrase: “Don’t give them hell, give them heaven”