Does it surprise you to know there are some behaviors that Jesus disapproves of?

Let me give you two examples to consider as a Christian.

1. Jesus never approves of us pridefully putting others in their place.

When you and I talk about putting people in their place, we’re talking about force-feeding someone a large piece of humble pie. Our pride causes us to want to show them how wrong they are and shut them up.

Did you know that pride acts as a repellant to the presence of God? The spirit of the antichrist knows this all too well. This portion of James 4 explains the horrors of pride.

If Jesus were to put me or you in our place, it wouldn’t simply take us down a peg. Because we have sinned against God, others, and ourselves, the place we deserve is uglier than forced humility. We deserve His wrath. The place we deserve is one of earthly and eternal judgment.

But, He has demonstrated God’s love toward us (Romans 5:8). With merciful compassion, He is the way for me and you to be restored into His image. We were created for so much more than we often settle for.

Go and consider what the Spirit says about your duty in 2 Corinthians 5.

Jesus could have pridefully put Judas, Peter, or any critical Pharisee in their place. But He was never guilty of sinful pride. He chose the humble way.

You and I should choose to be less like normal humans and more like Jesus. Choose merciful compassion that humbly helps others.

God’s Word gives us clear direction. We’re told to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:16-17). The Spirit teaches us to “Be angry, and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).

2. Jesus never approves of us blindly putting Him into our politics.

I know you get nervous when a pastor talks about politics, but please hear (read) me out.

Jesus lived above the fray of partisan politics by the example of His earthly life and public ministry. He could have squashed the likes of Herod or Pilate. Instantly, He could have destroyed the oppressive political prowess of Rome. I find it quite convicting that He didn’t.

During His arrest, Jesus actually rebuked Peter for fighting carnally. He told him to put away his sword and reminded him that He had access to twelve legions of angels! You can read about it at this link.

Furthermore, Jesus never encouraged His followers to stage a forceful political takeover. The Spirit repeatedly reminds me of what Jesus says in John 18. “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight… My kingdom is not from here” (36).

Jesus’ Kingdom is higher than all the political kingdoms this world has ever known. And as citizens of His Kingdom, we Christians must carefully gauge our involvement. We want His perfect will accomplished for His Church and every constituent of His Kingdom.

Christians don’t get to do whatever we want or say whatever we want about political issues and claim we’re doing Jesus’ will. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, and I’m sure that means His followers shouldn’t either (see John 3:16-17).

Should we get involved? Yes, but we cannot allow ourselves to get vacuumed into the violence or carnal behavior that a distorted view of nationalism promotes.

God can use His sanctified people in politics as He did Daniel in Babylon. But like him, we cannot forget who we are, Who we represent, and why we’re here (read more about that in this article).

My suggestions for you are this.

Be more prayerful than patriotic. Spend more time praying for politicians than criticizing their politics. Let love be the guiding rule when interacting with people who disagree with your views. And never forget that Christ is your King, and His counsel is this. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

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If you’re like me, you don’t want to be guilty of anything that Jesus never approves.

I appreciate you taking the time to carefully read these thoughts. We’re all busy and have so many responsibilities competing for our attention.

Did one of these two speak to you more than the other?

Your civil comments are welcome.