Lost in the World: The Straying of Christian Nationalists from Their First Love

In a world rife with political strife, division, and, at times, outright hate, one might expect the followers of Christ to stand as beacons of love, unity, and understanding. However, a disturbing trend has emerged within the Christian community, as some individuals have seemingly lost sight of their first love – the Lord – in favor of earthly pursuits, notably in the realm of politics.

As Christians, the core tenet of our faith is love. Love for God, love for our neighbors, and love for one another. However, the rise of Christian nationalism has shifted the focus from these principles to a worldly pursuit of power, influence, and a specific political agenda. In this pursuit, some have veered away from the teachings of Jesus, replacing the message of love with one of exclusion, division, and even hostility.

The Bible warns of such spiritual blindness in John 12:40, stating, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” This verse serves as a stark reminder that one can become so entrenched in worldly desires that they lose the ability to see the truth right in front of them.

Christian nationalists, in their fervor for political power, have often compromised the very essence of Christianity. Instead of emulating Jesus’ compassion and selflessness, some have embraced a brand of Christianity that fosters animosity toward those who differ in opinion or belief. This departure from love contradicts the teachings of Jesus, who urged his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).

The danger lies not only in the adoption of divisive rhetoric but also in the neglect of critical issues that demand Christian attention. The command to care for the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed is a central theme in the Bible (Matthew 25:35-40), yet it often takes a back seat to political agendas that seem incongruent with the teachings of Jesus.

It is essential for Christians to reflect on their priorities and realign with the teachings of Christ. The pursuit of political power and the promotion of division are not the ways of Jesus. Instead, let us rediscover our first love, the Lord, and reflect His love in all aspects of our lives. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

In the face of political turmoil, Christians must resist the temptation to compromise their faith for the sake of worldly power. By returning to the core values of love, compassion, and unity, we can reclaim the true essence of Christianity and bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s teachings in our lives.