Faithful Politics: Embracing Service and Surrender

 

Summary

In today's conversation, I had the privilege of speaking with Michael Wear, a remarkable individual whose journey and insights offer a hopeful perspective on the intersection of faith and politics. Michael's story is one of transformation, beginning with his upbringing in a large Italian Catholic family in Buffalo, New York, where faith was not initially a central part of his life. However, a pivotal moment came when he was handed a tract of Romans at the age of 15, which profoundly changed his life and set him on a path of deep faith and civic engagement.

Michael's journey led him to Washington, D.C., where he worked in the Obama White House on faith-based initiatives. It was during this time that he encountered the works of Dallas Willard, particularly "The Divine Conspiracy," which opened up a new horizon for him in understanding life with Jesus. This encounter was akin to a second spiritual awakening, shaping his thoughts and actions in profound ways.

Our discussion centered on the concept of radical ruin and the challenges of acknowledging it in various spheres, including politics. We explored the idea of disintegration and how it contrasts with the call to live lives of death to self and surrender. Michael emphasized the importance of approaching politics as a forum to will the good of others, rather than a battleground for control and antagonism. This perspective challenges the conventional view of politics as a corrupt area to be either ignored or navigated by worldly rules.

Michael shared his commitment to practicing gentle non-cooperation with evil, a concept inspired by Dallas Willard. This involves recognizing and rejecting the tools of dehumanization, demonization, and over-promising that are prevalent in the political arena. Instead, he advocates for a politics rooted in loving service and integrity, even when it requires sacrifice.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to discern which tools in our spheres of influence are off-limits, choosing instead to surrender and die to self. Let us pray for our country and for individuals like Michael who strive to bring the spirit of Jesus into the public square.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation through Scripture: Michael's life was transformed by reading the book of Romans, highlighting the power of Scripture to change lives and set individuals on a path of faith and purpose. This reminds us of the importance of engaging deeply with God's Word and allowing it to shape our lives. [02:19]

2. The Influence of Dallas Willard: Encountering Dallas Willard's teachings was a second spiritual awakening for Michael, opening up new horizons for understanding life with Jesus. This underscores the value of seeking wisdom from spiritual mentors and allowing their insights to inform our journey. [03:57]

3. Radical Ruin and Surrender: The concept of radical ruin challenges us to acknowledge our lack of control and the need for surrender. In a world that often seeks power and control, embracing a posture of death to self and surrender can lead to true integration and wholeness. [05:37]

4. Politics as Loving Service: Michael advocates for approaching politics as a forum to will the good of others, rather than a place for conflict and control. This perspective challenges us to engage in public life with integrity and a commitment to loving service, even when it requires sacrifice. [08:11]

5. Gentle Non-Cooperation with Evil: Inspired by Dallas Willard, Michael practices gentle non-cooperation with evil, rejecting tools of dehumanization and over-promising. This approach calls us to discern and reject practices that compromise our integrity and to stand firm in our commitment to Christ-like values. [10:35]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Introduction to Michael Wear
[01:13] - Michael's Faith Journey
[02:19] - Transformation through Romans
[03:10] - Encounter with Dallas Willard
[04:36] - Radical Ruin and Surrender
[05:10] - The Illusion of Control
[06:03] - Disintegration and Loving Service
[07:06] - Politics as Loving Service
[08:11] - Recognizing Lack of Control
[09:05] - Practicing Death to Self
[10:23] - Gentle Non-Cooperation with Evil
[11:12] - Final Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Matthew 5:44 - "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
3. Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the pivotal moment in Michael Wear's life that led to his transformation and deep faith? [02:19]
2. How did Dallas Willard's teachings influence Michael Wear's understanding of life with Jesus? [03:57]
3. What does Michael Wear mean by "gentle non-cooperation with evil," and how does he apply this in the political arena? [10:35]
4. How does Michael Wear describe the conventional view of politics, and what alternative perspective does he offer? [07:06]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Romans 12:1-2 relate to Michael Wear's call for Christians to discern which tools in their spheres of influence are off-limits? [11:24]
2. In what ways does the concept of "radical ruin" challenge the common pursuit of power and control in politics, as discussed in the sermon? [05:37]
3. How might the teachings of Dallas Willard, as experienced by Michael Wear, encourage believers to engage in politics as a form of loving service? [08:11]
4. What are the potential barriers to living a life of "death to self and surrender" in the political arena, according to Michael Wear? [06:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when Scripture profoundly impacted your life. How can you make engaging with God's Word a more central part of your daily routine? [02:19]
2. Consider the influence of spiritual mentors in your life. Who are some individuals whose teachings have shaped your faith journey, and how can you seek out more wisdom from them? [03:57]
3. In what ways can you practice "gentle non-cooperation with evil" in your own sphere of influence, whether at work, in your community, or in your personal relationships? [10:35]
4. How can you approach political discussions or disagreements with a mindset of loving service rather than conflict and control? [08:11]
5. Identify one area in your life where you feel the need to surrender control. What steps can you take this week to practice "death to self" in that area? [05:49]
6. Think about a political or social issue you are passionate about. How can you engage with this issue in a way that reflects Christ-like values and integrity? [09:05]
7. How can you pray for leaders and individuals like Michael Wear who strive to bring the spirit of Jesus into the public square? What specific prayers can you offer for them this week? [11:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation through Scripture
The transformative power of Scripture is evident in the life of those who engage deeply with it. Michael's encounter with the book of Romans at a young age set him on a path of faith and purpose, illustrating how God's Word can profoundly change lives. This transformation is not just about gaining knowledge but about allowing Scripture to shape one's identity and actions. Engaging with the Bible can lead to a deeper understanding of God's will and a more intentional life of faith. [02:19]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture has impacted your life recently, and how can you allow it to shape your actions today?


Day 2: The Influence of Dallas Willard
Encountering the teachings of Dallas Willard was a pivotal moment for Michael, akin to a second spiritual awakening. Willard's insights opened new horizons for understanding life with Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom from spiritual mentors. This journey of learning and growth is essential for deepening one's faith and aligning one's life with Christ's teachings. By embracing the wisdom of those who have walked the path of faith before us, we can gain valuable insights and guidance for our own spiritual journey. [03:57]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who is a spiritual mentor or author that has influenced your faith journey, and how can you apply their teachings to your life today?


Day 3: Radical Ruin and Surrender
The concept of radical ruin challenges individuals to acknowledge their lack of control and the need for surrender. In a world that often seeks power and control, embracing a posture of death to self and surrender can lead to true integration and wholeness. This surrender is not about passivity but about actively choosing to trust in God's sovereignty and relinquishing the illusion of control. By doing so, one can experience a deeper sense of peace and alignment with God's purposes. [05:37]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 4: Politics as Loving Service
Approaching politics as a forum to will the good of others, rather than a place for conflict and control, is a radical perspective. This approach challenges individuals to engage in public life with integrity and a commitment to loving service, even when it requires sacrifice. By viewing politics as an opportunity to serve others, one can contribute to a more just and compassionate society. This perspective encourages individuals to prioritize the common good over personal gain and to act with humility and love in the public sphere. [08:11]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage in your community or workplace in a way that prioritizes the good of others over personal gain?


Day 5: Gentle Non-Cooperation with Evil
Inspired by Dallas Willard, the practice of gentle non-cooperation with evil involves rejecting tools of dehumanization and over-promising. This approach calls individuals to discern and reject practices that compromise their integrity and to stand firm in their commitment to Christ-like values. By choosing to act with integrity and love, even in challenging situations, one can resist the pervasive influence of evil and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. [10:35]

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practice or habit in your life that may compromise your integrity, and how can you begin to gently resist it today?

Quotes


I grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a sort of big Italian Catholic family but never sort of... I didn't take faith all that seriously, wouldn't have considered myself a Christian until I was 15. A lot happened, but the main thing was someone handed me a tract of Romans, and I read Romans, and it changed my life. [00:01:32]

I was interested in civics. I went to DC, ended up meeting Barack Obama when I was in DC, and worked for him. Fast forward, I'm working in the White House, and my first meeting is with an organization called International Justice Mission. Gary Haugen runs that organization. He's a great friend now. [00:02:45]

He sent to my office "Divine Conspiracy," and it sat on my bookshelf for six months because I didn't know who Dallas Willard was. I thought, what is Gary doing? I'm working, you know, 80 hours a week, and he's sending me books. But my pastor back home in Buffalo wrote a blog post recommending people read "Divine Conspiracy." [00:03:23]

I read it, and it was like a second spiritual awakening in my life. I mean, it just opened up a whole new horizon for me in thinking about what life with Jesus could be like. Since then, I've been drinking deep from the well of Willard, so much so that it's hard to tell where my thoughts begin and his end. [00:03:51]

When Jesus says that those who find their life or souls shall lose it, he is pointing out that those who think they are in control of their life will find that they are definitely not in control. They are totally at the mercy of forces beyond them and even within them. They are on a sure course to disintegration and powerlessness. [00:05:11]

What would Washington look like if people who led in that arena lived lives of death to self and surrender? And what are the barriers that get in the way of that? So a few thoughts. First, this idea of disintegration, I think, is absolutely key. In "A Lure of Gentleness," Willard offers this radical thought. [00:05:50]

When we're sharing the way of Jesus with others, it ought to be done not in the spirit of winning an argument or trying to beat people into submission but as an act of loving service. It's radical to hear that in the context of sharing the gospel because so often we share the gospel to win an argument. [00:06:21]

You take that approach of loving service, and you say that Christians ought to, their approach in public, in politics, ought to be one of loving service. It's just like people malfunction. They just, there's no blocks for them. Christians don't have a box for thinking about it because often the conception is politics is the corrupt area of life. [00:06:49]

For me, that means we enter politics not just out of self-interest, not just pursuing control, which is so much of what our politics is right now, which is people going to politics to try and maximize their control and therefore disempower others. Can we see politics as a forum to will the good of the other? [00:07:29]

Part of what it looks like is recognizing that some tools in the political toolbox are just off-limits for me and other Christians. There are ways, I mean, demonizing opponents, telling a story that if you just pass this policy, this will be completely solved, over-promising, ultimateizing the penultimate. [00:09:09]

One of the easiest ways to sort of raise support, raise money in the political space is one of two things. You could say, give me your support, and I'll pass this legislation in the next 18 months, or you can say, give me your support, and I'll hate the people that you hate. We want to take those things off the table from the start. [00:10:01]

So often in our politics right now, we see an injustice, and we use that injustice to justify the most destructive responses possible. What does it look like to see evil and just say, I'm not going to take part of it, and I'm not going to let the evil sort of draft me into just another expression? [00:10:44]

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Transcript
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