What It Means, Why It Matters, and How Christ’s Teachings Shape Our Response to Politics
When we talk about the “whole counsel of God,” we’re really talking about seeing the big picture of what God wants for us, as revealed in the Bible. It’s not just picking out our favorite verses or focusing on certain teachings while ignoring others—it’s about understanding, believing, and living out all of God’s truth, from start to finish.
What Is the Whole Counsel of God?
At its core, the whole counsel of God means taking into account the complete message God has given us. This includes His plan for the world, His instructions for how we should live, and most importantly, the story of how He rescues us through Jesus Christ.
Think of it like a puzzle: if you only look at a few pieces, you don’t see the full picture. But when you put all the pieces together, you see the amazing design God has in mind.
Key Aspects of the Whole Counsel
· God’s Plan of Redemption: The heart of the Bible is God’s plan to save humanity through Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. It’s good news for everyone, no matter who you are or what you’ve done.
· Biblical Authority: We look to the Bible as our ultimate standard for what’s true and right. It’s not just another book of good advice; it’s God’s message to us.
· Gospel-Centered: Everything in the Bible points to God’s grace and the hope we find in Jesus. He’s the main character, and the gospel is the main theme.
· Holistic Application: God’s truth isn’t just for Sundays or spiritual conversations—it’s meant for every part of our lives: how we treat others, how we handle our money, how we respond to injustice, and more.
· All Scripture Is Profitable: Every part of the Bible, even the tough or confusing sections, has value. Together, they help us understand who God is and what He wants for us.
· Christ as the Focus: Jesus is at the center of it all. He shows us what God is like and what real love looks like.
Why Is the Whole Counsel of God Important?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of only listening to the parts of the Bible that we like or that make us comfortable. But when we do that, we risk missing out on the fullness of what God wants to teach us. Here’s why it matters:
· To avoid distortion: If we only share half the story, we can twist God’s message and misunderstand His will. The whole counsel keeps us balanced.
· To equip believers: When we know the whole truth, we’re better prepared to handle life’s challenges, tell right from wrong, and help others.
· To promote spiritual maturity: Engaging with all of God’s Word helps us grow deeper, stronger, and more resilient in our faith.
· To fulfill the Great Commission: Jesus told us to share the good news with everyone. That means sharing the whole story, not just the easy parts.
Christ’s Teachings and Politics: Walking a Different Path
As I write this series, I can’t help but notice how divided and politically charged things are in America right now. It’s tempting to look for answers in political parties or leaders, or to mix our faith with political loyalties.
But when we look at Christ’s teachings, we see a different approach. Jesus didn’t come to start a political movement or to pick sides in human debates. Instead, He spoke about a kingdom that’s “not of this world” (John 18:36). His message was about loving God, loving our neighbors, caring for the outcast, and forgiving our enemies.
Jesus called His followers to be different—to represent God’s values in the world, not to get tangled up or defined by the politics of the day. While it’s important to care about justice and participate in society, our ultimate loyalty is to God’s kingdom, not any earthly system.
Living Out the Whole Counsel Today
So, what does this mean for us? It means we should let God’s full message shape every part of our lives. We don’t ignore social issues, but we respond with Christ’s love, wisdom, and humility—not with the bitterness or division that often comes with politics.
When we commit to the whole counsel of God, we seek to:
· Listen to all of God’s Word, even the hard parts.
· Let Jesus’ example guide how we act, speak, and engage with others, especially when we disagree.
· Love our neighbors, work for peace, and stand up for what’s right—without letting political loyalties define our faith.
Conclusion
The whole counsel of God isn’t just a theological idea—it’s a call to live with our eyes wide open, fully aligned with God’s truth and purpose. In a world that wants us to take sides and shout over each other, let’s be known for living out the whole story of God’s love, grace, and justice—one that’s bigger and better than anything politics can offer.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 