Greek Politics

Friends,

During my study last week in preparation for my sermon I came across a unique word that Paul uses in Philippians 1:27. It is apparent that we now have our current English word "politics" at least from the root form of the word (verb) politeuomai. What is fascinating is that Paul uses the word to challenge believers "to behave the way that citizens are supposed to behave" (in this case, Christians are to behave as good citizens...citizens of heaven -- on earth). Okay, let's back up a minute...isn't there some strange irony at work here? The word politics used in relationship to "good behavior." Interesting...perhaps something has been lost in the translation over the past couple of millenia ;-). Now, this is not a blanket statement about "politics," as I am about as interested in discussing politics on this blog as underwater basket weaving (and after all, isn't discussing "religion" bad enough???)...plus, there are many good politicians out there who are trying to serve positively well. But, there are just enough bad ones to make this a fascinating incongruity.

Don