It seems to me that as a Christian believer, along with other Christian believers, me and they should make it as our top priority to promote the cause of Christ. This article concerns what that cause is and how we should be going about promoting it.

My last blog was titled “What have Rees Howells and Donald Trump got in common?” (see here), in which I made the outrageous suggestion that Trump had done more for this cause than his predecessors. One person commented: “genuinely interested to know what you think furthers the cause of Christ?” Putting aside some thoughts on how this fault laden man had contributed (which I included in the updated blog), I thought I should write more, not so much on how world leaders contribute (or not) to said cause, but rather what is the underlying theology.

AI tells me (and I agree):

“The cause of Christ refers to the advancement of God’s kingdom and the spread of the Gospel message through Jesus Christ. It encompasses:

– Spreading the message of salvation

– Serving others in Jesus’ name

– Promoting God’s kingdom values

– Living out Christian faith and principles

In short, it’s about representing Christ’s teachings and mission on earth.”

Got Questions (see here) discusses this subject. It begins: “In Philippians 1:13, Paul writes, “My imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else” (NASB). Paul was imprisoned because he preached Christ. This “cause of Christ” refers to the purpose, plan, or mission of serving Christ. Paul taught that his missionary work was for the cause of Christ, for Christ’s purpose”. It then makes a number of helpful points and ends: “Those who serve the cause of Christ also endure much hardship. Paul spoke of this in connection with imprisonment. Many Christians throughout the history of the church have faced persecution, suffering, and even death for their faith in Jesus. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, preached the good news of Jesus to the Jewish Sanhedrin, a group of religious leaders. They killed him by stoning, yet Stephen’s final words show his dedication to Jesus: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59–60). The cause of Christ is much more important than any other cause. All believers are called to participate in the cause of Christ, knowing others need the good news of Jesus. Despite the possibility of persecution, all Christians should be serving the cause of Christ”.

If I were to give my own response concerning what is the cause of Christ and how we individually and world leaders might promote it, I might begin with citing three verses:

1. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:18-20.
2. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” Proverbs 14:34.
3. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” Matthew 22:37-39.

Concerning world leaders (even including bad and indifferent ones) the extent to which they allow these things to happen may determines how much they contribute (or not) to said cause, bearing in mind that the God who allows and disallows world leaders, includes allowing bad ones for good reasons. As for Christian believers, we should be prioritising the following:

1. Carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
2. Living righteously (whatever the cost) (Proverbs 14:34).
3. Obeying the Two Great Commands (Matthew 22:37-39).

I could add “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” Matthew 6:33, discussed in “Kingdom involvement – my own Christian journey and theological perspectives” (see here).