Playing Politics - Monica

CA. 331–87

The Roman Empire had always crackled with political intrigue, but in the 300s there was a powerful new player: Christianity. In a stunning turnaround, this once-persecuted faith became the official religion of the realm. Suddenly it was cool to be a Christian, and for many, faith became just another political ploy.

Augustine was caught up in this turbulent time. Moving to Rome in 383, he connected with some senators who still embraced the old paganism and were plotting a comeback. The next year, he moved to Milan to work for the Christian emperor. He was covering all the bases. Since it was now politically expedient to be a Christian, he claimed to be one. Like many other political opportunists of the time, he was labeled a “catechumen,” a Christian in training, but he stopped short of the actual baptism that would confirm genuine faith.

His mother, Monica, had her own political strategy, you might say. She had prayed fervently for her non-Christian husband and for her oldest son, Augustine, as he dabbled in various religions and wild behaviors. Her tactic was durability: she would outlast them. Though her loutish husband was difficult to live with, she stayed with him, combating cruelty with kindness, and eventually he trusted Christ.

Augustine’s journey took a bit longer, but she stayed in his life even when he was most rebellious. He knew she was praying for him when he went off to study in Carthage and sowed some wild oats, and later when he ran off to Rome to pursue his dreams.

Whatever disappointment she felt, it didn’t break their relationship. She kept loving him. When he became an “expedient” Christian, she didn’t buy it but kept praying for an authentic commitment. After moving to Milan, Monica connected her son with her priest, the brilliant Bishop Ambrose, one of the few whose intellect could match Augustine’s. And then she waited for God to work.

If politics is all lies and manipulation, then count Monica out. But if it’s a matter of choosing the wisest ways to affect others positively, then she played it perfectly. Scripture urges us to practice such wisdom, wooing others with love and grace.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6