The paradigm we choose will determine whether we are able to speak the truth in love and whether we shall be faithful to the work to which Christ has called us. First, these two approaches differ with regard to their chief concerns. Those who operate within a political paradigm are primarily concerned with outcomes. Those who operate in this paradigm strive to produce a strategy that will achieve the desired outcome, even if that strategy requires sacrificing principles, bending the truth, or cutting the moral corners. By contrast, those who operate within an evangelical paradigm are concerned with being faithful to the Word of God regardless of the outcome.
Victory takes second place to faithfulness.
Second, these two approaches differ in terms of their method. The method of those who operate within the political paradigm is to fight battles. Achieving goals means defeating those who have plans that conflict with ours. Those who operate within this paradigm measure success in terms of battles won and battles lost. By contrast, the method of those who operate within the evangelical paradigm is to be a witness.