Should Christians be political?
Every four years in American politics, issues are raised and statements are made that require our response. We could listen to the rhetoric and vote for the candidate that most sways our emotions. We could pick a party and follow its dictates. We could identify a single issue as the rule that guides all our voting decisions. Although many choose one of those options, perhaps a wise alternative exists.
God speaks directly to the issue of politics and our relationship to government. A comprehensive statement is found in 1 Peter 2 .
For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. [1]
Remember that at the time this was written, Rome
We are commanded to give highest allegiance to God and obey His commands, even if that obedience puts us at odds with the civil government. He commands love in action for other Christians, and a life that demonstrates whole-hearted obedience to the laws of the land, as obedience to God.
Today we have the opportunity to influence both the elected officials and the laws of our government; therefore we have an obligation to do so. We have a moral obligation to vote intelligently based on our convictions. Failing to do so is failing to “respect the king” and failing to seek the good of those around us.
I am thankful for those men and women who willing and able to serve in political office, and lead with conviction and character. God makes it clear in 1 Peter 2 and Romans 13 that serving in civil government is serving God. This is especially true for those who are intentionally seeking to work for justice and make wise decisions for the good of those they represent.
I do see a danger in political involvement by treating it as too important. The solution to this worlds problems is not purely political. Humanity’s core problem is in the human heart where laws and statutes cannot reach. We put our ultimate hope in Jesus, but seek to make a difference for good in this world because we trust in Him, never as a replacement for loving Him.
On many occasions I have heard people equate being Christian with one political party or the other. This is both wrongheaded and dangerous. Neither Republicans nor Democrats, liberals nor conservatives, agree with the biblical instructions on every issue. Instead of being party loyalists, I believe God would have us think and vote biblically. We must learn what God has to say, and then compare political positions with His Word. Where a conservative position most closely aligns with God’s instruction, we should be conservative. Where the liberal position most closely aligns with Scripture, we should be liberal.
Whatever political stance we take, we must never lose sight of the larger picture, that every human will step into eternity one day. Whatever our level of political involvement and whatever positions we take, we are not truly serving others if our actions in this life drive them away from Jesus.
So, read your Bible, pray, study the various candidates and their positions. Vote as intelligently as possible. If God calls you to run for an office, do so with wisdom and grace. Serve with conviction and character, but always remember you owe your highest allegiance to God, not to your colleagues, not your constituents and most definitely not to your own advancement.
[1] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible : New Living Translation., 3rd ed., 1 Peter 2:13–17 (Carol Stream , IL
