Should a Christian be Involved in Politics

Politics has always been a polarizing topic for most people. With their many ideas about who should be in power, why, and the decisions that they should make, most people passionately proclaim their political allegiances. Never mind that politicians usually don't keep their word or that politics over the years has become a dirty game, where going negative (destroying someone's character and worth through political advertisement) is a sure way to make inroads into your political rivals support and popularity.

The question is where does the Christian - one who is born again and confesses his allegiance to Christ alone-fit into the political culture? Does he get involved and fight to elect candidates who he/she believes will uphold Christian principals? Does he run himself for political office hoping to change the political landscape by enacting legislation that will keep America's moral value system intact? Should he even go to the polls to elect usually the lesser of two evils, where both political rivals are sinners and he must elect the one that has the better moral character?

Some answers to the above questions may not have clear answers, however, one thing is sure: a Christian can never put his trust in man. "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For the shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited" Jeremiah 17:5-6 His faith must be in God and he must allow God to guide his vote-lever hand. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil" Proverbs 3:5-7.

As Christians, we have a duty and mandate to be good and model citizens. "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These thing are good and profitable unto men" Titus 3:3. By obeying the laws of the land and by being good community people through unselfish deeds and assisting the poor, we demonstrate God's graciousness, love and order. However, I believe we commit a cardinal sin when we believe that through human ingenuity, electing certain individuals and enacting various laws, our future of prosperity is secure. Nothing can be further from the truth!

Real and dynamic change in the world can only be wrought by God. And, His recipe for change goes like this, "If my people who are called by name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then shall I hear from heaven forgive their sin and heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14. It is easy to blame the problem of the world on the evil all around us instead of looking inwardly and asking the question, "Is my light shinning? Is my light shinning to the Democrat and well as to the Republican? Is my love universal? Am I impartial?"

My experience is that most Conservative Christians in American usually support the Republican agenda claiming that their political agenda is closer to that of the Christian believer. In fact, during the 2004 election, the Conservative Christian did a massive get-out-the-vote to elect George W. Bush. Indeed, when it comes to some moral issues like abortion and homosexuality, the Republicans do appear to have the upper hand, and should be given high marks. But, as we can see during the 2008 elections, most minorities and middle class voters felt that Obama would be more sensitive to their plight.. Such is the feeling of the American society that has elect presidents and political leaders from both parties.

Some Christians would passionately state that since the Democrats promote abortion and homosexuality then we have a God-given mandate from God to vote against them. But I say not so fast, although homosexuality and abortion are great evils so is self-righteous, and bigotry, so is racial, gender insensitivity, and inequality. I believe that Christians can never "yoke" themselves to a carriage that has the Devil in it. No matter how good we feel about people, if they are not for Christ, they are against Him. "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad " Matthew 12:30

The Christian is here on earth to promote God's agenda; not the Republican or Democrat agenda. It is both naive and ill-advised for a Christian to side or "yoke" with political parities that twist truth, slander their opponents and do whatever is necessary to win a political victory. Their agenda is not our agenda. The Christian should let them do what they have to do, and we are to do what Christ has mandated us to do: save the lost and shine the light of His love and grace into the hearts of men.

Then, we shouldn't vote nor ever run for a political office as a Christian, you may ask? Voting I believe falls under the scriptural inspiration, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteem one day above another; anther esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" Romans 14:4-5. Running for a political office,however, is a gray area because it may be extremely difficult to separate one's Christian beliefs from a party and people who are non-Christians, however, I don't believe we can condemn a person who may have a mandate from God to produce change in their respective parties.

I have some political views but I could never use a bully-pulpit to persuade and coerce others to follow me no matter how right I feel. I could be wrong!!! Only one person has everything right and knows all things, and it "ain't" me. With regard to political views and voting, every Christian must be persuaded in his or her own mind whatever they choose, I must love them.

You see, when Christians lose faith, we turn to worldly and carnal methods of getting things done. During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, we tried using the sword during the crusades to persuade others that our way was right. It didn't work! We hurt a lot of people and created a lot bitterness during that time. Sadly, we are doing it again, believing that we can legislate righteousness on others. We are going to fix the homosexuals and lesbians by enforcing righteousness through laws passed in Congress.

I believe with my whole heart that governments should do all that they can to point their citizens in the right direction. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people Proverbs 14:34. However, there is only one way to truly dispel darkness; the Christians must shine the light of love and truth. It's the only way! Political power pales in comparison to the power of the Living Christ and Son of the Living God! This is a truth that every Christian must embrace. The power he has in pure and contrite prayer is more powerful than any president's executive powers. The power that he has in pure obedience and unselfish praise is more powerful than any Supreme Courts Justice's gavel.

Real power was never in politics and the praise of people. Man has limited power that God allows for a time and season and for His own and unfathomable reasons. But, as the Psalmist learned, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God" Psalm 62:11. Therefore the key to real change is not persuading presidents, politicians, and people, it's touching the heart of the All-mighty and Unchangeable God.