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The Christian and Politics

In the 1863 Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln described our government this way “we are a government of the people, by the people, for the people.” (The Gettysburg Address; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; November 19, 1863) Lincoln’s description of government implies that all people, including Christians, share in the responsibilities of government. And if we share in the responsibilities of government, we also share in the responsibility of voicing our opinions through the democratic process.

Unfortunately, one of the prevailing thoughts in many protestant circles is, Christians should stay far removed from politics. In fact, some Christians believe politics have no business in the church. Statistics show, that in recent elections about 2 of every 5 self-professed Christians took the right to vote for granted and did not vote.  Furthermore, about 1 in 5 self-professed and eligible Christians are not even registered to vote. These are very discouraging stats; indeed, God would not approve. The prevailing view of the church might be that Christians should not involve themselves in politics. According to the Bible, however, that is not God’s view of the Christian and politics.

Consider the following biblically based responsibilities for the Christian and the democratic process:

1. Christians are to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Matthew 6:9-10).
 
2. Christians are to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world (Matthew 5:13-16).
 
3. Christians are to obey and submit to legitimate authority (Romans 13:1-7).
 
4. Christians are to respond to illegitimate or godless leadership (Acts 5:27-29).
 
5. Christians should strive to choose leaders who themselves are led by the Creator (1 Samuel 12:13-15).
 
6. Christians must oppose candidates and proposals that violate the Bible’s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith (Proverbs 14:34).
 
7. Christians are to choose leaders who lead with righteousness and wisdom (Proverbs 16:12; 20:10).
 
8. Christians should consider the importance of our perseverance (Galatians 6:9-10).
 
9. Christians should consider the many appointments an administration will make (2 Chronicles 13:7). As of 2016, there were around 4,000 political appointed positions which an incoming administration needs to review, and fill or confirm. When we vote for a presidential party, we are also voting for those political appointments that will be made.
 
10. Finally, Christians must consider promoting the welfare of the various locations we have been placed (Jeremiah 29:7)

The Bible is clear, Christians have a biblical responsibility to be involved in the political system. Christians have a responsibility to promote Christian values and to vote for those who promote these same values. Conservative Christian commentator and author Alley Beth Stuckey said this about politics, “Politics matter because policy matters because people matter. Politics affects policy, policy affects people and people matter. People matter to God and therefore should also matter to us.”

Get out and vote! Make your voice heard.

In Christ,

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