The Church and Politics: A Biblical Mandate for Christian Involvement
Politics and church—just mentioning these two words together might make some of you uncomfortable or even ready to head for the door. Yet, in today’s chaotic political climate, it is more crucial than ever for Christians to understand their role in government and politics. We live in a time where the political landscape is more complex and confusing than ever before. From global conflicts to national political turmoil, it feels like the world is spiraling out of control.
As Christians, how do we navigate these turbulent times? How do we engage with the world without becoming consumed by it? These are questions that pastors and Christian leaders should be guiding us through, yet often, the opposite is happening. Many churches have distanced themselves from politics, believing the two should remain separate. However, I want to challenge that notion and say something you might not expect: You cannot be biblical without being political.
The Bible is a Political Book
At first, this statement may sound controversial, but I want you to consider the Bible from a fresh perspective. The Bible is full of politics—God’s politics. The entire book is about the establishment of God’s kingdom, with God as the King, Satan as the counterfeit ruler, and the people of God caught in a battle for dominion over the earth. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a political struggle between good and evil, between God’s kingdom and the forces of darkness.
In Genesis 1:26, we read that God gave humanity dominion over the earth. He entrusted us with the governance of His creation. This act of dominion is political in nature; it involves authority, responsibility, and stewardship. When God created the world, He designed it to be governed by righteous leaders who would glorify Him in all they did.
Yet, throughout history, we see how Satan has sought to overthrow God’s authority by infiltrating every sphere of society—religion, business, science, education, and yes, government. This spiritual battle is political at its core, and as Christians, we are called to stand for God’s kingdom in every area of life, including politics.
God Has Always Been Involved in Politics
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God directly involving Himself in the political affairs of nations. When nations became corrupt and turned away from Him, God intervened, sometimes through His prophets, other times through divine judgment. Consider the following examples:
- Joseph served in the government of Egypt and played a crucial role in saving his people from famine.
- Daniel worked in the courts of Babylon and Persia, influencing kings and standing for righteousness in a foreign land.
- Elijah and Elisha confronted corrupt rulers in Israel and Judah, warning them to repent or face God’s judgment.
- Esther used her position as queen to save her people from destruction, risking her life to intervene in the political affairs of her time.
The entire New Testament is centered on the political clash between the kingdom of God and the earthly powers of Rome and the religious leaders. Jesus Himself was crucified because He posed a threat to the political order of His day. His declaration that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) was a direct challenge to the political authorities, and they responded by executing Him.
Why Should Christians Care About Politics?
Some Christians argue that politics is dirty and corrupt, and therefore, the church should avoid it altogether. But I would argue the opposite: politics is corrupt because Christians have not been involved. When God’s people fail to engage with the world, Satan steps in to fill the void. As the church has distanced itself from political engagement, we have seen society drift further from biblical values.
If we believe that God is the ultimate authority, that His Word provides the blueprint for human flourishing, then it follows that Christians should be deeply concerned with the governance of our society. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving what is good and shining a light in the darkness. This means standing up for righteousness in every sphere of life, including politics.
The Consequences of Silence
History has shown us the consequences of Christians failing to engage in politics. When God’s people are silent, evil prevails. In the book of Judges, we see the devastating effects of godless leadership: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Without righteous leadership, society descends into chaos.
In the modern world, we are witnessing a similar collapse of moral values. When Christians withdraw from politics, we allow secular ideologies to take over. We see this in the rise of policies that go directly against biblical teaching—policies that promote the sanctity of self over the sanctity of life, that celebrate sin instead of calling for repentance.
We cannot afford to be silent any longer. The church must reclaim its role as a moral voice in society. We must speak out against injustice, defend the vulnerable, and advocate for policies that align with God’s Word. This is not about advancing a political agenda; it is about advancing the kingdom of God.
How Should Christians Engage in Politics?
So how do we, as Christians, engage in politics without losing sight of our ultimate allegiance to Christ? The answer lies in maintaining a biblical worldview in everything we do. We must view political issues through the lens of Scripture, not through the lens of political parties or ideologies.
- Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously. Pray for discernment in how to engage with political issues and for the courage to stand for truth.
- Be Informed: Christians have a responsibility to be informed about the issues affecting our society. This means studying Scripture to understand what God says about justice, life, family, and governance, and then applying those principles to the political issues of our day.
- Vote with Integrity: As citizens, we have the privilege of participating in the democratic process. We should use that privilege to vote for leaders who align with biblical values, recognizing that no candidate will be perfect, but some will be closer to God’s standard than others.
- Speak Out for Righteousness: Proverbs 31:8-9 calls us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” We are called to be advocates for justice, not just in word, but in action.
- Be Salt and Light: Our political engagement should be driven by our desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom. This means standing for truth even when it is unpopular, loving our neighbors, and seeking the common good.
Conclusion
The church cannot remain silent any longer. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing His kingdom in every area of life, including politics. If we want to see a righteous nation, we must be willing to engage with the political process and advocate for biblical values. This is not about advancing a political party; it is about advancing the kingdom of God.
It’s time to stop retreating from the political sphere and start reclaiming it for God’s glory. Let us be the light in the darkness, the voice of truth in a world of confusion, and the defenders of righteousness in a society that desperately needs it.
Are you ready to stand up for God’s kingdom in the political realm? Let’s commit ourselves to being engaged, informed, and prayerful as we navigate these challenging times together.