What Do Christianity and Politics Have in Common?
Ethics, morality, honesty, and an unwavering desire to do good. That is what Christ expects of His followers, and it is what we should expect of those who govern us. Satan is certainly not sitting out the world of politics. Why, then, should Christians?
Some argue that “our citizenship is in heaven,” that “our hope is not of this world,” or that “God’s will is going to be done either way.” These statements are true in themselves, yet they are sometimes used to suggest that Christians should have little involvement in public life. Jesus also commanded us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” How can we faithfully obey that charge while remaining silent about the moral direction of the government under which we live? Sharing God’s Word is every Christian’s responsibility. Taking a clear stand for Christ in the public square is part of that same calling.
Could our silence have allowed Satan an overwhelming influence in government? Could the only effective way to slow the downward spiral of moral decay be for Christians to speak and act? Could our vote be a talent entrusted to us—like the servant in the parable of the talents who was harshly condemned for taking no action?
In the book of Esther, God’s purposes would have been accomplished with or without her cooperation. Yet Mordecai warned that if she remained silent, she and her father’s house would perish. In the parable of the talents, the servant who took no action was rebuked as wicked and lazy. Since Christians are charged with sharing the gospel, are we not also expected to act as faithful stewards in every area of life—including the government of the nation in which we live? Election outcomes and judicial appointments can, over time, hinder our ability to live and proclaim God’s Word freely.
We often hear, “Don’t talk about politics or religion.” Satan could hardly have worded it better. When that sentiment is combined with today’s political correctness and “wokeness,” the result is a people afraid to take a stand for fear of ridicule or worse. Satan loves Christian silence. Let us not be silent with our votes, and when the election is over, let us not be silent in the ongoing life of our government. The influence of “Christ in us” is needed there as well. Our efforts can shape the choices of tomorrow.
If we do not prepare the soil and plant seeds of goodness in Christ, the weeds of Satan’s influence will claim the field.
Wayne Johnson
Esther 4:14; Matthew 25:14–30; Mark 16:15; Matthew 5:13–16; Romans 13:1–4; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Philippians 3:20; Acts 5:29.
God First!
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