Christians and Politics

As I examine our faith-family, I realize politics and the future weigh heavy on most of the flock. I'd like to see if I might offer some guidance from God's Word to give you God's Truth to serve as an anchor. And following a summary of Scripture, I will provide some instruction to encourage you to engage in politics in a biblically healthy way. 

First, let us hear what God has already said.
(It's not an exhaustive list, but a helpful reminder.)

"God changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings" (Daniel 2:21)

"A king's heart is like channeled water in the LORD's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses." (Proverbs 21:1)

"A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone." (Proverbs 25:15)

"Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse a rich person even in your bedroom, for a bird of the sky may carry the message, and a winged creature may report the matter." (Ecclesiastes 10:20)

"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

"Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God." (Romans 13:1)

"Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good." (1 Peter 2:13-14).

"Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17)

"But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28)

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens." (Ephesians 6:12)

"Jesus told them, 'Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" (Mark 12:17)

"For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Don't neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices." (Hebrews 13:14-16)

"Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people." (Titus 3:1-2)

How should a Christian engage in politics?

First, hear me: Christians SHOULD NOT disengage from politics or the conversation. Could you imagine what wouldn't have happened if William Wilberforce--a Christian serving in Parlement--didn't follow God's conviction against the slave trade? Or what if the baptist preacher, Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't trust God's truth that all of God's creation has value and should be protected? Why would Christians limit their ability to proclaim the truth of God before rulers and authorities about the wickedness of sex-trafficking or abortion by refusing to engage in political conversation?

Second, in American, Christians DO NOT have to check their rights at the door to participate in our government system. The "separation of church and state" is a concept and prohibition placed on the government, not the individual.

Third, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENGAGE in the political process based on your convictions if you are a blood-bought, Spirit-filled servant of Jesus. I feel strongly that our government would do well to have as many redeemed Jesus-followers serving and participating as possible, even if they disagree or hold different political persuasion about how an earthly government should operate.

But in light of what's just been said above, I DO NOT believe the Christian should engage in politics with unchecked anger, hated for his or her political opponents, and a lack of respect for God. 

Here are some of my suggestions for biblically-grounded political engagement.

1. Commit to praying regularly and often for your elected leaders and your community, not just during the election.

2. In everything you do--be it communicating with your elected leaders, airing grievances, campaigning, or exercising your other First Amendment rights-- commit always to be respectful. Be honest. And always represent our Lord well.

3. In the spirit of Matthew 18:15-20, reach out to your leaders before publicly airing grievances. (Yes, I realize this Scripture is for believers, but it's kind and right for non-believers too). Write messages to your elected leaders when they do right and when they do wrong. Be kind and respectful, but honest. Allow them the opportunity to respond. Or seek an appointment with them to discuss your convictions. Even if they don't respond, you've done the right thing before publicly airing your grievances based on your First Amendment rights. (Sites like whitehouse.gov, senate.gov, and utah.gov, for example, make it easy for you to contact your leaders.)

4. Get involved in the lowest levels, specifically in your community. Consider attending city council meetings. Pray for your mayor and city council members by name. Seek to be a part of the process as a kind neighbor, showing respect at all times, even when there are differences.

5. Vote and participate in the caucus process (in Utah) and primary elections. If those with Christian convictions don't help select candidates at the earliest stages, they won't be able to do anything but point out flaws when the election reaches the latter stages.

6. If your grievances are not being heard despite your best effort to connect with your various leaders, exercise your First Amendment rights in political matters (the right to speak, publish, peaceably gather, or petition the government) with kindness and respect. Vandalism and violence are not a protected rights to get your point across.

7. If your elected leaders are not serving or leading in a manner that you are okay with, support a candidate who may, or run for political office yourself.

8. If a point is reached when all available options are exhausted and submitting to the government authorities causes a violation of God's instruction, spend a great deal of time praying about what God would have you do and be fully prepared for the consequences. God may spare you from a fiery furnace or the mouths of lions, or you may be burned alive, mauled by wild animals, crucified, drowned, hanged, or beheaded like many thousands of Christians, even in this decade. But if indeed God is calling you to martyrdom, be faithful unto the end. 

If you are still reading and frustrated with what your pastor has just written, consider talking with me before making assumptions. Don't merely assume my political opinions. As a pastor, I represent God before our congregation. But don't forget that I served in the military, have a political science undergraduate degree, helped manage a political campaign in Utah, drafted language for legislation in Utah and Idaho, lobbied congress for veteran issues, love my country, and have strong political opinions. If you have concerns about what's been written here, let's be kind and chat.

For the Kingdom! 
Pastor Bryan