Hot Topics: Christianity's Political Activism
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)
For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.
1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT)
Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Titus 3:1-2 (NLT)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
Proverbs 19:26 (NIV)
Seek peace and pursue it.
Proverbs 34:34, 1 Peter 3:11 (NKJV)*
Officially (although lately questioned), America is a democracy, and we’re blessed with unusual freedoms…
Social and business opportunities for advancement that most nations don't have!
However, political lobbyists affect our elections, standards, and laws. How? They finance aspiring candidates (and donate big dollars to their campaigns).
Therein, dollars become hidden partners, as corporate-funded politicians help pass laws that favor these companies.
I ask you to consider 2 questions:
Before elections, should caring Christians be actively involved in politics? Boldly, proudly, and publicly involved?
Does the Word justify our public stance for the godly values that we cherish? Aren’t we supposed to fight for what is right?
HINT #1: ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). (Also see Romans 13:1-2 above.)
HINT #2: ‘We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places’ (Ephesians 6:12).
HINT #3: Shouldn’t we fight in our prayer closets, down on our knees, with faces to the floor? Can’t we vote our conscience as God directs?
My own opinion…
The way I read the Bible, we should NOT fight about men’s laws or raise a ruckus! Because when we become antagonists, we don’t seek peace, and we aren’t “attractive” in our roles as ‘Ambassadors for Christ’ (1 Corinthians 5:20).
We’re literally alienating the outsiders Jesus wants us to reach, which (I believe) is our top job on Earth.
To kings, laws, and governments (good or bad), Jesus submitted. QUIETLY. MEEKLY.
He understood God appoints (or allows) even terrible rulers, like Pharaoh… for purposes we can’t YET comprehend. The Teacher’s disciples followed His lead.
Do we know more than God, Jesus, or them? Perish this totally arrogant thought!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You were chosen for such a time as this. You know your one opponent is Satan– not rulers, parties, or laws you don’t like.
Continue as you have… to walk in love!
Hot Topics: Christianity’s Political Activism (Part 12)
P.S. If you want to find debatable scriptures that you think tell us to get involved in worldly politics, I would suggest (instead), that you follow our #1 Example, Jesus Christ. Look how He handled terrible Roman laws. Even BEFORE His crucifixion, He led a quiet and peaceable life… knowing His Father would handle everything (including justice for all injustice) in His Own perfect timing.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!