Should a Christian be involved in politics? Talk about a HOT topic…that question alone seems to be able to bring people to their boiling point almost immediately.
There are some in this country that equate voting for a particular party with godliness. One side thinks that Jesus was probably a conservative Republican, watched FOX news, organized pro-life rallies, and had a Sean Hannity T-shirt. The other side thinks that Jesus was a social liberal who thought all should be equal and also supported homosexuality.
There are people who claim to love Jesus who are Republicans…AND there are those who claim to love Jesus who are Democrats. So who is right? Who would Jesus vote for? Is there a Bible verse that endorses a particular party?
Believe it or not—I have STRONG political opinions—STRONG ONES! AND…I love to discuss politics with people in a one on one conversation OR in a small group. However, while I will use sermon illustrations that include people in politics…I will never use the platform God has given me to support a political candidate or party…why would I waste people’s time on a Sunday talking about the government when I can tell them about Jesus?
I said this back in January—Jesus matters! I sat in the room as our president delivered the State of the Union this past January and realized that while all of the people in the room were seemingly important—that one day their deeds and actions would be long forgotten. The decisions that are made today in our government will one day be in the history books…and the monuments made to our political heroes will gather dust and begin to fade away.
BUT Jesus—well, He’s pretty much outlasted every government and every political figure there ever has been. He’s amazing…He changes lives…and how dare I, or any church leader, prostitute the church by aligning it with a political party and selling out Christ for an elephant or a donkey!!!
NOW…keep this in mind…I do NOT think Christians should ignore politics. I’ve heard that argument before…and it’s pretty stupid if you ask me. A Christian will say, “I don’t think we should be involved in politics.” And then that same person will complain when ungodly laws are passed—it just doesn’t make sense.
I think Christians should be DEEPLY involved in politics…can you imagine how awesome our country would be if our leaders were more in love with Jesus than they were the press and opinion polls? I think we NEED committed Christians to run for office. I think that the political arena needs someone to present a Biblical view…and I pray for that! I have friends that are involved in politics and I pray for them on a regular basis—that they will listen to Jesus and do what He says.
AND…I think those that do not feel called to run for office should VOTE. How dare a Christian sit around and complain about how “bad” our government is if they haven’t voted—once again, STUPID!
Who should you vote for? Here is what I do…and I am going out on a limb to say that I believe EVERYONE who is a Christian should vote this way…(I can feel the tension…)
I think Christians should get on their face before God and ask this question, “Who do YOU want me to vote for?” That’s it—it really is THAT simple! I believe too many people are swayed by public opinion and not directed by the Holy Spirit…and that is one of the reasons for much of our political confusion. Can you imagine how much easier the process was if Christians would simply seek God on this decision? (Then maybe the millions of dollars political figures use on trying to get themselves re-elected could be used for things like advancing God’s kingdom and feeding the poor!)
As Christians we have a responsibility to be involved in politics. Look all through Scripture—especially the New Testament…in the Gospels the political figures of the day are mentioned. In the book of Acts we see the Apostle Paul having the opportunity to speak to major political leaders of the day…and when he got the chance he didn’t speak to them about some policy or program…he spoke to them about Jesus.
(Don’t you find that amazing? Paul had the opportunity to discuss politics and chose to talk about Jesus!!! He didn’t lead rallies against the government—He spoke FOR Jesus!!! He was sold out to God’s kingdom—we need more of that!)
Once again—God called me to preach His word…and I will. I will preach on Biblical issues. I will say what the Bible says & do not care about the media or public opinion. There ARE so many issues that we have made political—but at their core are really Biblical. And I will not use this church to advance a person or a party politically—Jesus matters—He’s first—He reigns—He changed my life—and I will wear myself out for Him!