Christians and Politics: Having a Right Mindset

"You can't be a Christian and involved in politics." "We should just focus on proclaiming the gospel. Politics has nothing to do with faith." "I don't have to vote. God will take care of everything."

Each of the above statements are either partially or completely false. While it's true that we should be engaged in proclaiming the gospel, it's false that we shouldn't be involved in politics and sit back and do nothing. God is in control and ultimately sovereign over what happens in our country, but that does not diminish our call to steward what He has given us.

I think of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Just like the servants in the parable, we've been given many gifts, one of which is an amazing country founded on biblical principles and freer than any other country in the world. As Christians, I believe we've been called to steward what we've been blessed with in this country and that means being engaged in the political process, voting, and caring about what happens in government.

We're at a turning point in our country. We've watched waves of injustice, death, and outright lies march relentlessly across America and have seen the persecution of anyone who gets in the way or stands up and speaks out.

How can we as Christians stand by and do nothing when one of our candidates for president is committed absolutely to abortion and killing innocent lives? How can we remain silent when children are being taught that they can choose their gender based on fleeting feelings? How can we sit and watch our country be overrun by illegal immigrants, most of whom are adult men who are committing crimes and trafficking thousands of women and children? Has the church allowed a misguided compassion to destroy the lives of legal citizens and those who are our neighbors? (If you think the Bible doesn't talk about borders, it does! Take a look at 2 Chronicles 14:6, ALL of Nehemiah, and Psalm 147:13-14).

We can't sit back. If we remain silent, soon enough, our voice will be taken away for good. Christians were never told to work hard, to strive for peace and righteousness, and to share the gospel in all areas...except the political arena. No! We are called to go take our faith into EVERY area of life. It's not something we can pick and choose to do or not do.

Our country is a gift. It was founded on biblical values by 56 men who believed that everyone should be free to worship as they choose, speak freely, and live their lives in relative freedom. Everyday, I'm encouraged by the stories of many Christians who have spoken up for their convictions, who've shared the gospel, who are actively engaged in politics for the glory of God, and who recognize the blessings of liberty that we have.

So go out and vote. Let your voice be heard. Attend school board meetings. Learn what freedoms you have so that when they are infringed upon, you can respond and fight back. Take the gospel into EVERY sphere of life.

If, Lord willing, I ever get married and have kids, I want to raise them in a place where they can speak about their faith without fear of being imprisoned or killed. I want to be able to teach my kids without the government hovering over my shoulder telling me that if I don't teach certain things my kids will be be taken from me. I want my kids and the generations that come after me to grow up in a country where they have the opportunity to succeed—to grow their skills and serve with excellence in work, ministry, or wherever God sends them.

So please don't sit by. As a Christian, it's simply not an option.