HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN VIEW POLITICS? (Part 1)

Should christians involve in politics

 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glori­fy your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

PREAMBLE

Today’s article is based on an insightful message from GotQuestions.org, highlighting the importance of aligning Christian beliefs with societal involvement, particularly in politics.

At a time when discussions on faith and politics often lead to heated debates, this message provides clarity from a biblical viewpoint. It emphasises the believer’s primary mission—spreading the gospel—while recognising the role of government within God’s divine plan.

Please read, reflect, and share with others!”

INTRODUCTION

If there is anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving pol­itics—even among believers. As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that “religion and politics don’t mix.” But is that really true? Can we have political views outside the considerations of our Christian faith? The answer is no, we cannot. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance towards politics and govern­ment.

• The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes prece­dence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). A clear understanding of this truth will help us to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

• Second, we must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us! Only God can. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles ex­pending any time or energy schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apos­tles never called for believ­ers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire’s unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, the apostles commanded the first-cen­tury Christians, as well as us today, to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel’s transforming power.
• By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author