You have heard it said many times I’m sure, two areas of conversation you should avoid at all cost are religion and politics. But what if you’re a Christian with a mandate from Jesus who said before ascending into heaven, “….. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b nlt) And if you are a Christian living somewhere in ‘the ends of the earth’ witnessing for Christ does it not stand to reason that we engage in the well-being of our neighbors where the Lord has placed us? Looking out for our neighbors may mean being involved in politics to some degree.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘politics’ as ‘the science and art of government.’ The Britannica Dictionary expands on it by saying, ‘activities that relate to influencing the actions and policies of a government or getting and keeping power in a government.’ A Christian’s responsibility in politics is always to achieve through persuasion what is best according to God’s design for those under authority. Laws and ordinances that provide protection and safety of the general public should be of enough concern for every Christian to support such measures. The New Testament book of Romans states rather clearly that all authority comes from God and we need to submit to it. Governments are put in place to maintain order and stability in society by punishing wrongdoers. “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, because they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” (Ro.13:4 nlt)
We can argue there are wrong doers among those in authority who are to protect us from wrong doers, but that is the point. To stand by idle and not be engaged in support of those in government or pursuing a role in government to properly carry out the ordinance of God is not an option for the Christian. Looking out for the well-being of our neighbor includes presenting the gospel to them and working in support of peace and safety as far as it depends on us. Paul writes in Romans, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Ro. 12:17-18 nlt) And the author of the book of Hebrews writes, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14 niv) And we can’t leave out King David who wrote, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.” (Ps. 34:14 nlt)
As Christians we need not heed the advice from those who advocate to restrain from engaging in conversation of religion and politics, especially when we are presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and His rule of authority as recorded in Scripture.
Word for the Soul 