Four Ways Christians can Engage with Politics
This election year people across the United States from every identifiable category have an eye on elections. I recently sat down with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission to discuss how Christians can engage with politics. Following are four ideas that you can put into practice this election season.
1. Remember that we are made in God’s image, not that of a political party or candidate – This reminder has several implications. First, although some of us may have strong ties to political positions, parties, and candidates, as Christians our primary allegiance is to God, through Jesus. If, as Paul writes to the Galatians, we have “put on Christ,” we must resist the allure of over-identifying with politics. Second, keep in mind that God’s nature, unlike that of political parties and candidates, is unchanging. Compare that fact to today’s major political parties which would be largely unrecognizable to partisans 25 years ago, let alone 75 years ago. Meanwhile, God’s character is from everlasting to everlasting. Finally, we must appreciate that people’s political predilections do not change the fact that they too are made in God’s image. Our political opponents deserve to be treated with respect, grace, and charity, even as we disagree with their ideology.
2. Distinguish political and spiritual matters – Some political and policy issues are clearly more important than others, but they still may not rise to being issues of Christian dogma. When considering issues in the political realm, Christians should determine whether the matter is foundational to the faith or something about which Christians can reasonably disagree. For a helpful resource on this topic I recommend Jonathan Leeman’s “How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics?”
3. Pray for political leaders – Whether at the local, state, or national level, there are political leaders with whom we disagree. Nevertheless, we should commit to praying for them. Specifically, we can pray that they would lead with wisdom. Pray that they would be leaders who are wise and pursue justice. Pray that they would not seek to glorify themselves. I encourage pastors to model this practice directly from the pulpit.
4. Read Scripture more than political news – In Psalm 119 the Psalmist promises to meditate on God’s precepts so that he will delight in His statutes and remember the word of God. We too, should consider the ratio of scripture to political commentary that we digest daily. Unlike politics, the Bible does not hit us throughout the day with “BREAKING NEWS,” but it does offer us truths that are relevant for all time.
For more discussion of how Christians can engage with politics listen to my episode of the ERLC podcast which is part of its “Christians & Politics” series.