Relevant Life

Political Christians

According to Pew Research, 90% of Americans believe in some kind of higher power. 56% of those call the higher power God. For patriotic Americans, they believe in Country, Guns, and God. This is part of their culture. The culture of God and country even divides our political parties. Democrats are less likely to believe in God than Republicans ( 45% vs. 70%). This is why many American Christians align themselves with the Republican party.

In churches all over the US, one can hear from the pulpit the Republican doctrine as if it was solely in God’s word. In fact, many American Christians believe that if a Christian is not Republican then they are not of God. I find it interesting on how AC’s ( American Christians) preach political doctrine. They will preach on abortion, gay marriage, illegal immigration, no gun control, and more Republican beliefs. I am not saying that the before mentioned issues should not be preached on or agreed with but when they replace sound biblical doctrine. Then there is a major problem within the church. Our mission and purpose is first to the living God.

Jesus was very careful when dealing with the political system of his day. He knew we had to live in this world and live under a political system which would enforce it’s will on it’s people. I find it interesting that Jesus called a political person to become one of his Apostles. His name was Simon ( not the Simon who would later be renamed Peter) Simon was a Zealot. The Zealots were a resistance group who vowed to breakaway from under the hand of the Roman Empire. If you like history, read about the zealots who made their last stand at Masada. The Zealots were ultimately destroyed by the Romans and Israel was still bound to Roman rule. Jesus called Simon out from this group and made him a disciple of his truth. Simon laid down his political endeavors in order to follow Jesus.Many AC’s forget who they are in Christ.

Luke 6:12-16 GW  At that time Jesus went to a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night in prayer to God.  (13)  When it was day, he called his disciples. He chose twelve of them and called them apostles.  (14)  They were Simon (whom Jesus named Peter) and Simon’s brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,  (15)  Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the Zealot),  (16)  Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot (who became a traitor).

Am I saying that we should lay down our political views for Jesus? Well yes and no. Simon’s desire for Jesus was greater than his desire for political upheaval. He had found his true purpose. He found a better way to affect the conditions around him. Is it wrong for Christians to participate in political matters? Of course not, we have to live in this world and should participate in the world’s standard practices. On the other hand, believers should be true believers who follow Christ first and have political views second. In order words, Political views should never blend into sound biblical doctrine. Nor should Christians focus just on particular issues which they deem unrighteous or higher sins. We will talk about that  in a later post.Christians should not use the political system to enforce the will of God on mankind. Human political systems are feeble and can’t sustain the righteousness of God. We are called to influence the world around us and do so through the gentle and passionate leading of Holy Spirit.

So what should Christians do in regards to political issues and political leaders.

Biblical truth:

1. Submit to governing authorities.

1Peter 2:13-16 GW  Place yourselves under the authority of human governments to please the Lord. Obey the emperor. He holds the highest position of authority.  (14)  Also obey governors. They are people the emperor has sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.  (15)  God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing what is right.  (16)  Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God.

We should obey fair and just laws. This does not mean that we cannot challenge them but do it the right way. Christians can run for office and help change laws which affect all citizens. Remember we are called to influence the world with the message of Jesus.

2. Pray for the government and it’s leaders.

1Timothy 2:1-3 GW  First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people,  (2)  for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way.  (3)  This is good and pleases God our Savior.

When President Obama was in office there were many “ Christians” who cursed him, put him down, and talked against many times. How many of the “ Christians” Prayed for him. The same goes for our current President. I don’t see President Trump as a Christian ( According to God’s standard). Many Christians overlook his unrighteous behavior because he is a republican. I disagree with many of comments and mean statements he makes  from time to time. I might agree with his some of his policies but I will not excuse his poor behavior. I will and do simply pray for him. How many Christians, on the other side, pray for our current President.

3. Influence governmental authorities to act righteously.

Esther 7:1-6 GW  So the king and Haman came to have dinner with Queen Esther.  (2)  On the second day, while they were drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “What is your request, Queen Esther? It will be granted to you. And what would you like? Even if it is up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted.”  (3)  Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, Your Majesty, spare my life. That is my request. And spare the life of my people. That is what I ask for.  (4)  You see, we-my people and I-have been sold so that we can be wiped out, killed, and destroyed. If our men and women had only been sold as slaves, I would have kept silent because the enemy is not worth troubling you about, Your Majesty.”  (5)  Then King Xerxes interrupted Queen Esther and said, “Who is this person? Where is the person who has dared to do this?”  (6)  Esther answered, “Our vicious enemy is this wicked man Haman!” Then Haman became panic-stricken in the presence of the king and queen.

How can Christians influence the world around us?  Simple we live our life like Jesus lived his. We share his truth whether it hurts feelings or not. We love everyone whether they agree with us or not. We help the orphans and widows. We show compassion to each other. We pray for each other. We live a life of righteousness and not judgement.

Christians can influence the political system but should never allow the political system to influence them. We are Christians first with an already preassigned mission. We should never forget this truth.