CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS?
Politics can be incredibly divisive.
There are strong emotions on both sides of every issue and candidate.
As a pastor, I often wrestle with the question, “How should I respond to so much division?” and, more broadly, “How should Christians respond to the cultural divide all around us?”
Some years ago, AW Tozer said,
“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes, there is a God who has not surrendered his authority.”
I think that is the right place to begin. God is always in control over the affairs of this world. That means I can respond to the things happening around me, including politics, with great confidence and peace.
In light of that, I would like to share what I believe to be a uniquely Christian response to the political division in the world today.
#1 Christians are to be committed to peacemaking.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God” (The Words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9).
Peace-making is a decision. Both relationally and politically.
Our mission in the world is to show a different way than hate and hostility. That is through intentionally making peace between ourselves and others - even with those we disagree with.
God wants to reveal Himself through us to the world by the way that we treat one another. We accomplish this by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
If you find those are lacking in your responses to others, especially in the area of politics, then you are not yet fulfilling Jesus’ invitation to peacemaking.
Here are a few ways that you can seek to be a peacemaker:
Don't speak about an opposing party or candidate as the enemy. Instead, disagree with their policies without assassinating their character or calling them names. The Bible encourages us to recognize that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12).
When potentially divisive topics arise in conversation, seek to understand the other person's position before asserting your own. Put yourself in their shoes and attempt to see the issue through their perspective. Even if you cannot agree, they will feel respected by your desire to listen.
Don’t allow your relationships to be permanently severed due to a difference of opinion on politics. I have been so saddened to see entire families torn apart by political issues. People who love each other can disagree on political issues without losing their relationship. It’s not worth it.
I urge you to be a person who actively makes peace in this world. By this, people will know that you are His disciple.
#2 Christians are to be focused on the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Bible says a Christian is “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
As Christians, we love our country (wherever you may live in the world) and want a bright future for everyone around us. We realize that the prosperity of our nation is a benefit to our own families as well (see Jeremiah 29:5-7).
However, we recognize that our highest allegiance is to a world beyond this world. We are in the world, but not of it.
This means our partisan commitments as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents take a backseat to our identification as Christians. Christ is our permanent banner, and party and ideology are secondary to Him.
Our highest hope is in our savior, Jesus. We recognize that some leaders may be of more earthly good, but all are flawed compared to King Jesus. We desire His reign and rule in the world and recognize that we don’t always know what is best in all situations.
Our focus is on the King and His kingdom above all else.
#3 Christians are to be people of prayer.
Did you know that God commands Christians to pray for those in authority?
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
Notice that Paul doesn’t instruct Timothy to pray solely for kings who share the Christian faith or authorities he agreed with. He instructs Timothy to pray for all those in authority. And that command is for us as well.
I notice that Christians are quick to pray for candidates and parties we agree with. But I very infrequently hear people adding opposing candidates to their prayer list. I am probably guilty of this as well.
It feels natural to pray for those we like and support. But God wants you to pray for all those in authority. My guess is that you and I may need to spend even more time praying for those we disagree with.
That’s because,
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).
God can turn a lousy authority into a good one. He can change the heart of a ruler. So, when you pray for your leaders, pray for those you agree with and especially those you do not. It might just be that God intends to change their heart.
And while you are at it, pray for the country and the people God has placed your earthly citizenship within. Pray for unity. Pray for peace. Pray for righteousness. Pray for revival.
If you don’t know where to start, begin with the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13).
TAKE ACTION
Which of the three uniquely Christian responses to political division challenge you most? What would need to change if you were to take a big step in the right direction in that area? And how would those around you experience you differently as a result? This is worth praying about right now and taking action as God’s Holy Spirit leads you.
Watch a 9-minute response to the question “How Should Christians Respond to Political Division and Troubled Times?” by Brad D. Jenkins at Anthem Church. This moment was shared at Anthem Church by Pastor Brad Jenkins in response to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. YouTube
*If this has been helpful, please send me a message and let me know. And please help me by sharing this post with others who could benefit from it. My writing aims to help people enjoy a vibrant relationship with Jesus, and it is an honor to be on this journey with you. To read previous newsletters, visit www.bradjenkins.me/blog. To sign up for my free newsletter about life, leadership, and the Bible, subscribe at www.bradjenkins.me/subscribe.