Religion and politics. Two words that most people would agree should not be spoken in the same sentence.
There has been a strong push by non-Christians for decades to remove all references to religion from public life.
Religious instruction in public schools has either been removed or so watered down by regulators that it might as well be removed. Swearing on the Bible is being replaced by making affirmations. Prayers to open some parliaments have ceased in some jurisdictions. And the list goes on.
Christians getting involved in politics
But while Christianity is being removed from politics, there seem to be more and more Christians getting involved in politics. In the last US presidential election when Donald Trump lost the presidency, many Christians have been outraged and still continue to vent on social media about the result.
Many have voiced concern and opposition to some pieces of legislation, especially things like pro-choice or gender related issues.
I am not commenting on these things to take any particular position. But the question I would ask you is: should Christians get involved in politics?
Does the Bible say to get involved in politics?
When you consider what the Bible says, for the most part they were not involved in politics. It was only when the laws of the land specifically affected their ability to worship God that they stood against the laws of the land.
Consider Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It was only when certain laws of the land were established that they stood opposed. And specifically, it was about whom they were to worship.
These men refused to follow the edicts of the king and they were punished. But because they were faithful, God stepped in and saved them from the death sentences that were meant to punish them.
Who really appoints the government?
If we look at the New Testament scriptures, we are given two good pieces of advice.
First, we see these words of wisdom:
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans chapter 13, verses 1-2)
This scripture is quite clear that all of the governing authorities that are appointed have been instituted by God. He brings the rulers to power who will do His will. So, there is really no point in complaining that your choice did not win an election because God’s choice will always win.
It is also worth noting that if or when a Christian stands opposed to the rulers, they are actually resisting the rulers appointed by God.
This also includes the evil or bad rulers as is made clear in this scripture.
So, it depends not upon man's will or exertion, but upon God's mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." (Romans chapter 9, verses 16-17)
In the case of Pharaoh, we are told that he was raised up to show God’s power as He worked to have His people Israel set free from the slavery to Egypt.
And it’s the same today. Even the political rulers that seem to be terrible today are there because God has appointed them to do His will or for His purposes.
So, unless the rulers are trying to regulate directly against Christianity, such as happened with Daniel and his three friends, then it is better to leave them alone. To be honest, if God does not want a particular piece of legislation to come into effect, then He will intervene. Just as He intervenes in the vote that puts a ruler into power, He too will influence the voting in Parliament or the Senate to lean to His will.
Where should Christians stand with politics?
The second thing we as Christians should consider as individuals is the advice Paul gave to Timothy:
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. (2 Timothy chapter 2, verses 3-4)
Soldiers are trained to follow the orders of their chain of command. They do not get involved in things that have not been commanded down that chain of command. Their aim is to satisfy those who enlisted them, and they are heavily punished when or if they don’t follow orders.
It’s the same with Christians.
We have been called as soldiers in Christ. Is our aim to please God or to please men? Have we been called to be political or to follow the words of Christ Jesus?
Christianity is not about ruling this world in this time. It’s not about the politics of this world and in this age. God has that covered already.
Instead let us look to the things that will lead to salvation for ourselves and those around us. Our call is to follow Christ so that when the King of Kings sets up His eternal rule and reign in the Kingdom of God, we can enter with Him.
Since retiring from work, John Lemmon now spends his time teaching, preaching and writing about the word of God, online and offline, answering God's call on him to “Speak to my people.” You can connect with John on Twitter (@JohnBLemmon) or on his website: freegiftfromgod.com/ or listen to his podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-free-gift-from-god-podcast/id1440682375