Christian Political Blog: How Should Christians talk politics ? How does God view politics?
1 Peter 2: 13-16, says “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit.
My prayer is that the above verses set the biblical tone of my world view in light of God’s word.
I am on Twitter daily as well as other social media platforms and have witnessed a tug-a-war of different views on everything, especially politics. I have seen a divide in views among the Christian community and have witnessed Christians behaving in a way that I believe does not represent Gods voice best. I have experienced many Christians being dogmatic in their attempt to passionately persuade their views onto others, while quickly forgetting how a Christian should express themselves. I love seeing the passion but cringe at the divide and condemnation that sometimes our words bring. I have seen Christian Pastors and Leaders come out publicly in support and oppose of politicians more so now than I can ever remember. I’m not saying Pastors are approaching politics incorrectly, although some are, but I am more so bringing attention to the fact there is a lot going on. With all of this said, I have been in many deep political discussions with other followers of Christ over the past 3 years and have come to realize a blog on this topic is warranted.
A question I get asked regularly is, where do I stand politically? I am apolitical, I do not look at politics the same way that many others do. With that in mind however, I am not a fan of any political speech that puts down others or expresses itself in such a way that others are alienated in the process (Eph 4:31). Nor do I believe God is. If there is going to be alienation it is going to be because people choose not to love others or are unwilling to express the views of a loving God.
I believe God looks at our current political environment completely different than most politicians do. From reading the Bible in context it would suggest God only has one goal in mind, that is that mankind create policies that bring us together in love so that His greater good is fulfilled and Him glorified (Isaiah 43:7).
The Bible teaches us that God created man to love Him and to have fellowship with Him and in so doing we become love to others (Luke 6:27-28). His love then transforms us to live a life that desires to elevate others above ourselves (Phil 2:3). It is this love that transforms our minds to see everyone as He sees them. It’s then that our greatest desires in life begin to be aligned with His purposes and our voice politically reflects that of His truth. To express our views politically without this transferable love will only create division and Gods perfect will is then quenched. My fellow followers of Christ, we(All political parties) are fighting among ourselves and are missing Gods perfect will (1 Tim 2:3-4).
Every political view that we have should be centered in what God is wanting to achieve here on earth. As stated before, His desire is to have fellowship with man and for man to believe in Him as the one true God. He wants all people with different points of view to come together so that together, they can achieve His greater good (Prov 18:17). He wants us to be patient with each other and to understand that he has created us all unique with different passions. He wants us to work through our different views from His Holy perspective and come to conclusions that elevate others and enhance opportunities for people to draw closer to Him. I strongly believe if every law or policy is made with the context of how God views mankind that law or policy will be a huge success if both liberal and conservative views work together.
The bible says that we should not look for peoples approval or put much emphasis on opinions(Gal 1:10). He is desiring for us to pray about everything and approach each political position with His perfect will in mind. I have seen a lot of comments on President Trumps conduct and how he communicates harshly towards others. I would think most followers of Christ would agree that President Trump has said a lot of hurtful things but that does not warrant our opinions or feelings. Here is what I mean, our job as a follower of Christ is to elevate President Trump above ourselves in prayer, not to bash him or second guess him with spite. He was placed in a position of influence and as a follower of Jesus, we should be praying that God touch the President’s heart so that it can reflect that of His Son. We cannot control how he is going to speak but God can. We should not condone some of the things he says but we must understand God is in control, no matter how ugly our political environment is. We can trust Jesus with our President as well as our Political leaders, collectively we should be doing everything we can to pray that God uses them to get His perfect will done.
All past President’s including President Trump have done a lot of good that God would be pleased with, some more than others. Regardless of how we lean politically we should praise the Lord for what our Presidents have or are doing that best represents Gods will. If our politicians say something or do something that God would be pleased with, I believe God would want us to encourage them to keep up the good work. If our politicians are doing something that God would not be pleased with, I believe we say things in such a way that would speak life to them while offering Gods view on the particular subject (Prov 15:4). We do it in a way that is filled with love, gentleness, and kindness for Gods glory (Gal 5:22-23).
To communicate on social media with hate and malice in our tone only shows that we are being driven by our flesh. It would be wise that before we speak out loud to our friends on social media, we should pray and allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts so that it best reflects that of Jesus. If we cannot speak life into things, I believe the Father would desire us to not speak at all. (James 1:19-20).
God doesn’t need man to get His purposes done, but God chooses to use man, crazy thought but it’s true. (Acts 17:25). We move a man not with our words of criticism or malice, but on our knees in prayer. We choose to trust that the Holy Spirit will intervene in a perfect way so that Gods greater plan is fulfilled. From the very beginning when God created us there has never been a plan B, with God in control its only plan A. He created us to fellowship with Him and that will never end. There will always be those who believe in Him and those who do not, either way Gods perfect will, will be done (Romans 14:1). If we open our mouth in public, may it be filled with words of life, may our words edify the Lord and lift others up. As Christs’ ambassadors we are to represent Him well and execute the best we can with His help, His perfect will(2 Cor 5:20). This really is a big deal!!
Why allow Satan to use politics to divide us, when Jesus wants to love us and for us to love others.
There are so many hurting people in this world that need the love of Christ. I pray we choose to speak in such a way that people hear Gods love in our words. I pray our words of love help soften each of our hearts so that every political view is worked through with Gods greater purpose in mind. So if you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian and so on, know that if you are approaching your political view from Gods perfect will, then your voice should be heard. I believe God welcomes the discussion and desires we work together in love so that He can be glorified (Acts 17:17). This will take humility from everyone and a willingness to hear others views without spewing hate.
I do know however, we live in a fallen world and the chance of all parties humbling themselves is not possible, but that does not give us the excuse not to walk humbly. Only engage in political warfare if you are engaging filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s represent Jesus boldly but more importantly correctly. This is possible but it will take us to change first.
To God be the glory forever and forever.