We’re at it again. I watched the two debates last week with a deep level of of angst to see who would possibly emerge as the nominee for the Democratic Party. I want to hear their policies, beliefs, and positions on the wide range of issues. It was an interesting roller coaster ride and a hilarious discussion all in one.
Having followed politics for many years, I have found that the script is usually the same for each election cycle. The only difference is the players and characters. As we move through this new cycle, I am interested in seeing how the new issues we now face will shape the future of our democracy. I am also interested in seeing how Christians and the church in general will shape or be shaped by the current political atmosphere.
It is no doubt an exciting time yet also a depressing time for many. Political elections create excitement for the potential of change for some and the potential of winning again for others. In my many years as an observer of the political process I have studied the Word long and hard to see what directives it gives us regarding political engagement. I have not found much except that we must honor and obey our leaders (Romans 13 and Hebrews 13:17), participate and engage in issues of our community (Gal. 6:10), pray for those in authority (Jer. 29:7, 1 Tim 2:2), and expose that which is not right (Daniel).
Jesus did not meddle in the political issues of His day. He simply focused on the Kingdom and His message naturally convicted or condemned political leaders. When trapped and dragged into a discussion on taxation, He simply said: “…give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and to God what belongs to God…” (Mat. 22:21).
How should we engage in these discussions? Should we press the issues? Should we be partisan? Should we support, endorse, and campaign for candidates? Should we commit our lives to political endeavors? What should a Christian do?
Political elections create excitement for the potential of change for some and the potential of winning again for others.
I believe our posture depends largely on our calling. There are some who are called to be politicians. For them, they must choose a side by deciding where they stand on issues, and then run campaigns to win for the glory of God. Their work in office must then reveal the righteousness of the Kingdom. Then there are those who are called to stand up for specific issues. Whatever the cause a Christian stands up for, they need to use it to reveal and reflect the glory of God. They will spend time lobbying and soliciting change through the channels of the political system.
Majority of Christians are called to simply be good citizens. In a democracy, that includes voting for righteous leaders who will lead the nation into pursuing that which is right in the eyes of God and man. The slippery slope most Christians find themselves on is one that leads to party alignment and loyalty to a political system or a particular candidate. I believe this type of behavior minimizes the role and authority of the church.
The Christian faith is to influence individual believers, some of whom will rise up to become political leaders. Christians should never be found to be given over to a political system or a politician even when we fully agree with them. In order to maintain integrity, we must separate ourselves from political affiliation yet maintain unwavering support for righteousness and all those leaders who exemplify it.
May the righteous win!
Nelson Masinde 