“Never discuss politics if you are a Christian."

Christians and politics.

We’ve all heard the advice to avoid discussing religion and politics in mixed company. Or that faith and politics don't mix. This warning has often kept Christians out of important cultural conversations, and in some ways it has contributed to a decline in Christian influence in Western society and the world at-large. Satan knowing this has worked tirelessly to discourage and remove the Christian voice from any political conversation.

There’s a notion that Jesus wasn’t political and that Christians should focus on sharing the gospel rather than engaging in politics. I fully agree with the former, but disagree partially with the latter. While the primary mission is sharing Jesus, we cannot completely avoid politics. The truth of God permeates every aspect of life, including the political sphere.

The Bible teaches that God sets up and removes rulers (Daniel 2:21). This divine appointment means that politics is part of God’s plan. Even Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful and brutal Babylonian king, eventually recognized God’s sovereignty after being humbled by Him. This biblical example shows that God uses political systems to accomplish His will.

An insightful article on Renew.org outlines five principles for Christians engaging in politics:

1. Choose Kingdom over Nation.

2. Choose Theology over Ideology.

3. Choose Christian Witness Over Political Power.

4. Choose Influence over Susceptibility.

5. Choose Trust Over Panic.

Bottom line these principles serve as guardrails, but by no means imply we cannot engage in political theory, thought, or conversation. The above principles will help us stay balanced.

For instance, Christians must not prioritize party or nation over God’s kingdom. Our foundation must always be God's word, not worldly ideologies. Maintaining our Christian witness is crucial, regardless of political affiliations or candidates.

Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 13:1-2) instructs Christians to obey the laws and be good citizens, emphasizing that governmental authority is part of God’s order. Engaging in the political process is a responsibility.

We see Paul model this as he presents a compelling apologetic discourse to some of the most prolific thinkers and political leaders during his time in Rome on Mars Hill. Paul was eager to share the gospel and discuss this unknown god that the Romans and Greeks worshiped. He hoped that these highly influential thinkers and law makers would accept his argument of who Jesus was to be an impact in the culture and political arena changing life forever for an empire of gentiles.

While voting is important, transforming culture requires more than just political participation. Biblically aligned candidates are more likely to emerge from a society rooted in Christian values. Therefore, our focus should be on leading individuals to Jesus and living out our faith authentically.

Ultimately, a Christian should engage in politics because our faith permeates all aspects of life, and God uses politics to fulfill His purposes. Our political involvement should reflect our commitment to God’s sovereignty and our responsibility to influence society for His glory.