Why Christians Should Engage in Politics

Someone asked me why I share political messages on my personal X account. He then followed up by saying that politics stink. It was not one of those “stay in your lane” questions as much as it was a curious onlooker, a fellow Christian thinking about their role in the political arena. His question is worth exploring, and every Christian who wants to make a difference in their world should evaluate their role in politics and culture.

You may want to read:

The Bible Says

The most obvious response to why I share political and cultural messages on my social media platforms is because the Bible does not forbid it, which is not a blanket edit that suggests, “If the Bible does not forbid it, then it’s fair game.” However, there are no Scriptures that prohibit a believer from engaging in politics, culture, sports, economics, or any other discipline and vocation that is part of how we live in God’s world.

Each believer has to determine at what level they want to engage in their world. Engagement or non-engagement is not necessarily sinful, though we must purpose in our hearts what is appropriate for us to do. The aromatic nature of politics should not be the overruling indicator in our decision-making process. Many things stink, and it’s precisely because of this sad reality in a fallen world that we should bring the aroma of Christ to many matters. Actual or potential messiness should not be prohibitive regarding a person’s engagement.

Some people say the church stinks, which is true, but they use it as an excuse not to be part of a local gathering. Others think similarly about the messiness of a person’s life, using an individual’s unique Adamic fallenness to refrain from the Great Commission or the many one-another passages in the New Testament. The world stinks. What would you expect (John 11:39; Job 19:17)? If unpleasantness were the most vital thing about moving forward with political engagement, there would be no gospel (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Salt and Light

The better question for each Christian to respond to is what is an effective way to be salt and light in our fallen world as we spread the fame of God near and far (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Everyone has a sphere of influence, and there is no question that God calls us to share the message of Christ to the world, whether that is our children, cul-de-sac, community, or country. Some Christians believe their responsibility for sharing the message of Christ is for evangelistic purposes only.

A segment of that group has a tight definition of how to do that: giving a Bible tract to a stranger, the beginning and end of their Great Commission endeavors. Others believe that religion and politics should never mix, which is improbable because we cannot segregate our ontology (state of being: who we are at our core) from what we do and where we do it. It would be like asking Christ to stop being Christ when He stepped into political spheres.

Every Christian should strive to be Christlike no matter where they are or what they are doing. The degree and extent of this is uniquely determined, but being a Christian in every sphere of life is not. From a human responsibility perspective, part of the reason our country is the way it is today is that many Christians are passive when it comes to political and cultural engagement.

Zero Separation

It is impossible to separate yourself from politics because it is the air that we breathe. Economics is similar. A believer could say that we should separate religion from economics, but that worldview is just as improbable as separating oneself from politics. Politics is all around us. We submit to civil authorities. We hear political messages everywhere we go. We have opinions on political perspectives, whether we share them or not.

We’re pro-life when it comes to the personhood of a human at conception. We pay taxes for virtually everything. We watch football players kneel during our national anthem. It does not matter where you go; politics will always be with you. The decision each of us must make is whether we’re going to insert our Christian worldview into the conversation according to the ability, time, calling, and influence that the Lord has given us. Or are we going to censor ourselves?

You engage in politics every day as politicians legislate for or against your Christian beliefs. You have an opinion, and you should share your perspective on how our country should live morally. If God can use you to slow down the cultural and political tsunami that has been overrunning us for decades, wouldn’t it be wise to speak now? Somewhere between building a theocracy—priests running the government—on earth and political passivity, millions of Christians should be using God’s wisdom to create a better world. The degree and kind will vary, but we cannot pretend we have no role as fellow image-bearers.

Call to Action

1. How could you use your gift, skills, and talents to make life easier for others from a political perspective? Consider infants in the womb, the elderly, or the freedom to exercise our religion.
2. How much time do you want to allocate to political endeavors? You can vote. What else? What about teaching your children a Christocentric political worldview?
3. What is God calling you to do in the political space? Some Christians choose to be electricians, while others choose a political career. Neither has to be wrong.
4. How much influence do you have regarding persuading others politically? If you’re married with children, consider influencing them. What about your friends?
5. If you have an opportunity to make your world a better place to live out your Christlike life, wouldn’t it be wise to do what you can to accomplish this good outcome?
6. Would it be okay for you to sit passively on the sidelines while politicians create laws that keep you on the sidelines, never able to share the gospel?
7. Is it right for you to keep silent if the government tells you that you cannot teach your children about Jesus?

I trust this book will inspire you as you explore how God may use you to make a difference in the lives within your spheres. Doing life over coffee with a friend and working through the few questions I have asked is a good start.

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please consider supporting us here if you would like to help us keep our resources free.

Tagged:

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).