Politics: some people love it, and others hate it. All of us are affected by it. Learn the four responsibilities a Christian has in modern politics in this timely article.

Politics affect every citizen. People elected to government wield real power to affect our every day lives.

Pericles, the Greek Statesmen who lived 495 BC to 425 BC, said, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”

The laws passed affect you even when you aren’t paying attention to the process. Big city politics eventually filter down to the small towns. Each member of a society should attend to politics to protect liberty.

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”~ Pericles Share on X

Let’s be honest. Some people are way too involved in politics. You know who you are… You watch 24/7 news almost 24/7. You can’t stop talking about it. You are driving your friends and family crazy!  

On the other hand, many people are totally disconnected from politics. They don’t care about it. They don’t want to hear about it. As a result, they don’t take part in the process.

In this Bible study, we will investigate what the Bible has to say about Christians and politics. May God give us the understanding to find a balance that is pleasing to Him. 

1. Pray For Leaders

1 Timothy 2:1–2 

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Prayer changes things. Prayer alters people and circumstances.  

God commands us to pray for all men, including our governmental leaders. Why didn’t our Lord just stop by saying pray for all men? Why did He specifically mention government officials? He wanted to emphasize our need to pray for them, of course.

Government leaders have a real impact on how we live. They create, interpret, and enforce the laws of the land. If we hope to lead a pleasant life, we must pray for our leaders.

God wants us to lead a quiet and peaceable life. In verse two, the word quiet means tranquil. The word peaceable means undisturbed. This is the best hope for citizens! That the government will do their job, stay in their lane, and leave the citizens alone to live peacefully.

Christians hope for two more freedoms in a nation. We desire to live in all godliness and honesty.  

Ungodly governments overstep the bounds of their creation and involve themselves in the daily lives of citizens.  

As the 40th US President, Ronald Reagan, said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Faithless rulers believe that the government should take the place of God. They seek to provide money, food, shelter, clothing, and work to every citizen regardless of personal accountability. This “cradle to the grave” approach involves the government in every aspect of life from the womb to the tomb.

How do we stop this intrusion? We must pray!

Pray for Government officals to:

1. Get saved.
2. Know the Scriptures. 
3. Follow Christ.
4. Make wise choices.
5. Understand the consequences of their actions.
6. Follow the Constitution.
7. Stay in their lane.
8. Fight temptation.
9. Legislate righteously.
10. Protect our God-given freedoms.

How much time did you spend this week praying for leaders in our government?  Probably not enough.

Put our elected leaders on your prayer list.  Pray for federal, state, and local officials and judges regularly.

2. Participate In Politics

1 Peter 2:17 

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”

We should honor all men. We must love our Christian brothers and sisters.  

God chose to single out respect for our government leaders in this verse. We should honor the position of governmental officials. But we should never fear them. God alone is to be feared!

We must honor the position of dishonorable men. But how much better is it to have honorable men as our leaders!  

In America, we enjoy the privilege of choosing our leaders.  

Sadly, in many areas of our country today, the masses choose the basest of us as leaders.

William Penn, the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, said, “Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” 

Too often, a slick salesmen or a well-funded conmen get voted into office. Americans must have enough common sense to elect honorable, trustworthy, and godly people to government.

To make this happen, Christians must vote in every election. Also, Christians must run for office, so we have good people for whom to vote.

Plato was an Athenian philosopher who lived during the Classical Greek period. He said, “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

We are living through that disaster today! I’d rather be governed by an honest farmer with common sense than a life-long politician whose primary goal is retaining power.

Consider these four steps to participating in politics.

Pay Attention

Some people get too caught up with politics. Don’t let it control your life or consume you. On the other hand, politics can be discouraging enough to block it out of your life completely.  

Find the balance. Stay informed enough to be aware and engaged. Yet, stay sufficiently aloof to protect your spirit. Do what you can and trust God with the rest.

“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”~Plato Share on X

Speak up

Our country suffers today because good people were silent in the past. God expects Christians to be the moral conscience of a nation. 

The silence of the righteous emboldens the speech of the wicked.

Christ’s disciples are the salt of the Earth. 

Matthew 5:13 

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Salt flavors. Salt preserves. Salt is useful. It is estimated that there are over 14,000 uses for salt. But if salt loses its flavor, it is good for nothing. In Bible days, they would use old salt to harden walkways. Men would literally “walk all over it.”  

When Christians do not “flavor” our world with God’s Truth, we become useless, and the world “walks all over us.” We must speak up!

Believers are the light of the world.  

Matthew 5:14-16

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Light makes darkness flee. It reveals the wickedness that hides in the shadows. Wicked people hate the light because it exposes their evil deeds.

Don’t let anyone put a bushel over your light. Shine brightly for God! Let people know Who God is and what He says. Let your light shine in spite of unkind words or open threats!

Don’t allow political correctness or cancel culture to stop you from speaking the truth in love.

Pay taxes

Luke 20:22–25 

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”

Americans are overtaxed and underserved in many areas of the country. Nevertheless, Jesus told us to pay taxes. Getting out of paying taxes by disobedience not a fight worth the effort for the Christian. We should save our energy and effort for the spiritual battle that wages around us.

Vote In Every Election

Every election is an opportunity to choose your fate.

Alexander Hamilton said, “This process of election affords a moral certainty that the office of President will seldom fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.

Regular Elections ensure that we can choose moral and qualified leaders.

Thomas Jefferson articulated, “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

Only those who participate get a voice. If you are a good person who is not voting, you are allowing the other side to win by default.

Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.”

Noah Webster, Adviser to the Founding Fathers of the United States of America and creator of the Webster’s Dictionary said, “If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honor of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation.” 

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote…that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country." ~ Samuel Adams (1722-1803) Share on X

Bad things happen when good people don’t vote.  

One man said, “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.”  

Every vote counts. Even when you live in a state where most people vote the opposite of you, don’t be discouraged. Vote because it is a right. Vote because it is a privilege.  

Vote because every vote matters.  

Our founders wisely created an Electoral College system to distribute the power of federal elections to every state. There is a leftist movement to eliminate the Electoral College in favor of the Popular Vote. This would disenfranchise the people in most states in our country by placing the power to decide elections to the largest states and cities. Of course, these places are known for their ungodliness. There is a sinister element at work here.  

I live in a state that ALWAYS votes liberally. Yet, I believe it is important to vote. Why? Voting is a privilege that most people who have ever lived on the planet never experienced. Voting is a right that people have died to protect. Voting is a sacred trust. Also, every vote is added to the total popular vote.

We must protect the sanctity of our vote. Politicians are always trying to game the system. Do not be deceived.

Here are a few of their tricks:

• Allow illegal immigrants to vote. Of course, most of these will vote for the politicians promising them things.
• Give U.S. Territories voting rights to add new constituents. There are good reasons that territories are not made equal with states when it comes to voting.
• Change voting districts. As neighborhoods change, politicians change boundaries for their benefit.
• Altar the voting process. Should we trust a fully digital system vulnerable to hacking that is designed by big tech companies with a nefarious political agenda? No. Why do I need to show a picture ID to get on an airplane but not required to show one to vote? Mass Mailing tens of millions of ballots is not the same as absentee voting. It creates multiple points of failure, further exposing the voting system to fraud and negligence.

Allow me to reveal another triumph of satan in American politics.  

People are taught to leave their religion outside of the polling booth. WHAT?? How can I separate the most important part of who I am from the sacred right of voting?

On the contrary, we must vote as Christians. People ask, “Are you a Republican or a Democrat?” I answer that I am a Christian.  

Learn what the politicians stand for and what they want to do. Next, study the track record of what they actually believe and have accomplished. Separate the advertising from their actions. Compare each of these to God’s Word.  

Vote for the candidate that most closely aligns with God’s Word. 

A word of warning: There are no perfect political candidates. Don’t stay home because you can’t totally agree with a candidate. When you decide not to vote, you are actually voting for the worst candidate.  

Cast your vote. Let your voice be heard.

Be involved. Pay attention. Protect your freedoms. Leave the rest up to God.

3. Partner With Your Local Church

Every Christian should be an active member of a local church that is true to the Word of God and the Great Commission of Christ.  

It is commendable to be a servant of a local church.

Romans 16:1 

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”

Each committed Christian should partner with their local church to fulfill the mission of Christ in the community. The church is the hub of the consecrated life.  

What does that have to do with politics?

Churches are made up of Christians. Christians should engage in politics. Therefore, Churches should participate in politics.

Wicked politicians have worked to keep churches and Christians on the sidelines of American politics. Ungodly people understood that Christians are the moral conscience of our nation. The “do-gooders” needed to be silenced in order to install their unbiblical agenda in America.

Lyndon B Johnson was an ungodly politician from Texas who eventually became the United States’ 36th president. As a Senator, he introduced a bill to change the tax code to prevent non-profit organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. This statute, known as the Johnson Amendment, became law in 1954. Johnson was a skilled politician and an openly ungodly man. His crudeness is legendary. Many believe that Johnson knew he would need to silence the many churches in America to further his political career. He accomplished that with the Johnson act.

A large-scale indoctrination campaign using the Johnson act was started to scare churches and non-profits to stay out of politics completely. Often, Government officials claim more power than the law allows expanding their application to further their agenda.  

Over the years, I’ve had well-meaning church members warn me that we will lose our tax-exempt status if I mention politics from the pulpit. (Well done, government. Mission accomplished!) I would lovingly explain what the law really says and then teach them that Christians must speak up regardless of the consequences. We do not endorse specific candidates or hold political rallies, but we must teach people to see politics through the light of Scripture.

Every pastor and church has a specific mission from God in their community. If you church protests against wickedness, get involved. If your church marches for a cause, join them. If your pastor speaks out, have his back.  

Churches should be engaged in the political process. Partner with your church in this area as you would in areas of ministry.

4. Preach The Gospel To Every Creature 

Mark 16:15 

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Politics have their place, but never mistake them as the answer for the world’s ills.

Immorality, cursing, theft, jealousy, covetousness, pride, violence, bigotry, riots, are born in the sinful heart of man.  

Luke 6:45

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

You cannot legislate righteousness. Only salvation through the finished work of Jesus Christ can cleanse the heart of man.

Isaiah 1:18 

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:

 Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

 Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

1 John 5:13 

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

The Bible clearly says that believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way God will forgive sin and allow you to go to Heaven. Religion, baptism, church membership, good works, or financial contributions will not save you. The only thing that will matter at the moment of your death is your personal belief in Jesus Christ.

You can be 100% sure you are going to Heaven starting right now!

If you believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God and the Saviour of the World, you should sincerely pray the following prayer trusting Him to forgive you. He will hear your prayer and see your faith. God will keep His promise. You can be sure that you will go to Heaven when you die!

“Dear Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and I do not deserve to go to Heaven. I don’t want to go to Hell. I believe that You are the Son of God Who died on the Cross to pay for my sin, that You were buried and rose again. Please forgive all my sin and take me to Heaven when I die. I am trusting you alone as my way to Heaven. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Let me know if you put your faith in Christ today! 

God has given every believer the responsibility of winning souls. Learn more about soul winning here.

5. Plan For The Best & Prepare For The Worst & Trust God Through It All.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Put Christ first. Have hope. Live each day to its fullest. Don’t borrow trouble from tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Don’t worry about troubles that may come, but don’t be surprised by them either. Prepare for difficulty. Be willing to suffer. Think through your responses before things go wrong. Steel your mind. Prepare to endure hardness.

Above all, trust God. Whoever is running the country does not change your responsibilities before God today.

Regardless of who is in political office, your daily responsibilities to God remain the same. Live like Jesus today!

CONCLUSION

Politics affect every one of us. If we put our head in the sand, we will be stuck with the results of a process in which we did not participate.

The Biblical formula for Christian Politics is clear.

1. Pray for our leaders.

2. Participate in Politics.

3. Partner with your local church.

4. Preach the Gospel to every creature.

5. Plan for the best, prepare for the worst and trust God through it all.

May God give us joy on the journey and grace to remain faithful despite our circumstances!