Should Christians Engage Politics?

J Nicole Williamson
J Nicole Williamson

Founder

In a time when our nation is being pressed by wicked ideologies that lead a society to destruction, the righteous must stand up for what is right. That stance involves prayer and involvement in the policies that govern society. Unfortunately, many Christians do not believe it is their role to engage the realm of policy making … otherwise known as “politics.” Both corruption in government and a false understanding of separation of church and state has made political involvement something to be shunned. But if we are to live as God’s people within society, we must know the truth on this matter and understand what is politics, including our role in it. We must understand our Father’s charge for us regarding our care for society.

According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word politics refers to “ Wise and prudent measures adapted to promote the public welfare; measures well devised and adapted to the public prosperity.” The term “politic” is rooted in the word “policy” which refers to “the art, prudence and wisdom in the management of public affairs.”

So who more than Bible believing, God-fearing citizens would be able to impart the wisdom needed for societal well-being? Yet many Christians say, “Where does it say in the Bible that Christians should be involved with politics?” Or, “I have never read that Jesus took sides with the leaders of His day.” Well, it’s true that Jesus never took sides with civil leaders. Rather, He took sides with His Father in Heaven. So, too, our actions are not so much about siding with a candidate, but siding with our Father and His righteous ways that the candidate is supporting. For example, to support life in the womb would be to support the Father’s will for life on earth. It would be to support Him and His image imprinted on humanity. This means we need to know what a candidate stands for if we are to give them our support. Do they support what Father supports?

In America, we not only have the privilege to be involved in directing policies for the promotion of public good, but it is our duty as good citizens. The gospel of the Kingdom is not just about our personal salvation, but impacts every area of life – spirit, soul, body, relationships, career, social presence, etc. Evangelism isn’t limited to being born-again. That is where it simply begins. The gospel of God’s goodness should impact business policies, education policies, and family wholeness. It is our God-given charge as His sons and daughters to represent Him, His love, goodness, and governmental justice in all aspects of life.

Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne: lovingkindness and truth go before Your face.” So if you are looking for a biblical answer as to why you should be involved in political issues and legislations impacting our communities and nation, consider Proverbs 11:11 – “Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” Talk refers to words used to express ideas and philosophies that create a narrative. In other words, the narrative of the wicked tears apart the well-being of a city. We could rightly say that the narrative of wickedness is tearing apart life, liberty and good things in our land. It’s tearing apart the Republic founded on Godly principles. It’s tearing apart babies in the womb, the minds of children with corrupt philosophies, and the safety of our streets and livelihoods with violence.

So according to Scripture, if we are upright citizens it is our duty to do good to our cities and nation by prospering it with a right narrative as a voice of truth and wisdom. This means praying and being involved in speaking up for healthy policies and support of right policy makers.

Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice; but when the wicked are in power, they groan.” We may not agree with a person who is running for office because of personality or personal differences, but what policies do they stand for? What policies does their party platform work to advance? Abortion, or pro-life? How our Creator defines marriage, or how a broken world defines it? Does the education policies reflect what is wholesome and appropriate for the minds of children for success in life? Or do they promote licentiousness and defilement that leads to bondage? Are policies today being governed by wisdom or wickedness?

We are the ones who choose whether the people of this nation are protected and prospering, or if they are being torn apart by what Scripture calls “evening wolves” – leaders who devour the people and their prosperity through corruption (Zephaniah 3:3-4).  

In 1807, William Wilberforce, after years of being a voice in England’s parliament to overturn the slave trade, finally achieved the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Bill. That bill set in motion the abolition of the slave trade in other nations, including ours. What if he had said it wasn’t his place to overturn corruption? Thank God he didn’t! He stood bravely against evil with a strong voice of opposition. He wasn’t silent on an issue that was causing the terrible suffering of a people group. Our voice and intentional actions can either support what is wise and good for prospering people, or hold the door open for wickedness to continue the slaughter of the innocent, and the suffering of people under corrupt leaders.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul said, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” Coming back to God means coming back to His heart and His ways. We are here not just for ourselves, but to call people and nations back to God. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions us to make disciples of nations, not just individuals. That word disciple means: to follow His precepts and instructions. His instructions for personal and social well-being are good for all humanity. Converting the heart is the role of the Holy Spirit. Our part is to be the voice of His invitation not only on a personal level, but as a voice in the halls of legislation to support divine wisdom in the policies of government leading to life and well-being for a city and a nation. Our nation was founded on such wisdom straight from the Bible.

If we remain silent and uninvolved, then we relegate our nation to the devices of the devil who will certainly find followers to voice his ways that lead to death and destruction. I believe we are seeing that happen today.

So what will you do? Will you stand for truth and what is right in the policies of this nation…policies that will impact generations to come? Or will you allow the evening wolves and lions to devour the lives of this generation and those to come…including your children and grandchildren?

We are at a tipping point in America. Whose side are you on? If you are on the Lord’s side, then seek out those who stand for righteous values. Pray. Look beyond personality preference and look at what they STAND for and take action on…and then vote. It’s time to tip this nation back to God.

You can read more about the evening wolves and your call to action in my book, Breaking the Silence: Taking a Stand for Life, Liberty, and All Things Good by J. Nicole Williamson & Alisa Burns.

You and I are here for such a time as this. Nations are being defined in the realms of the spirit; we are being summoned to rise and take action with heaven for earth’s good.

Let your faith be active and your voice for life be heard at the ballot box this November.

Heaven is calling the upright citizens to take action!

Will you answer the call?

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