Principles for Christian Political EngagementSýnishorn

One of the most pressing issues for Christians in this cultural moment is how we should interact with politics. With which party should we align? Should we remain silent or should we be outspoken? Should we run for office or retreat into exclusively Christian communities?

This topic should lead us to think deeply and prayerfully consider our words and ways. I’ve personally wrestled with this for many years and have cringed as I’ve observed some of my Christian brothers and sisters miss the mark and misrepresent Jesus. In this three-day devotional I aim to to provide some biblical guardrails to consider when seeking to live out the way of Jesus in the political arena.

1- Follow the way of Jesus.

While there are few specific directives about political engagement in the Bible, there are many general directives that apply. One of these is found in Paul's well-known fruit of the Spirit list in Galatians 5:22-23. In this short list, Paul lays out what a life led by the Spirit looks like, which includes traits like love and gentleness. This doesn’t mean we don’t speak truth, but our approach must be loving and gentle, rather than hateful, brash, and condescending.

In one of the few explicitly political directives in the New Testament, Peter says, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17) Even amidst extreme persecution of the first century, Peter says that the path of the Christian is to honor political leadership, even if it is evil. Honoring does not, however, always mean obedience if it goes against biblical directives. We obey Jesus, but honor everyone. This posture of honoring leaders is much different from what is common from both parties today, and if we’re not careful, Christians can be sucked into the cultural currents of slander and outrage.

When Jesus began his public ministry, many expected him to be a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman oppression. They expected him to do this by military force, but instead, he was a suffering servant who died on a cross, praying for those who were torturing him. Jesus’ teachings on loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you were just as countercultural in antiquity as they are today.

One of the reasons I think we find it hard to love people we disagree with is because we have forgotten who our real enemy is. Scripture is clear that we have a spiritual enemy, the father of lies, who is prowling around seeking someone to devour. When we lose sight of this spiritual reality we will demonize people instead.

The way of Jesus is the way of love, gentleness, honor, and enemy love. To be a faithful witness of Jesus in this cultural moment, we must embody these realities in our political engagement.