What is a Christian view of politics?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The level of Christian involvement in politics varies, but believers can agree on a few points based on what the Bible teaches. Scripture teaches that God is sovereign, so rulers are in authority by God’s hand. Because of this, Christians are to be subject to governing authorities unless doing so requires us to compromise what God has asked us to do. Believers are also supposed to pray for our leaders. Scripture teaches that we’re to be good stewards of the roles that God has given us, including our duties as citizens. In all our positions, political or otherwise, we’re to exhibit and promote righteousness. Finally, our involvement in politics, like every other facet of our lives, must give glory to God.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God is sovereign over all creation, including the political landscape. Daniel 4:17 says, "the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will." Daniel 2:21 says, "[God] removes kings and sets up kings." During Daniel’s time, God had used Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, to punish Judah.
• Political positions matter. We should never advocate for positions that go against what God deems unrighteous. Several of the Proverbs teach that we’re to advocate for righteousness (Proverbs 14:34, 16:12, 17:15).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The apostle Paul wrote, "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed" (Romans 13:1-2). Christians can rest assured that God is in control, even over the politics of whatever country and whatever time in which they live.
• With this assurance, Christians need not approach politics with fear or despair. Rather, we can cling to the promise of Romans 8:28 "that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
• Christians should view politics in light of our role as stewards of God’s gifts. Jesus taught this concept with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
• Luke 12:48 explains, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required." The rights and responsibilities that citizenship affords is part of that. We will be held accountable for our actions, including how we engage in politics. Christians should never advocate for policies that are clearly anti-biblical.
• First Corinthians 10:31 gives a foundational standard by which to participate in the political process: "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Some Christians abstain from politics to focus their energy on spreading the gospel. Other Christians are heavily involved in politics, even running for political office. Yet other Christians choose some path in between, neither completely abstaining from politics nor running for office, but rather trying to stay informed and voting according to their convictions.
• All Christians are called to pray for their leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-6).
• Peter and John were emphatic in Acts 5:29 that they must obey God as their highest priority.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The “vote for” signs, the YouTube ads, the speeches—as sure as robins and daffodils signal spring, the signs, ads, and speeches signal political season. Depending on your level of political involvement, you’ll either mute the ads or DVR the speeches. As Christians, how should we approach politics?

For one, we shouldn’t get overly anxious about an election’s outcome. God is sovereign over all, so regardless of who wins, God ordained it. However, citizens of the United States of America have a unique privilege those of other countries don’t have; participating in the political process will change the direction of the nation.

Second, all Christians are part of God’s family, so we shouldn’t let political involvement separate us. Getting angry at your aunt because she won’t put up your preferred candidate’s sign in her yard or not talking to your cousin because he isn’t voting puts politics above Christian fellowship.

But staying completely out of politics may not be the best decision either. God made us stewards of what He has blessed us with, including the country in which we live. It’s naive to think that political choices don’t impact our Christian life. Moral issues like abortion and same-sex “marriage” matter. So, while there is no biblical mandate to vote and we know that God wins no matter what, believers should promote righteousness in their political involvement (Proverbs 14:34, 16:12, 17:15).

Finally, in our politics, like every other facet of our lives, we must give glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

UNDERSTAND

• God appoints all political authorities, and Christians must respect them unless they conflict with God’s commands.
• Christians are called to steward their civic roles by promoting righteousness without compromising biblical truth.
• All political involvement should glorify God, and believers must pray for their leaders.

REFLECT

• How do you balance respecting governing authorities with standing firm on God’s commands when they conflict?
• How are you currently stewarding your role as a citizen to promote righteousness and honor God?
• How does your view of political involvement affect your relationship with other believers who have different convictions?

ENGAGE

• How can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising biblical truth or causing division within the church?
• What does it look like practically to glorify God through political involvement, whether actively participating or choosing to abstain?
• How should the promise of God’s sovereignty influence our attitudes toward political outcomes and leadership?