As we approach the upcoming U.S. elections with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the spotlight, the stakes are higher than ever. Not just for the U.S. but for the entire world. Though I am a UK National currently in Far East Asia, I recognise the worldwide significance of these events. The situation is compounded by the seriousness of not one but two assassination attempts on Donald Trump, revealing a volatile and tense political climate. My country of heritage Ghana is also on the brink of an election this year and with the socio-cultural turbulence elections have the power to induce, many Christian leaders are not only calling for peace in the African nation but actively praying for it. Such is the power of this phenomenon. Many diplomatic relations across the world hung in the balance and hence, with so much at stake, it’s crucial to explore how Christians should approach, understand and engage with politics. What does God expect from us in the political arena, and what lessons can we draw from biblical leaders?
Politics in Light of God’s Sovereignty
It’s crucial to begin by acknowledging that God is sovereign over all political affairs. Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except that which God has established.” This perspective gives us the confidence to engage in politics without fear or cynicism, trusting that God ultimately controls the rise and fall of leaders and nations. However, some Christians argue for a more passive role in politics, suggesting that since God is sovereign, our involvement is irrelevant. I believe this view neglects our biblical mandate to influence society as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
Contrasting Views on Political Engagement
The Bible presents a diverse range of political figures, each teaching us different lessons. For example, Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt demonstrated how God uses His people in governance to save lives and bring about His plans (Genesis 41). On the other hand, King Saul’s reign teaches us the dangers of disobedience and pride in leadership (1 Samuel 15:22-23). This contrast shows that while God calls His people to engage with politics, He also expects leaders to act with integrity and humility.
This approach aligns somewhat with the Independent Institute’s argument that politics should be driven by a pursuit of justice, liberty, and moral accountability rather than raw power. However, unlike some secular perspectives that promote political involvement solely for human flourishing, our engagement as Christians is underpinned by a commitment to God’s principles and the ultimate purpose of glorifying Him.
Jesus’ Perspective on Politics
Jesus often spoke about the Kingdom of God, which superseded earthly kingdoms, indicating that our primary allegiance should be to God rather than any political entity. Yet, He did not dismiss the importance of secular governance. When asked about paying taxes, He said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21), acknowledging both spiritual and civic responsibilities.
This position can be viewed as an encouragement for Christians to navigate politics with wisdom and discernment, not blind allegiance. While some might interpret this as a call for minimal political involvement, I see it as an invitation to balance our spiritual priorities with our duty as citizens. We must engage in politics not for power’s sake but to reflect God’s justice, mercy, and love in society.
Voting: A Moral Responsibility
Voting is often seen as the primary way Christians can influence politics. It is a tool to promote godly values and principles in public policy. However, the act of voting itself is a point of contention among believers. Some argue that choosing the “lesser of two evils” is still a compromise on biblical values, while others see it as a practical way to limit harm and encourage the common good.
The Trustworthy Word article entitled “What Does the Bible Say About Voting and Politics?” suggests that Christians should always vote for candidates who align most closely with biblical principles, even if they are imperfect. In contrast, some might argue that voting should prioritise broader social justice issues over personal character flaws. While both views have merit, I believe our decisions should ultimately be guided by Micah 6:8, “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Lessons from Biblical Governance
Political figures in the Bible like Daniel and Nehemiah were active in secular governance while maintaining their devotion to God. Daniel served under multiple pagan kings, advising them with godly wisdom (Daniel 6), and Nehemiah used his position as the cupbearer to the king to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:5). These examples illustrate that involvement in politics is not about compromising our faith but using our influence for God’s purposes.
This nuanced understanding of political engagement is vital in today’s context. The Independent Institute highlights the risk of corruption when politics becomes solely about power. Yet, as Christians, we should engage with the goal of influencing governance according to God’s standards, promoting justice, and protecting the marginalised.
Responding to Political Tensions
Given the volatile political climate surrounding the upcoming elections, Christians must be peacemakers in their discourse. Proverbs 15:1 teaches that “a gentle answer turns away wrath,” urging us to handle political disagreements with grace. While we may have strong opinions about candidates like Trump or Harris, our focus should be on fostering constructive dialogue that points back to biblical values.
Conclusion
Overall, as we look ahead to the U.S. elections, our approach to politics must be rooted in biblical principles. We are called to participate actively, vote wisely, and engage with humility, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s Kingdom. While secular arguments often focus on the pragmatic aspects of politics, our involvement should always be driven by a higher purpose—to see God’s justice, mercy, and righteousness prevail in our society.
Let us enter the political arena not as cynics but as ambassadors of Christ, ready to reflect His light and truth in every sphere of influence.
References
Ashford, Bruce. Letters to an American Christian. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2018.
Koyzis, David T. Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2019.
Mouw, Richard. Abraham Kuyper: A Short and Personal Introduction. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.
Neuhaus, Richard John. American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile. New York: Basic Books, 2009.
Taylor, Charles. A Secular Age. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2007.
Online Resources
- Independent Institute
“The Independent Review.” Independent Institute. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.independent.org/publications/tir/article.asp?id=1006. - Got Questions
“Christian Politics: How Should a Christian View Politics?” Got Questions Ministries. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-politics.html. - Crossway
“What Did Jesus Teach About Politics?” Crossway. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-did-jesus-teach-about-politics/. - Trustworthy Word
“What Does the Bible Say About Voting and Politics?” Trustworthy Word. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-voting-and-politics.
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