A Guide to Engaging with Politics as a Christian

As we enter this political season, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, divided, or unsure of how to navigate conversations. As followers of Jesus, we are called to hold to biblical truth and grace, no matter how the world around us might look.

Today, we have an opportunity to stand strong on God’s Word while embodying the love of Christ. Our prayer is that the church will remain united, grounded in God’s Word, and shining the light of Christ in a world that needs Him desperately. Let’s commit to walking through this season together with grace, wisdom, and the love of Jesus.

Here’s a quick guide for believers to prayerfully consider as we enter into this election season.

Keep a Biblical Worldview 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
‭‭(Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬)

We are called to speak and make decisions from a biblical worldview. The brokenness of our world is evidenced by the political turmoil in society. This is caused by sin and the fall of mankind – pointing to the need for Christ. While many will be filled with anger and anxiety, we need to point people to the hope we have in Christ through His death to pay for our sins. Because He lives we can face an unknown future because we know Him.

Pray for Our Nation

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)

Prayer is an expression of faith in God’s power. We are called to pray for our leaders, for unity, and for God’s will. Here are a few ways you can pray for our country:

• Pray for our leaders
• Pray for the gospel to impact hearts and lives
• Pray for God’s will to be done

Remember God’s Purposes for Government

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

We are to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2) because God has established government to restrain evil and protect people (Romans 13:1-7). Government serves its God-given purpose best when it operates by the rule of law, not by unbridled and unwise authority. Remembering that politics are downstream of culture, we are to elect governing authorities who best reflect our worldview.

Engage with Truth and Grace

“We have seen his glory…full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14)

The anger and violence in our culture surrounding politics are to be counteracted by people of wisdom and grace. We are called to show the love of Christ, speak the wisdom of the Word, and share the gospel that brings hope. We are called to advocate for policies that promote values that honor God’s desire and design. We are called to bring out God’s goodness and illuminate the darkness in our world.

Care for Every Life

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

We need a love for every human life because God has a love for every human life. When we look to scripture, we see that all life matters to God. As people who choose to follow God, we must uphold the same standard in our voting behavior and politics.

Stand for Biblical Marriage and Family

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Marriage is a covenant relationship between God, a man, and a woman for life. It is designed to portray the love relationship between Christ and the church. By standing for biblical marriage and family values, we affirm God’s design and authority in our lives.

Stand for the Poor and Oppressed

“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him…” (Proverbs 14:31)

We are called to care for the forgotten, oppressed, and downcast. We are called to stand against political policies that cause suffering for the poor and oppressed. We are called to support political policies and politicians who are committed to taking care of the poor and standing up for the rights of the oppressed. By doing this, we show care for every life.

We are to advocate for those who don’t have a voice and those whose voices have been silenced. Because God created them, those who cannot speak for themselves have value and worth. As the people of God, we are called to use the positions, power, and platforms we have been given to give a voice to the voiceless. God has given many of us voices to advocate for lives that need our support.

No matter what our political preferences are, we get to lay our lives down and be the light in the darkness around us. Our words and actions have one purpose, to point people to Jesus Christ.