Should the Church be involved in politics?
In an age when churches are delving deeply into politics, it is vital that the Christian understand what the scriptures say on the subject. The first and most important example we can look to is Jesus. Was he ever involved in the politics of his day? The clear answer is “No!” His only involvement was to criticize the hypocrisy he saw. His mission in life was to preach the kingdom of God and to seek out those who would follow him. When speaking of the necessities of life, Jesus said,
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33
As a second example we can look to the apostles. None were involved in politics. Like Jesus, Their mission was to preach and represent the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul traveled far and wide preaching the Gospel. He described the Christian as ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
His only advice concerning the government is found in Romans 13:1. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
By using the word “ordained” the apostle meant that God allowed the governments to exist in order to have a more orderly and safe society. Paul is simply saying we should obey the laws of the land. He does not say we should be part of the system.
In fact, Jesus taught us to pray for a better kingdom when he prayed, “…Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
The Christian is to work for God’s kingdom. In our day, that means seeking those who want to give their lives in full devotion to God. Our hope and desire is for His kingdom to be fully established on this earth. That means all the governments of man will be removed. Being involved in politics is simply counterproductive to the work God desires of His people.
One only needs to study history to know that when churches become political, they simply inherit the corruption of the systems.
To learn more about our personal involvement in politics listen to, “Are We Supporting the Right World Leaders?”
