 The relationship between Christianity and politics is complicated and complex. And yes, exhausting to try to explain outside of face to face conversations, yet here I am trying. Tim Keller once reminded everyone in an article that, Christians don't FIT into a two party system. But he didn't say they don't VOTE in a two party system. We must keep in mind that no one party is entirely good or entirely bad. We live in a fallen world, and thus will always be led by fallen people at all levels of government. But especially in this election, I am concerned when people say, “Well, I won’t vote because I can’t support either person.” You should vote, even if your choices are limited! Also why are so many thinking government will save us!? Let's be clear while we of course should work toward good government, good laws and good judges, let's not be naive in thinking that government can rescue us from the abyss of moral and spiritual failure. One day perhaps we will get it, that the GOOD NEWS this nation needs will not come from the people in Washington, but from the lips and lives of people who say they follow Jesus. I think as believers and as citizens, we have an obligation to get involved in politics. What that looks like will be different for everyone. Some might run for office. Some have the money to donate, others have the energy to canvass the community and work the polls. Each of us has to ask: Lord, what will You have me do? As an individual, I think it is noble to attempt to stay neutral in politics as a Christian.I know it will cause you less headaches to attempt to stay neutral.I know some will think you are a TRUE Christian when you attempt to stay neutral. But the thing is, you shouldn't stay neutral. God requires us to make a decision. Maybe I am wrong, I'm certainly no expert scholar but I don't see neutrality in the Bible as an option. Joshua told Israel to choose to serve either God or the gods of their fathers. There was nothing in-between. Elijah told another generation of Israelites to choose between God and Baal. There was nothing in-between. In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan. A man heading to Jericho was beaten and left for dead. The Priest and the Levite didn't want to get involved, they wanted to be neutral. But the Samaritan got all in the business of his neighbor. And what did Jesus tell those other two? GO AND DO LIKEWISE. Neutral wasn't an option. Or what about Revelation 3:15-16 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Lukewarm (Neutral) gets you spit out! So here's the thing friends, get involved, really listen (if you haven't) to what each party is saying, which one aligns most with what Jesus said was important to HIM, what Jesus took the time to do when HE was among the living and then decide. BUT PLEASE DON'T SAY, I'M SITTING THIS ONE OUT (AGAIN). As Christians we should feel like no political party is home. We were not made to live in any of them but we should be holding each accountable and exercising our right to vote and see how best our voices can be heard in the halls of power to bring shalom to our cities. We may live in the political in-between as Christians but our country in crisis demands an answer. Neutral is not an option. No party is God's party and no party perfectly aligns with 100% of our values but we should still DECIDE to DECIDE. This election is as important as any in our history. Vote whatever way you wish. I know I will and I will not be considering anyone else's voice but the still small voice within me. As you go forth remember this... “Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral."― Paulo Freire |
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