Young Christian Leaders' Alliance

The conflict is picking up right now in the political realm over what the proper method is to right all the wrongs in America, especially the economic ones, so that each of our wallets can again experience great happiness and freedom!  However, there are also many Christians who have been speaking out against political action of any sort. They believe that earthly patriotism can only detract from heavenly patriotism, and thus Christians must only act for directly evangelistic purposes.

Both of these campaigns appear somewhat misguided when held to the light of Scripture.  On the one hand, the Bible is not a political manifesto. Its primary intention is not to effect social or economic change. On the other hand, the Bible does work in life and indeed contains important principles which political activists and government officials would do well to heed.

It should be our priority as believers to uphold God’s Word. If true improvement comes, not financially-motivated but cultural, it will come as a by-product of our presentation of God’s absolute morality and the Good News.

For example, the Bible commands us that “thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15) and “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thess. 3:10). It further indicates that “a false balance is an abomination….” (Prov. 11:1). Thus, we can reasonably infer that much of our current economic system, e.g. Federal Reserve fiat (fake) money, is not pleasing to God.

So is it wrong for a Christian to be interested in politics? No. However, the strategy the Bible outlines is much different than is often used:

-Pray for our leaders. I Timothy 2:1-2 tells us, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

-Respect those in authority. I Peter 2:17 says, “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

-Defend others’ rights. Proverbs 31:9 indicates there are those God calls on to “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”

There is indeed a place for Christians in political action. However, we must be sure before we attempt modern strategies that we are carrying out the Biblical directives God has given us.  More importantly, we need to focus on being Christ-like in our individual lives. As Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

- R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA President

This article was taken from the YCLA monthly newsletter.  For info on how to subscribe, email ycla@youngchristianleaders.org.