— Bible-based commentary on vital issues of the day —

Christians & Politics

Should the Church be involved?

With 2012 electioneering underway and candidates advertising their faith, plus God-and-country elements sprouting up, it would be helpful were the Church to set forth biblically permissible guidelines.  May, or should one run for office or become an activist?  Is it okay for the Church to side with political candidates or positions? should we vote?  Asked of many pulpits, the inquirer will come away with a resounding yes; even a guilt trip if they don’t vote or actively back a candidate.  Yet, still other fine church leaders argue quite to the contrary, even suggesting it is unbiblical to be politically involved.  So, where’s the truth?

Non-essentials

The answers to these and questions concerning many everyday matters not directly addressed in scripture, are to be found in the doctrine of "things indifferent," better known as "non-essentials."  Whereas God’s Word speaks clearly concerning sin and righteousness, not so regarding others.  These are called non-essentials: things outside the application of moral law.  Since they neither promote nor obstruct moral ends, they are not biblically legislated.  They lie in neutral territory and are therefore neither commanded nor prohibited.  However, scripture does provide instruction and guidelines; the most comprehensive by the apostle Paul when admonishing the church in Rome:

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, [but] not to disputes over doubtful things.  For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats [only] vegetables.  Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.  Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.  One person esteems [one] day above another; another esteems every day [alike].  Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes [it] to the Lord; [fn] and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe [it]. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.”  (Rom 14:1-6 NKJV).

In themselves and privately considered, non-essentials are morally harmless, but under certain circumstances may become sinful.  This was Paul's point of distinction between the strong and weak in the Roman church.  The former made use of their liberty and believed that all gifts of God could be freely enjoyed, while the latter were in doubt concerning the eating of meat or drinking wine, and were struggling with their consciences.  So long as a matter concerns a singular believer, he has the right to act as he sees fit.  Of course, he must be convinced that he is serving the Lord in the doing and has a clear conscience before God.  However, that same non-essential expressed in a congregational context, could cause a brother to stumble.  Violating the Law of Love, it then becomes sinful.  Context matters.

Though Paul makes clear non-essentials are morally neutral, it does NOT follow that a believer can assume a neutral position.  One serves God and belongs to the Lord even when he eats, drinks and sleeps; he lives unto the Lord and dies unto the Lord.  His consecration to God embraces his whole life.  A life set aside for God, is ALWAYS set aside (Rom 14:7).  He therefore must think, speak and do all things as unto Him.  In THAT context a born-again must weigh whether any of myriad non-essentials are permissible. It's against that backdrop,  a would-be Christian political office holder, activist or voter, prayerfully charts their course.

A Christian political candidate should realize that the working definition of a legislator is "compromiser;" not bad in itself.  However, since legislators are subjected to pressure from congressional leadership, lobbyists, financial supporters, voters, political adversaries, etc., inescapably, they are forced to say or do things at odds with Christianity.  He needs to understand that to NOT compromise, is to NOT be a politician.  Said differently, one cannot eat fish without expecting bones.  However, what a diner can spit out, a politician must often swallow ... or walk away hungry.  It's commonplace for them to be faced with having to vote on bills having attached earmarks; some quite odious.  It is certain they will be confronted with good ones having immoral components.  In the course of doing their job in today’s culture, they will regularly be faced with either biblically abiding ... or having a brief career.  

The would-be believer-activist needs to determine the most useful way to best serve the Lord.  Become politicians?  Link arms with those intent on “taking America for Christ”?  Cast a ballot?  The answer to all such questions fall under the heading, "non-essential" and can only be determined by prayerfully seeking God and arrived at a settled conscience.

However, clear serving direction is readily found by traveling from the Bible's neutral zone, to matters deemed essential.  Without controversy, we are here confronted with the repeated order to "come out" of the world and into a "priesthood of believers" (1Pet 2:9) to "live Christ" (Gal 2:20) as "salt" and "light" in today's darkness (Mt 5:13-16; 2Cor 4:6).  Our unequivocal call includes worship of God, proclaiming the gospel, evangelism, prayer for all, plus facilitating Christ being formed in us.  The latter through prayer, study and a surrendered life.  Scripture tells us to disengage (come out) from the world's fallen systems and by faith, live separated lives as His witnesses.  In fact, to go into all the world, preaching, baptizing and making disciples for Him; to share the gospel, heal the sick, cast out devils, etc. (Mk 16:15-18).

Become politically involved?  Of itself, the matter is non-essential, though it’s well to consider the difference between God’s good, better and best.  Which kingdom do you think He prefers we expend our energies to advance?

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TTS17-825