Politics & Principles

Politics has become one of the most divisive forces in modern culture and, at times, in the church. Many believers confuse political alignment with spiritual faithfulness. Others, weary of the noise, retreat into silence. Yet both extremes miss our calling. Scripture calls us to seek the welfare of our communities (Jeremiah 29:7) while remembering that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Engagement in politics is not about power; it’s about stewardship. Christians are to be salt and light in every sphere, including civic life. But when we trade biblical convictions for political loyalty, we risk losing both influence and integrity. Parties shift; God’s Word does not. Our positions must flow from Scripture, not from slogans.

We must recover a faithful presence in the public square as people who think biblically, speak graciously, and act justly. The gospel gives us a better way: to be engaged without being enraged, to be bold without being belligerent, and to remember that our hope is not in who governs us, but in who reigns over us.

1. Trends – What the Culture Is Teaching

• Politics as Identity – Many people define themselves by political party rather than by moral conviction or biblical truth.
• Power Over Principle – Winning has become more important than integrity, and compromise is often justified for the sake of influence.
• Polarization and Outrage – Public discourse thrives on division, fear, and hostility rather than understanding and respect.
• Silence or Cynicism in the Church – Some avoid political engagement entirely, confusing disengagement with holiness, while others are consumed by it and lose gospel focus.

2. Truths – What Scripture Says

• We are citizens of heaven first – Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• We are called to seek the good of our communities – Jeremiah 29:7: “Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.”
• We must honor governing authorities while fearing God above all – Romans 13:1-2: “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”
• We must act justly and humbly – Micah 6:8: “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
• We must speak truth even when unpopular – Acts 5:29: “Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than people.’”

3. Transfers – How to Communicate Truth to Others

• Be biblical before political – Let Scripture shape your views rather than stances.
• Engage without idolizing – Be involved in civic life (vote, serve, advocate) but never place your ultimate hope in political outcomes.
• Model integrity and grace – Refuse to participate in slander, outrage, or dishonesty, even when it benefits “your side.”
• Get involved locally – Serve on school boards, community organizations, neighborhood committees, and advocacy groups to bring biblical wisdom into public life.

Ask reflective questions – “Am I more passionate about my political stance than my gospel witness?” “If my political party abandoned biblical truth tomorrow, would I have the courage to walk away?”