For Christians, a biblical worldview frames everything through faith in Jesus, influencing our perspectives on work, family, and yes, even politics. This raises an essential question: what kind of lenses are we wearing? Are they shaped by God’s truth or by the world around us?
A Biblical Worldview for a Complex World
As followers of Christ, we’re called to build a worldview rooted in Scripture. This is difficult because we are bombarded with messages and philosophies that influence the way we see the world. It is crucial that we remember that in a world overflowing with competing voices, the Bible provides a firm foundation for understanding life—including how we engage politically.
Why Should Christians be Concerned about Politics?
You might ask, Why discuss politics? Isn’t that divisive? Aren’t we supposed to be above the things of this world?
Here’s why we should clearly about politics:
Politics is an issue of discipleship. Kaitlyn Schiess, in The Liturgy of Politics, challenges us to ask: are we being discipled by the Holy Spirit and the Bible, or by a political pundits and partisan politics?
Politics is a reality of life. We’re called to engage with the world around us. How we approach politics can either bless our communities and glorify God—or do the opposite.
My job is not to convince you on how you should vote, but that doesn’t mean voting doesn’t matter. Because voting has consequences, how you vote matters. Yet, voting remains a deeply personal decision. It is a decision that should be approached prayerfully.
What is Politics?
Politics is not just about how government functions. It is also how groups organize, distribute power and resources, and make decisions. Our families, communities, institutions, and even churches have a political framework that supports them. For Christians, political engagement, in every area of life, is about living out Kingdom values in our spheres of influence.
Christians Are Exiles: Allegiance to King Jesus
1 Peter 2:11 (CSB)
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul.
As Christians, we are exiles in this world. This means our true citizenship is in heaven, and our loyalty belongs to King Jesus.
Matthew 6:24 (CSB)
“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Matthew 6:24 teaches us we cannot serve two masters. This means:
- Our primary mission isn’t reclaiming a nation for God but making disciples.
- Creating a “Christian” nation through politics is not the goal. Instead, we transform lives through discipleship, shaping people with a biblical worldview.
Living Honorably in a Divided World
1 Peter 2:12-17 (CSB)
Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.
Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves. Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Peter’s guidance for exiles gives us a roadmap for navigating politics:
Live honorably among non-believers (1 Peter 2:12). Represent Jesus well by reflecting His love and wisdom, even when misunderstood or opposed.
Submit to human authorities (1 Peter 2:13). Trust in God’s sovereignty, respecting earthly systems even when we disagree. Christians under the Roman Empire honored Christ while submitting to a deeply flawed government—so can we.
Use your freedom wisely (1 Peter 2:16). Christian freedom isn’t about rebelling against earthly laws; it’s about serving God faithfully within them.
Prayer as Political Engagement
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (CSB)
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The most vital political action for Christians is prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Early Christians had little political influence, but they prayed fervently for leaders and authorities. Why? To create conditions where the gospel could flourish.
- Pray for leaders and authorities. This isn’t about aligning policies with personal preferences. Instead, pray for wisdom, justice, and peace, enabling godly living and gospel opportunities.
- Recognize the power of prayer. Prayer is spiritual warfare and evangelism combined. It shapes hearts and circumstances in ways human efforts cannot.
Make prayer for government leaders a regular practice, not to win political battles but to advance God’s Kingdom.
Faithful Political Engagement
Colossians 3:17 (CSB)
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us that everything, including politics, should be done in Jesus’ name. Jesus challenged the religious and political powers of His time, but always with a prophetic focus—revealing God’s Kingdom, not seeking worldly power.
Jeremiah 29:7 (CSB)
“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.”
Like the exiles in Babylon, our mission is to seek the welfare of our communities. Political engagement isn’t about winning arguments but blessing others, praying for them, and creating space for God’s Kingdom to shine.
A Challenge to Consider
How can you engage politically in ways that glorify God and reflect Jesus’ character?
Winning elections pales in comparison to representing Christ’s love, grace, and compassion.
Final Thought
Our political engagement must reflect our allegiance to Christ—not to a nation or party. As exiles, we are called to:
- Submit to authorities.
- Live with integrity.
- Pray for leaders.
Above all, keep your eyes fixed on God’s Kingdom. When we live as citizens of heaven, we represent Jesus well in a divided world.
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