The Urgency of Christian Political Engagement: Lessons from Scripture

“This article contains an excerpt from Neil’s book, Why Christians Need to be Involved in Politics, and the insights shared are entirely his.

The Importance of Political Involvement

Hey there, friends! Let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind lately – the changing landscape of our society and why it matters to us as Christians. Have you noticed how quickly things are shifting around us? Laws are changing, and what society values seems to be in constant flux. Take, for example, the evolving definitions of marriage and family. It’s not just about personal preferences anymore; these changes are reshaping our entire social fabric.

I remember growing up with a pretty clear idea of what family meant. Now, my kids are asking questions that I never even thought to ask at their age. It’s eye-opening, isn’t it? These changes aren’t just abstract concepts – they’re affecting our daily lives, our communities, and even how we practice our faith.

The Slippery Slope Argument

You’ve probably heard the term “slippery slope” tossed around in conversations about morality and law. It’s not just a catchy phrase – it’s a real phenomenon we’ve seen play out in history. Let me give you an example that really struck me.

Remember when the big debate was about homosexuality? It resulted in social changes. Well, that movement opened the door to much looser social norms about transgenderness and now minor attracted persons (aka pedophilia). It’s like pulling a thread on a sweater – one small tug, and suddenly the whole thing starts unraveling.

I’m not saying change is always bad, but it’s important to understand how one decision can lead to another, often in ways we didn’t expect. It’s like that time I let my kids have ice cream for breakfast (don’t judge me, it was a rough morning!). Before I knew it, they were arguing that cookies should count as a vegetable!

Consequences of Inaction

Now, you might be thinking, “Well, what’s the big deal if I don’t get involved?” Let me tell you, the consequences of sitting on the sidelines can be pretty significant. Take what happened at William Paterson University, for instance. (describe what happened). The changes there caught a lot of people off guard, and by the time they realized what was happening, it was too late to have much of an impact.

Or consider the changes to Los Angeles’ seal. The Christian references on the seal were removed and pagan references added to it. It might seem like a small thing, but symbols matter. They reflect our values and our history. When we’re not paying attention, even these seemingly minor changes can shift the cultural landscape in big ways.

I’ll admit, there have been times when I’ve felt overwhelmed by it all and thought, “What difference can I really make?” But then I remember that every big change starts with small actions. We can’t afford to be apathetic – there’s just too much at stake.

The Biblical Mandate for Political Engagement

Now, I know some folks might say, “But should Christians really be involved in politics?” Well, let’s look at what the Bible has to say about that. It’s packed with examples of godly people who were right in the thick of political life.

Think about Joseph – he wasn’t just dabbling in Egyptian politics, he was running the show! And Nehemiah? He used his political position to rebuild Jerusalem. Then there’s Daniel, who served in the courts of several kings, always staying true to his faith while navigating complex political situations.

These weren’t just people who happened to stumble into politics. They were actively engaged, using their positions to make a real difference. It makes me wonder – what might God be calling us to do in our own political context?

Esther’s Example: Courage in the Face of Danger

One of my favorite examples of political courage in the Bible is Esther. Talk about a high-stakes situation! Here she was, a young woman suddenly thrust into a position of influence, facing a literal life-or-death decision.

I can’t help but imagine how terrified she must have been. I get nervous just speaking up at a PTA meeting! But Esther knew that her people’s lives were on the line. She chose to act, even though it was risky.

Her uncle Mordecai’s words always give me chills: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” It makes me wonder – what if we’re in our positions, right here and now, for a similar reason?

The question we should be asking pastors is: What part of Elijah, Elisha, Samuel and John the Baptist’s roles are not part of their roles?

Addressing Common Objections to Political Involvement

Now, I’ve heard all sorts of reasons why Christians shouldn’t get involved in politics. Maybe you’ve heard them too – or even said them yourself. One common one is, “You can’t legislate morality.” Or how about, “Laws can’t change people’s hearts.”

I get where these arguments are coming from, I really do. But here’s the thing – while it’s true that laws alone can’t change hearts, they do shape culture. And culture, in turn, influences how people think and act. And the kids that grow up in that culture have their hearts changed. Just ask youself how many adults in 1974 thought abortion was OK. Now ask yourself how many adults in 1994 thought abortion was OK? What changed in that time? You might think it was the culture first then the laws, but the timeline shows it was the laws first. Which is why those who fought to change the abortion laws didn’t care about changing the laws through the legislature. They changed the laws by forcing it on us through the Supreme Court.

Think about it this way: laws are like the guardrails on a highway. They can’t force people to be good drivers, but they can help prevent accidents and guide people in the right direction.

The Role of Christians in Modern Politics

So, what does this mean for us today? I believe it’s a call to action. We need Christians who are willing to step up and get involved in the political process. That might mean supporting godly leaders who share our values. Or it might mean becoming those leaders ourselves.

I’m not saying everyone needs to run for office (though if that’s your calling, go for it!). But we can must do something. Maybe it’s as simple as staying informed about local issues and writing to your representatives and voting. Or better, volunteer for a campaign to help a Godly person get elected.

The key is to be engaged, to be salt and light in our communities. We have the opportunity to influence laws and culture in positive ways. Isn’t that exciting?

The Urgency of Action

Friends, we’re living in challenging times. It’s easy to feel discouraged or to think that our voice doesn’t matter. But remember Esther – one person’s courage changed the course of history for an entire nation.

We can’t afford to remain silent or passive, especially when we see moral and cultural decline around us. Each of us has a part to play in shaping our society. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get involved. Whether it’s through prayer, voting, volunteering, or running for office, every action counts. In later posts we will show not only that Jesus was involved in politics but also how if it weren’t for Christians involved in politics, gladiatorial combat, child prostitution, and thousands of other horrific practices like throwing widows on their deceases husband’s funeral pyre would still be legal.

Who knows? Maybe you’re reading this “for such a time as this.” The time to act is now. Are you ready to make a difference?