Joel Hendon

Should Christians Involve Themselves In Political Campaigns?


Posted: Wednesday, February 01, 2012

by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html

Sometimes it is disheartening to read remarks of atheists, agnostics and skeptics when they speak of Christians and politics. I understand that they would be elated if we didn’t even vote. I would also be happy if they didn’t. They dislike our philosophies, and we dislike theirs. But what about a Christian’s role or obligation in the political arena? There is much that is expected of Christians. The Holy Bible instructs us in the things we must do if we are going to be pleasing to God.

We have a dual citizenship, we are citizens of our nation on earth as well as being citizens of the kingdom of God. Our allegiance is required of both, although our primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God. Here are some scriptures which show our obligations to our citizenships.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20 NKJV)

After the Jewish leaders had ordered Peter and his associates not to speak any longer on behalf of Jesus Christ, Peter made this response:

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 KJV) (Some versions use the word ‘must’ where ‘ought’ is used, such as the New Revised Standard Version)

Even though it is specifically shown that God’s laws must supercede the laws of man, we are firmly instructed to obey the laws of the land, unless they require the breaking of God’s laws or are not compatible with them.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)

And still another, this one by Paul as he addresses the church in Rome:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (Romans 13:1-6 KJV)

So many seem to feel that even though we are required to obey the laws of the land unless they would cause us to break God’s laws, we still should not let our religion influence our vote or preferences in elections. That very idea is absurd. First, because we can see from the above, God rules as to what government we have. And, since he has given us a free republic, which is supposed to be by the people, we are thereby empowered by God to participate in the selection of those who will rule closest to his own wishes. And in fact, we are given the watch care over his choice and thereby we become stewards of that government and must do everything possible to ensure it does not depart from God’s laws, in so far as we are able.

So rather than not being allowed to vote or being afraid to vote, we have the obligation to carefully vet each candidate and assist in any way we can to elect the one who will protect God’s people and his laws. Which includes our vote and every effort to influence others. This is what a democracy is all about, to choose leaders who try to follow God’s methods of governance.

When evil men become more plentiful than Godly people, our rulers will lead this nation in the wrong paths and such a nation cannot long stand. This has been shown from one empire to another in history.
Author Biography: Joel Hendon was born near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He has an extensive website of conservative religious and political articles.http://hebronics.org/index.html

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