Scripture: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against
her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." - Matthew 10:34-36 (KJV)
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For fifty years, believers have wrestled with the question of how involved the church should be in politics. This debate has intensified dramatically in recent years as political tensions have reached levels not seen since before World War II, the Great Depression, or even the Civil War. The question seems to divide Christians into different camps: those who believe we should focus solely on the gospel, and those who believe we must actively voice our beliefs in the public square.
Yet as I sat on my front porch contemplating this age-old question, a profound realization struck me:
Jesus is politics.
This isn't to say that Jesus belonged to a political party or endorsed specific candidates. Rather, it means that wherever Jesus shows up—in any time, place, or circumstance—everything changes. From the moment of His birth until His ascension into heaven, and continuing today, His very presence transforms the political, social, spiritual, emotional, and psychological realms around Him.
Jesus Himself acknowledged this reality when He said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." He knew that His presence would divide families, set parents against children, and create conflict simply because His truth is so radical that it disrupts the status quo of the world around us.
The question isn't whether Christians should be involved in politics—we already are, simply by existing as followers of Christ. When we live out our faith authentically, we inevitably affect the world around us. Our values, our compassion, our commitment to truth and justice naturally influence the political landscape, whether we intend it or not.
The Real Question
The real question isn't whether we should be involved, but how effectively we're living out our faith. If we're truly following Christ, we will be making a difference in our communities, our nation, and our world. This doesn't mean we must have an opinion on every political issue, but it does mean we cannot retreat entirely from the public square.
There are battles being fought over religious freedom, with Christian ministries being silenced and believers being told we have no right to have a voice at the table. In such times, our very presence as Christians is a political act—an act of resistance against a culture that increasingly rejects biblical truth.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, help me to understand that my faith is not a private matter that can be compartmentalized away from the world around me. Give me wisdom to know when and how to engage in the political realm, always with love, truth, and grace. May my life be so transformed by Your presence that it naturally influences everything I touch. Help me to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Reflection Questions
1. How has your faith influenced your views on current political issues?
2. In what ways can you be "salt and light" in your community without compromising the gospel?
3. How do you balance speaking truth with showing Christ's love to those who disagree with you?
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Remember: We are not called to bring peace but transformation. Wherever Christ dwells, change follows.
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