Christians and Politics
I hope it doesn’t shock you to hear this, but the upcoming election isn’t “the most important in American history.” I’ve heard that claim now for at least the last five elections, and the world hasn’t ended yet. Is it an important election? Of course. They all are. But regardless of the outcome, the world won’t change in the way you hope it will. The Kingdom of God isn’t going to manifest through an election, a candidate, or a piece of legislation.
It's political heresy to say it, but the WAY you conduct yourself during a contentious election season is as important as who you vote for—that is, if you believe the things Jesus said about how his followers should behave. I offer this “Christian Voter Guide” as solid advice about how we Jesus-lovers should act in divisive times.
Read and reflect. Then, go out and vote like a Christian.
If you want to hear more about Christianity and politics, that’s the subject of my sermon this coming Sunday. I hope to see you in church!
Pastor Vann
Christian Voter Guide
By Brian Zahnd, Lead Pastor
Word of Life Church, St. Joseph, Missouri
1. The political process, while necessary, has little to do with how God is saving the world.
2. The fate of the Kingdom of God does not depend upon political contests.
3. Don’t be naïve; political parties are more interested in Christian votes than they are in Christian values.
4. The bottom line for political parties is power. The bottom line for a Christian is love. Therein lies the rub.
5. While in pursuit of the Ring of Power, you may not abandon the Sermon on the Mount.
6. If your political passion makes it hard for you to love your neighbor as yourself, you need to turn it down a notch.
7. Your task is to bring the salt of Christian civility to an ugly and acrimonious political process.
8. To dismember the body of Christ over politics is a grievous sin.
9. Exercise your liberty to vote your conscience and conviction while accepting that other Christians will do the same and vote differently than you.
10. It’s more important for your soul to be filled with love than for your political team to win the game.
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