Are Christians not to be political?

[Kristin]

I pray for some people just because I looked at them. 

[missmuffet]

Question: "How should a Christian view politics?"

Answer: If there is anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics—even among believers. As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that “religion and politics don’t mix.” But is that really true? Can we have political views outside the considerations of our Christian faith? The answer is no, we cannot. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance towards politics and government.
The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). A clear understanding of this truth will help us to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Second, we must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us! Only God can. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles expending any time or energy schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire’s unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, the apostles commanded the first-century Christians, as well as us today, to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel’s transforming power.

There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1–8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.

One of Satan’s grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.

The church’s unique, God-given purpose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.

Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honor, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).

Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-politics.html

 

Edited February 9, 2020 by missmuffet

[Yeshua153]

We are in the world, but not of the world. I believe in Theocracy, God at the helm, guided by His Word. Democracy can be defined from Greek - damos - a division of the people, & kratein - to rule by kratos - strength - govt rule by the ruled. 

Eve began a democracy, they began to rule themselves, 'of the people, by the people, for the people'. I never vote, & never agree with any politician, & basically do not put my trust in anybody, except Christ.

[Neighbor]

10 hours ago, Margo1945 said:

you will lose the pounds more quickly and more assuredly IF you get out and play hockey instead of being a couch potato watching it while sipping and nibbling .. lol .. 

  LOL - Yep something about living in the subtropics makes it hard to get a good pickup hockey game going.  Somehow street hockey is not the same.

I gave up  hockey "centuries" ago when I tore ligaments in both knees,  skateboarding when I broke my wrist in a fall, waterskiing when I broke my lower back.  - Took up flying a catamaran, dang if I didn't get hit by lightning. So I took up kayaking the rivers here for some easier exercise. It is not true that the gators do not feed at midday. Pesky critters.

Now a days, at best it is a tread mill, "silver sneakers" Medicare membership card, and a gym. Well there is Pickle Ball I suppose. Really old old people play pickle ball,- have no idea why. 

I'd play tennis some, but I used up the last of my tennis balls on my walker. I even gave up golf because the chiropractic bill was getting out of hand. 

But hey, it is all a grand privilege just being around to see the very young play and starting out in life's adventures as they dream of one day being tops in their own sports choices. Sluuurp, - Ah protein drink powder in my morning coffee. Not a flavor nor texture for everyone's palate. 

Anyway, protein powder aside, I have a new appreciation for praying for one's adversaries in this world. God does answer prayer. how wonderful to read in the news the revivals occurring where once people were unaware and lost! The political landscape is ever changing as God moves, just as He has told us in His word. This is the time of the signs.

 

 

[enoob57]

Col 3:1-17

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
KJV
I don't see this man fitting in the political arena

[BibleStudent100]

16 hours ago, Kristin said:

My question is are Christians ordered to not be political?  Does policy affect Christianity?  Where is the line?  I know we trust God, but a quick look at society today is alarming. 

Instead of participating in the politics of his day, Jesus focused on preaching about God’s Kingdom, the future heavenly government of which he was the prospective King. (Daniel 7:13, 14; Luke 4:43; 17:20, 21) Thus, when before Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, Jesus could say: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) His faithful followers imitate his example by giving their loyalty to Christ and his Kingdom and by announcing that Kingdom to the world. (Matthew 24:14) 

Christians are part of an international brotherhood. (Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 2:9) Thus, if we were to rally to the side of local political parties, both our freeness of speech in regard to the Kingdom message and our Christian unity would be severely compromised. (1 Corinthians 1:10) Furthermore, during war time, we would be fighting against fellow believers, whom we are commanded to love. (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:10-12) With good reason, then, Jesus told his disciples to lay down the sword; he even told them to love their enemies.—Matthew 5:44; 26:52
 

[ReneeIW]

15 hours ago, Kristin said:

I’m very horrified at the swamp of our elected officials. I want justice. I’m in a position to insist upon it. Should I? 

It sounds like you are eager to get involved and pursuing justice sounds like a godly endeavor. 

If you have time, you should do a quick study on the word “justice” in the Old Testament.There are lots of scriptures about justice and reading over them may  inspire you and help you to make a decision about whether or not you want to “insist upon it.”

Edited February 9, 2020 by ReneeIW

[Kristin]

@missmuffetthe big deception is of Satan. He blinds the masses. Let’s pray. 

[Kristin]

@ReneeIW 

I repent of saying I insist upon justice. I’m in no position. Let’s pray. 

[Neighbor]

8 hours ago, Margo1945 said:

IF we submit ourselves to doing His Will .. we need to fully appreciate and be grateful for the great privilege such is

Hi Thanks for your posting. Yep humor is a vital ingredient in life.

I especially took note of your concluding statement. It hit me this morning too; as our Sunday School class is in Zechariah the passages at  3:6  just jumped out, with it's if -then format; and then at 4:6 "Not by" might nor power but by MY Spirit.