How Should Christians View Politics?

My politics have changed dramatically over the years, from my conservative upbringing to my current position, it has been quite the journey for me. But my political views have become quite simple: I follow Jesus alone as my King. I’m a sojourner in this world. I pray for and work towards the well-fare of all. I pray and work towards community peace. I pray and respect my national leaders regardless of their politics or political party as I trust God to work these things out according to his will. I pray for justice and act justly in my community. But I don’t touch or put my hope in political power.

I can and have lived in nations under both communist rule and democratic order. In both systems, I obey the laws that don’t defy my King’s order, but I don’t entangle myself in the pursuit of political power because I believe it leads to sin.

Some will push back on this last point. Okay. I understand the counterarguments well. But, I would humbly ask them to find the Christians in our day who are active in politics and don’t break promises, defraud the public, commit slander, spread gossip, curse their opponents, or order violence against their enemies. Find the ones who don’t use their power to put their own interests above the people. In fact, as I observed the political landscape, even those who don’t hold political office, but who are merely outspoken or politically activist with their views often fall into these same sins. Every political season I watch my Christian friends on social media sharing and voicing hatred, slander, and outrage at their political enemies. And I’ve struggled with this myself whenever I’ve tried to wade into taking sides or trying to influence the outcome of political power for my own benefit. My conclusion is that these sins are inherent to the pursuit of political power in this world.

So, now I heed this prophetic warning:

Revelation 18:4 (CSB) — 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven: Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues.

As Christians, we were not told to rule this fallen world; we were told to be salt and light!

I’m a sojourner who awaits the return of my King.