The Hope of Christ in the Midst of Politics

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As we come to the second half of 2023 I find myself mentally preparing for the next major political cycle that will begin in 2024. A pastor friend of mine likes to joke that the political season is his “least favorite liturgical season.” Obviously, there are no official liturgical seasons oriented around politics or voting but the moral issues of our day seem to have been, for better or for worse, entirely co-opted by the political process, and as a result many leaders find themselves navigating the question of how, or whether to address political issues in the church.

I’ll say up front I have no easy answers except to say that I believe the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit is the best way to determine the path through that question. Even if a church leader determines that corporately engaged discussions around hot-button issues aren’t going to be productive for his or her particular community, that doesn’t mean we won’t be having potentially challenging one-on-one conversations with the people we disciple and shepherd. 

Personally, I’ve struggled deeply with how to have these types of conversations. My life has always been filled with people who hold all manner of religious, social and political perspectives, and while we may not have agreed on many important issues, I have always believed our lives were richer for knowing one another. It’s only been in the last few years I’ve encountered the strange idea that I should view someone with a different worldview than me as my enemy.

Even as I have observed some friends and acquaintances give themselves over to extreme social and political ideologies, (on both ends of the spectrum) and subsequently been rejected by them, the teachings of scripture do not allow me to rationalize retribution or hostility towards them, or anyone for that matter. Sometimes I withhold responses even at the expense of stating what is factual and correct if it seems that it will only escalate to conflict. As Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, “I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1Cor.  12: 31-13:1)

That being said, it's important to acknowledge that there is indeed a battle happening, but as scripture says– it is not “with flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) It’s likely that we’re all familiar with this passage of scripture where Paul exhorts followers of Christ to be wise about the Devil’s schemes, and defend themselves by putting on the full armor of God. 

According to Paul, God’s armor consists of truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the word of God, which cuts like a sword. I’ve come to understand as a person who prays the armor of God over myself daily, that this armor is as much for my spiritual formation as it is for my protection. If I am indeed to stand my ground in the face of the enemy and remain as a child of God I cannot simply know information about what God says is true and righteous but I must embody God’s truth. I must humble myself under his yoke of righteousness. I must wield the gospel as an instrument of peace, and not a weapon of division. And I must have faith in God and his goodness no matter how I am received. I must trust in my salvation, and apply the sword of God’s word to myself so that the light of my witness truly stands in contrast to the darkness of the Enemy.

This armor is not the suit of a conquering emperor, but rather the uniform of the divine medic which bears the beacon of the cross, and in it we search for those who are ready to be carried from the field of war for healing and reconciliation to the Father. It is there in the shadow of the cross and the light of the empty tomb that our minds and hearts are best ordered and renewed.This is true for all matters of human life. Political systems can be beneficial for the ordering and governing of people, but they are not where Christians should place their security or ultimate hope for a more righteous and ethical society. Hear me: I’m not saying Christians shouldn’t vote. Legislation may govern people’s behavior but it does not, and will never redeem or transform the human heart; and that is the priceless treasure for which God became human and suffered the humiliation of the cross.

Paul knows this and that is why even as he is held prisoner in Rome for his belief in the resurrection, and his hope in Christ he does not sit in his cell planning his most clever arguments, mobilizing activists, stewing over incorrect theology, or the misrepresentation of his actions. He simply says to the Ephesians, “and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6: 18 - 19) Paul knows that the most productive thing we can do is pray and that the only words worth speaking to those who disagree with him are the ones given by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. 

The same is true for us. As we engage the various civic processes of our cities and countries I pray we remain steadfast in the knowledge of our true hope in Christ, and that we will be courageous people who are always ready to give an accounting of the miraculous work of Jesus in our own lives. It is in this way, as it has always happened, we can change the world.