Should a Church Care About Political Issues?
By David Ax
Editor’s note: It seems almost redundant to ask, especially considering current events in the world which without a biblical perspective can squash hope, but that’s why the question and the column below by Pastor David Ax is so important. It must be asked and discussed.
There are too many people needing a place to go for answers of ALL kinds — even answers for questions about politics.
Should a church care about political issues?
Since the Bible is the foundation for everything a Christian should do, let’s look at what the Bible says.
God’s Word instructs followers of Christ to be salt and light, a description that suggests Christians should live a life that is visible and influential. The Bible stresses that those would who walk with Jesus, live in the world but that they should not assimilate into the ways of the world.
Early, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught and encouraged His followers to be heard. Jesus made the simple but profound statement that a light hidden under a basket would fail to help those in the house. Also, that it is absurd to try and hide a city that is set upon a hill. Jesus told His disciples that the things which they learned in secret were supposed to be shouted from the rooftops, or into the public places of thought and ideas. (Matthew 10:27)
Dear Christian, if the word “politics” causes you to cringe, consider the word “policies.” If you had a chance to help shape the policies that influence our communities and shape the minds of our kids, don’t you think that God would want you to be involved?
Yes, it is true, righteousness is not always a unifying idea, especially when it is presented to an unrighteous world.
Does that mean we shy away from entering the public arena? Most certainly not. Jesus knew that what He said and what His kingdom stands for would not always be received with joy and gladness. He knew that His message could, and even would, bring division rather than peace. (Matthew 5:10 and 10:34)
Make no mistake, God’s desire is that none would perish but that all would come to repentance and everlasting life. However, in the end, He will separate the saved from the unsaved.
Lastly, and perhaps one of the more sobering thoughts: Assume for a moment that there were positions of power that allowed someone to have direct influence over humanity. Don’t you think Satan would love to fill those positions with those who would do his bidding? If those who stand for righteousness will not watch over the people, evil will take control of them. As it has been said before:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
So, should a church care about political issues? It is not that they should, it is that they must.
Dear church, do not hide your light under the basket. It does not do any good for anyone. Do not try to hide the city on a hill. It is absurd to do so. Rather, speak the TRUTH in love.
If you name the name of Christ, I am praying for you. May the Lord grant you a compassionate heart and an uncompromising voice. Shine as a light dear saint. Shout it from the rooftops.
David Ax is a husband, dad, and pastor. He is the lead pastor at Calvary Chapel Star in Idaho.
Watch David Ax’s Israel Forever message given during a Sunday sermon here: Israel Forever.