Last week I addressed the topic whether we as believers should be involved in politics -- and the answer was absolutely. It is our duty as citizens of our country of residence, and a responsibility to represent our country and Heaven (Kingdom of God) we have pledged allegiance to. Jesus stated that we should be the light of the world and that the light should not hide. He stated that we should be set on a hill to demonstrate to the world the attributes and benefits of the Kingdom. The Bible also reminds us that the nation rejoices when the righteous are in power. How can the righteous be in power or influence policies if they decide to remain separated and hidden?
We may be separated in thinking, behavior and conduct, but we cannot disappear, as the world needs righteous influence and input. If we sit on the sidelines and allow policies to be enacted that negatively affect ourselves and our fellow citizens, then we become guilty of negligence and even complicity. The church stayed on the sidelines in Germany and Italy while brutal dictators ruined the lives of many. We cannot afford to stay on the sidelines.
Many people do not realize that Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were all governors in Babylon. They were a part of the political establishment. They were in the world of Babylon, but not from or of Babylon. They knew how to function in Babylon for the sake of the country, but they did not share much of the Babylonian philosophy. They assisted the king in causing positive change in government although they did not share a similar philosophy. They used their position to further a righteous agenda even though they did not have ultimate power in the kingdom. They were in the system but not of the system. They represented the Kingdom of God in their positions, carrying out both their civic duties and their duties as representatives of the Kingdom of God.
I believe the question then is not if we should be involved, but how should we be involved? With the issue of involvement settled the next question is how should we be involved? Involvement in politics and governance requires great skill and wisdom. Jesus gave an example of these when asked by the Pharisees about paying taxes. He said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's." Here are what I believe to be the critical components in determining our involvement.
Active involvement of a pastor, priest, or a Christian church leader
It is difficult for a pastor or priest to be actively involved in terms of running for office. In most cases, I believe it is not appropriate for a pastor or priest to run for political office, although there may be some exceptions in extreme circumstances. Every church has members who have various party affiliations and public alignment with a party, and I believe it is best for the pastor or priest to take a position on issues of concern based upon a "kingdom" perspective and allow each member to follow their conscience. As leader and under shepherd, the most important thing is to give scripturally-based advice when there is a clear scriptural position, regardless of the position of any political party because the pastor or priest's first allegiance is to the Kingdom of God and not local or regional governments.
Active involvement of officers, members and other leaders
Other than the pastor or assistant pastor(s) I believe members should be encouraged to participate in the political process on all levels. This includes running for office on the local, regional and national levels. From the school board, to local government, to Parliament, believers who have a desire to contribute to good governance should absolutely step forward to serve as others have from the beginning of time. We must be reminded that politics is not just running for office. The definition below highlights how politics affects our lives, and why we should be involved to insure righteous influence is felt and in a position to affect policies for good.
Definition of politics
Politics (from Greek: politikos, definition "of, for, or relating to citizens") is the process of making uniform decisions applying to all members of a group. It also involves the use of power by one person to affect the behavior of another person. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance -- organized control over a human community, particularly a state. Furthermore, politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given community (a usually hierarchically organized population) as well as the interrelationship(s) between communities.
In addition to the involvement noted above we should all vote, even if we feel the candidates are not the best. If we are disappointed with current candidates vying for office we should either offer ourselves, or back the candidates we feel best represent our views. As an ambassador for the Kingdom of God our job is to represent the policies of our government in any way possible.
Key points on Christians (church) and politics
o We must first understand the definition of politics.
o We are in the world, and decisions affect us, so we must have a voice and make a contribution.
o Isolation and leaving decisions to politicians without our input is irresponsible.
o We are expected to act as ambassadors, and ambassadors represent the views and policies of their country regardless of which country they reside in.
We have established that we should be involved and the key points of how to be involved, so the next step is to determine the most basic level of involvement, which is voting. How do we determine whom to vote for?
Evaluating and selecting elected officials (politicians and candidates)
o Determine what the candidates' personal philosophy and beliefs are beyond what his/her party says (their position) on the issues.
o Have they (politician and party) delivered on their last promises, if not, why?
o What is their position on moral, social or spiritual issues, and are their positions compatible with yours?
o Measure their words or plans against stated objectives and actual accomplishments. (Make sure and record/document promises for future comparison.)
o Did they live up to their word? If not, ask why, and take note before allowing them the opportunity to give another word.
o Are they transparent? Can you get a straight honest answer, or do they ask you to trust them while not giving you the information you requested?
o Do they purposefully withhold information?
o What is their track record in leadership -- have they been decisive and true to their word?
o Do their policies make your life better in the short or long-term?
o Have their current policies negatively impacted you?
o What are their convictions, and do theirs line up with yours? Ask very specific questions; for example, 'Do you believe in ...?'
o Do they know how to prioritize (place most important items as the focus of their agenda)?
oHave they outlined a vision with specific plans that they can be judged on when in office?
oDo critics and opposition parties present a viable alternative that is documented, and which they can be judged by and evaluated upon? (Every potential leader should have a written vision.)
o Pastor Dave Burrows is the senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International.
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