1. Join A Church.
The most powerful political action a Christian can take is to be an active member of a local church. By immersing ourselves in the life of the congregation, we learn and model Christ-like behavior. This authentic witness is essential for both the growth of believers and the attraction of non-believers. The church is where we are equipped and empowered to live out our faith in the public square, starting with our homes and communities. Ultimately, joining a church is about becoming part of a community that reflects Jesus to the world.
2. Fear God And Get Wisdom.
True Christian leadership requires a profound fear of God, not man. This fear fosters wisdom and enables long-term, principled decision-making, even at significant personal cost. Unlike many modern leaders who prioritize short-term gains and popularity, those who genuinely fear God are willing to challenge power and uphold biblical truth. The Confessing Church's courageous stand against Nazism exemplifies this, serving as a powerful reminder for Christians today to prioritize their allegiance to Christ over earthly kingdoms.
3. Obey And Honor The Government.
The Bible mandates respect for governing authorities, exemplified by figures like Joseph, Daniel, and Paul. While Christians are called to obey the law, they must also discern when a government oversteps its boundaries. As illustrated by a government employee who adhered to congressional law, Christians should be models of civic obedience and uphold the rule of law. This commitment to responsible citizenship aligns with Martin Luther's assertion that Christians make exemplary leaders and citizens.
4. Make Use Of Whatever Political Stewardship You Have.
Christians have a dual responsibility to obey and participate in government. This includes utilizing any influence or position to promote justice and uphold the rule of law, as outlined in Genesis 9:5-6. While not advocating for direct lawmaking, Christians should leverage their citizenship to positively impact society. This responsibility extends to all, regardless of social status or political power. Voting is a crucial aspect of civic engagement and a reflection of Christian love for neighbor. Therefore, apathy towards government is incompatible with Christian faith.
5. Know Your Political Culture’s Supreme Values (Or Idols) And Look For Common Ground.
American culture prioritizes freedom above all else, often at the expense of other values like justice. Both political parties strategically employ the concept of freedom to advance their agendas. This emphasis on freedom creates challenges for Christians who seek to promote justice in the public square. Balancing the pursuit of common ground with the need to challenge cultural idolatry requires wisdom and discernment. Christians must carefully consider the potential consequences of their arguments and avoid inadvertently reinforcing harmful cultural values.
6. Be A “Principled Pragmatist” In Your Public-Square Arguments.
Christians should approach political engagement with a principled pragmatism. Grounded in biblical truth, they must strategically employ persuasive arguments to advance justice. This involves understanding and potentially utilizing elements from various political ideologies while maintaining a firm foundation in Scripture. Effective communication, respectful dialogue, and a willingness to cooperate with others who share common goals are essential for achieving positive change. Ultimately, the aim is to influence policy and culture in ways that reflect God's heart for justice and compassion.
7. Be Willing To Invoke God In Your Arguments.
There are challenges that come with engaging in a public square where people hold different religious and moral beliefs. Christians often resort to common-ground arguments like appealing to conscience, natural law, or statistics to persuade others. However, these approaches can be ineffective because they ultimately rely on individual consent and fail to address deeper convictions. Instead, a "Polycarp approach," which involves openly acknowledging one's religious beliefs and asserting them in the public square can be effective. This approach, while risky, can lead to more honest and productive conversations. Ultimately, Christians should not shy away from openly expressing their faith in the public square while also being willing to engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different beliefs.
8. Practice Convictional Kindness.
Effective public engagement requires a balance of conviction and kindness. By embodying Christian values like humility, gentleness, and open-mindedness, we can foster respectful dialogue. It's essential to represent opposing viewpoints fairly and to be receptive to alternative perspectives. This approach not only strengthens our own arguments but also builds bridges with those who disagree, creating opportunities for meaningful conversation and potential common ground.
9. Do Not Attribute Your Interpretation Of Historical Events To Providence.
Christians should exercise caution when attributing specific events to God's direct intervention. History is complex, and often multiple factors contribute to outcomes. By claiming exclusive knowledge of God's plans, we risk committing idolatry, projecting our own desires onto the divine. It's essential to humbly acknowledge the limitations of human understanding and to avoid reducing God's actions to simplistic narratives that align with our personal or political agendas.
10. Know Your Own Party’s Strengths, Weaknesses, And Idolatrous Trajectories.
Christians should approach political parties with discernment. While both major parties hold some biblical values, they also exhibit concerning tendencies. Rather than blindly following a party line, believers should critically evaluate their party's strengths and weaknesses. By understanding the potential idols within each party, Christians can engage in the political process as ambassadors for Christ, seeking to influence their party towards justice while maintaining unity with fellow believers across the aisle.
11. Be Prepared On Occasion To Disobey The State.
Christians may face situations where obedience to government conflicts with obedience to God. While typically respecting governing authorities, believers must prioritize God's commands. This could involve civil disobedience in extreme cases of governmental oppression. However, such actions require careful consideration of potential consequences and the possibility of establishing a more just government afterward. Ultimately, Christians are accountable to God for their choices, and wisdom and discernment are crucial when navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
12. Pray For Government.
The power of prayer in shaping world events cannot be underestimated. While complex factors contribute to societal changes, the consistent prayers of God's people play a vital role in influencing outcomes. Christians should pray fervently for both just and unjust leaders, recognizing that their prayers have the potential to impact nations and bring about positive change.