There is division among Christians when it comes to political affiliation and involvement in American politics. Political party leaning tends to align with Christian doctrinal view. Why does this matter? It matters because Christians are basing their worldview and influence on the world based on what they believe Scripture to say. Instead of believing Scripture to say one thing or another, we should be studying God's Word for context to see what He actually has to say.
Progressive Christians believe that Christianity evolves as society evolves, and thus, they accept more left-leaning views, such as supporting abortion and the LGBTQ+ community. God (Malachi 3:6) nor His Word (Isaiah 40:8) ever change, and thus do not progress with society. The other side of the spectrum, fundamental Christians, who tend to be more right-leaning, can take Scripture out of context too by treating members of the LGBTQ+ community with hate and telling them they HOPE they go to hell. Although righteous anger exists because God considers homosexuality to be a sin and we should not celebrate sin, we are also called not to hate and to wish people to go to hell. The key here is that either side taking Scripture out of context is extremely dangerous.
If we go to the very beginning in Genesis 3, we can see the effect of twisting God's Word even in the slightest. If you don't know the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent, then I recommend taking a few minutes to read it before continuing. Nevertheless, I will give a small summary. Because Eve was not secure in what God said, she was deceived by the serpent (Satan). It was not a large deviation from God's Word, it was the tiniest twist of it that deceived Eve.
Why is it important to know God's Word completely and in context? Too many preachers are distorting Scripture, misleading people to believe a false Gospel. As a result, we see people taking passages of Scripture and twisting it to fit their own narratives and to justify living in sin. They're believing in a "Jesus" and "God" that has been created with human interpretation and does not reflect the true ones in Scripture.
How does this relate to politics? Christians are called to rely on God's Holy Word and principles to show us how to live our lives. Scripture should be the lens we view all in this world, our foundation for determining right or wrong. As Americans, we should thus choose political candidates by choosing who most supports policies and law that correlate with and follow God's Word. We should be vigilant in studying Scripture to know how Scripture would handle social issues. What do you want your tax money going to support?
Then, when we are knowledgeable of what God's Word supports, we should take a stand for these issues. Personally, I am a large advocate against abortion and for standing for being pro life. This is just a single example. You don't need to go out and protest per se, rather there are so many different ways to take a stand for biblical truth in America. You can talk to friends and family, write a blog, make Youtube videos, volunteer, etc. You may think that your voice is drowned out, especially as a Christian in a secular world that goes against God, but many individual voices together can make a difference. Stick to the facts and not feelings.
At the center of our advocacy should always be the Gospel. First and foremost, we are called to go and share the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). When promoting Christ-centered, Scripture-based policies for America, the Good News of the gospel should always be the focal point. When people understand the gospel and the "why" behind why we Christians live a certain way, they will be more apt to accepting Christ and to follow and support the principles too. Living in today's America, a divided one, Christians must take up their civic duty to bring Christ back into this nation.
Further, not only as Christians must we keep in mind Scripture-centeredness when we share the biblical principals we stand for and in deciding who to support, but we also must use Scripture-based discernment when taking in any information. We must remember to be like the Bereans, who did not just accept any information given to them as is, but did their own research, using Scripture, to check the information for themselves. The context of Acts 17 is relating to listening to preachers (which is most important), but the same level of discernment is important for all areas of life, especially involving anything that will affect our lives (1 John 4:1). Even when it comes to this article or anything else that I put out, I always encourage you to check my work and do research yourself. When we ask God for guidance, wisdom, and discernment, He will give it to us (James 1:5).
Ephesians 5:6-10 says: "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
We must actively be using critical, logical, and independent thinking when taking in any information or suggestion to make sure it lines up with God's Word on how we should live and take care of our bodies. We want to be in the world and not of the world, and be very careful not to fall for any twisting that would cause us to fall into sin, harm, or deceit. The world will justify sin, especially in policy, law, and norm, and tries to make the line blurry that is always clear-cut. The path is straight and narrow for us believers (Matthew 7:14).
Don't let anyone tell you that Christians should not get involved in politics. We may not belong to this world and may be citizens of heaven, but we need to show this world the light, Jesus. Christians need to be involved to enact policy that reflect and honors God. We need Christians who will stand up and fight for our freedom to read the Bible, to make choices to follow God's Word, and to share the Gospel. All glory goes to God, and it is always Him who works through us. Therefore, if you think you would be the least qualified to make even a small impact, God qualifies and equips those He uses to further the Kingdom.
By: Bible and Hot Cocoa (IG: @bibleandhotcocoa)
Jules is the founder of Bible and Hot Cocoa. She is a law student with a passion for standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves, such as unborn babies, and for connecting families through adoption. In any free time, she loves to read (Victorian lit is her favorite), study theology, write, and draw or paint. Jules's favorite book of the Bible would have to be a tie among John, Psalms, and Romans (as of now), and her favorite figure besides Jesus is King David or Paul.
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