Why should Christians and other people of faith get involved in politics? What has politics got to do with God? The simple answer is that God has instructed Christians to love their neighbours as themselves and part of doing that faithfully is to take what opportunities are given to make public policies reflect what God has taught us leads to the felicitous benefit for all of our society. That is reflected in choosing good people to be leaders and wise people to counsel on laws that reflect the counsel of our creator.
What’s God’s purpose for the kind of laws He makes? Jeremiah 29:11 makes it plain in God’s own words: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The one we vote for may not necessarily be a religious person but they must be a righteous person seeking the good of others and whose heart hears the ring of truth in the ways of God.
Good government consists of a social contract in which the leaders are clearly demonstrating that what they do is for the benefit of all of their citizens. Paul, the apostle explains to the church how this contract works.
Romans 13:1-7 New International Version
Submission to Governing Authorities 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
As we come to the election I suggest we look at the candidates in terms of what the bible suggests is their job. They are not the supreme authority – they too will answer to God but we need them to answer to us as well so they do their task of leading the nation in a way that brings blessing. Paul reminds them that authority is given by God but it is not to do as they please but to see there is fairness, justice and truth. Examine our candidates and vote for those who you believe are in step with the plans of God to see our land blessed by the laws and policies they propose , the taxes placed on us and the way they speak of others.