Exposition:
This week, we will be focusing on Christianity and politics. It is common to hear, especially from young Pentecostals, statements such as “I’m just not interested in politics”, “Politics just aren’t my thing”, “No genuine Christian can be a politician’’, or “Politics is a dirty game”. These dismissive statements are often delivered with the notion that political engagement is inherently defiled, dirty, corrupt and thus getting involved in such an arena is unfit for those serious about the gospel.
However, it is not a position that Bible-believing, gospel-loving Christians can or should accept as congruent with Scripture. The gospel is a holistic message with implications for all areas of life, including how Christians engage in the political process. Christian witness in the public arena has a great impact on a nation’s values, moral and ethical issues. Christian withdrawal from politics and decision-making has great consequences which opens a moral vacuum that can disrupt the course of a nation as designated by God. Inevitably, politics affects government and decision making essential for the wellbeing of citizens. It also shapes society and influences culture.
Because of what the Bible teaches and the inevitability of its effect on our wellbeing, culture and
aspirations, Christians must care about politics and develop a positive attitude in actively participating in it. Christians are charged to share the good news and disciple others in the faith, and one fertile area of doing this is by being in critical positions to influence decision-making, like Joseph of Arimathea who was a prominent council member (Politician) influencing the decision of where Jesus should be buried.