By Norma Champion* Reprinted from Pentecostal Evangel, 8/27/95
November-December 1995 – Would you be pleased to help someone cut through government bureaucracy to solve a problem?
Would you find it gratifying to serve on a citizens’ task force to improve education?
Would you be excited to speak before a government committee on affordable housing or to legislators about the need for more restrictive abortion laws?
You can do these when you participate in the political process.
Some Christians do not take responsibility in civic affairs. Since the world is not God’s kingdom they reason that they do not have any responsibilities as citizens of it. Others think Christians should unite, take over the government, and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Somewhere between are those who believe it is the Christian’s responsibility to inject a Christian viewpoint and godly principles into public policy, while at the same time recognizing it is a system which must accommodate both Christian and nonChristian.
OUR TWO-WORLD CITIZENSHIP
To participate in politics, we need to understand the difference in God’s government and man’s. Christians are citizens of two worlds. We are under God’s governance, born into His kingdom. But God’s kingdom is not of this world, nor does it rely on political parties or public pressure to fulfill its purpose.
We are also citizens under a civil government. America’s political system reflects the godly principles of its founders – that has been its greatness. But we must not expect it to do the work of the church in promoting Christ’s purpose on earth. It is a secular government, designed to protect the rights of both the godly and the ungodly in a sinful world. God’s laws are unchanging, perfect, and we must obey them without compromise. A democracy’s laws, on the other hand, are based on persuasion and compromise between people who differ in fundamental ways.
THEN WHY GET INVOLVED?
This does not mean that believers have no role to play as citizens of this world. We must do what we can to see that godly principles are at work to secure justice, protect individual rights, and create an awareness of and a desire for God. Scripture also commands us to respect, honor, and pray for our government.
The most compelling reason to get involved is that Jesus instructed us to be visible – to “let [our] light so shine before men, that they will see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We do not need to feel inadequate. God will give us what we need to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17.) He will give wisdom and remove fear. (See James 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:7,8.)
A practical reason for getting involved is because it works. We have seen what can be done when believers speak out. Still, we must not confuse the talk of political candidates or the public attention to the religious agenda with real change. Change comes in the political realm when we are persuasive enough to influence a majority vote and to elect Christian legislators who actually do bring change in public policy.
CAN WE DO IT BETTER?
If we wish to be persuasive in bringing about political change, then we need to look closely at our motives and methods. Are we working to ensure justice and fairness for everyone or just for Christians? Do we fight for religious freedom, or only Christian freedom? How much time do we spend in the community actually helping solve problems of health care, poverty, and crime? In other words, are we more than political activists –are we good citizens and good neighbors? Is our “conversation full of grace and seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6, NIV)? Or is it inflammatory and ungracious such as, “A vote for that candidate is a sin against God”? Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, NIV).
If we intend to wage spiritual war, let’s do it with the tools God has given us – the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22;1 Corinthians 12:7.) These gifts are not just to edify the church, but to help us meet human needs.
CHRIST, OUR EXAMPLE
Political leaders are like everyone else. They are more apt to be persuaded by those with whom they spend time and come to know. Christ spent time with people just being their friend – so much so that religious leaders called Him a glutton and a drunkard and criticized Him for being a friend of sinners. (See Matthew 11:19.)
He taught us to guard against loving duty and principle more than we love people. This was the message in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Scripture tells us that “the entire law of God is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14, NIV).
A CITY ON A HILL
We can and must be part of our political process. We are to be salt and light, and “a city on a hill which cannot be hidden.” (See Matthew 5:14.) You obey and God will provide the opportunity 
* Norma Champion, Ph.D., is serving her second term in the Missouri State Legislature and is also professor of broadcasting at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri.
