Should A Christian Serve In Politics?

Many years ago, I participated in a Bible Study where the leader implored those of us in attendance that a Christian had absolutely no business in running for public office, or serving in government, or participating in way in the political world. In his view, to do any of these things would border on apostacy! I never asked him the reason for his animus toward this form of public service, so I can only speculate that he believed politics and public service created an almost perfect storm for compromise of Christian conviction and perhaps a fatal attraction for corruption. I also believe that he saw the secular world as beyond improving with any effort to do so merely a waste of a Christian’s time. In summary, he surely believed that no committed Christian could ever be called by God for such an occupation. I must admit that, at the time, I strongly disagreed and was offended by his rather cynical and broad-brush denunciation of Christians serving in the political realm. But with that said and the passage of several years, I cannot categorically dismiss his viewpoint and believe it makes sense to discuss the risks and benefits of Christians serving in the political realm. So here we go!

Benefits of Political Service. Growing up in rural southern Indiana, my mother’s work as a court reporter for a Circuit Court Judge kindled my interest in being a lawyer and participation in politics as I worked diligently in the Judge’s successful reelection campaign. I received many compliments for my volunteer efforts and seriously considered public service. While I received a good deal of encouragement and affirmation from family and friends for my desire to become a lawyer, I received very little encouragement for my interest in public service. Comments such as “you can surely do better than that”, “you will be forced to deal with unsavory individuals”, and “you will surely be required to compromise your Christian faith” diminished my interest in politics. My sense is that I am not alone in this experience. I believe there is an inconsistency and contradiction in the Evangelical Christian world regarding political service. On the one hand, there is a deep-seated desire for a Christian world view to be represented in the political realm, but a clear reluctance to participate or encourage others to participate in this work. But as the old country saying goes, “You can’t have it both ways”! I believe this wavering ambivalence in the Evangelical community regarding public service is disappointing and a particularly unfortunate development because sitting on the political sidelines greatly diminishes the opportunity to provide a Christian world view in the political realm. Let me pose the question a bit differently. Does anyone believe that Progressives advocating for the expansion of gambling, abortion, assisted suicide, and transgender medical procedures for young children will strongly oppose the election and participation of Christians in the political realm? I believe this question is not difficult to answer and Christians should take note.

Risks and Challenges for Political Service. It would be incredibly disingenuous for me to fail to acknowledge the challenges and even the risks associated for Christians who wish to participate in the political world. To say that American political culture is hostile to a Christian worldview is indeed an understatement. While this hostility to a Christian worldview is also largely the case with Corporate America and Higher Education, I believe it is especially the case in politics. A Christian has a very small margin for error in political service. In the world of smart phones and social media, a “hot mic moment” is always close at hand with “sharp knives” waiting in the wings. Christians who enter this realm must consistently pray for wisdom as in accordance with James 1:5 and also heed the counsel of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:10-12 to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God because the forces of evil will strongly oppose the things the Christian wishes to accomplish in public service. But this should really be no surprise to any self-aware Christian. The worldview clash is unmistakable.

A Christian Calling for Political Service. I am confident that my former Bible Study leader would turn over in his grave with the advice I would give to any Christian contemplating service in the political arena. My advice and counsel to any committed Christian who feels led by the Lord to serve in politics is to follow Jesus’ teaching in Luke 14:28 and thoughtfully consider the costs and challenges this service requires. The Christian should also prayerfully consider the gifts and talents God has provided the individual for this service, and the benefits this service could provide to society but even more importantly to the Kingdom of God. For any Christian who still feels led to pursue this service following this review, my advice is to press on and do not allow yourself to be dissuaded or discouraged by negative commentary from any source!   

God bless you and thank you for the privilege of your time in reading my blog.