Should Christians Be Involved In The Political Process?
- By John Clardy
- Published 09/22/2008
Should
Christians Be Involved In The Political Process?
By John Clardy
1Peter 5:8-9 ALT (analytical-literal
translation)
(8) Be sober [or, Be clear-headed]; keep watch! Your
adversary [the] Devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking someone to
devour,
(9) whom you [are to] stand up against [or, resist],
[being] steadfast in the faith, knowing the same sufferings are being
experienced by your brotherhood [fig., the community of believers]
in [the] world.
Luke16:8 …for the children of this world are in their
generation wiser than the children of light.
Well, let me climb up on my soap box and expound a little.
Mr. XYZ began this discussion by saying:
“Who says God
cares about the election? Is it written in the bible? No, What God cares about
are our roles in seeking and leading the lost to our Savior. This is our
purpose in life, trivial things such as elections should not hinder our goal or
cause strife among us. The Lord is not pleased that some keep making Sarah
Palin up to be some kind of "hero." She is not the hero you are
wanting her to be. God's coming back for his children so our focus should not
be on petty Sarah Palin, Barrack Obama, or John McCain. Our focus should be on
Christ and what we can do to make sure we're ready on that Glorious Day.”
Following his comment there were a couple of replies that I
thought were very pertinent.
Reply #1 “I agree that being ready for the Rapture
is the most important thing. However, Jesus did say to occupy until He comes
back. And we will be held accountable for every action, decision, or vote that
we make or did not make.”
Reply #2 “Dear Mr. ******** (name omitted), Somehow you managed to be both right and
wrong in your thought. You are right in that God expects us to reach the lost
all over the world. It is our duty. You are wrong in describing the election of
our government as trivial. Where do you think the center of outreach to this
world comes from? right here in the freedom of religion enjoying USA. If it
were not for these freedoms we would not so diligently be reaching those lost
to our Savior. God uses this country and the people in it for this purpose. If
we stop paying attention to who's making the laws and who's eroding our
freedoms , well then our outreach will become hindered. And so will our ability
to reach the lost not only abroad , but here also. I'm afraid ignorance is not
bliss in matters as serious as these.”
Here is my reply:
“Dear
Sir, I am afraid that it is this type of thinking and lack of political action
and awareness that has brought our country to the place where it is now -
attacking marriage between a man and woman, destroying the sanctity of a
mother's womb, disregard for human life, a disdain for any display of public
faith and a plethora of other societal blights. Someone has rightly said that,
"Evil prevails when good men do nothing!"
You
can believe that satan is an aggressive, not passive, foe. He goes about
as a roaring lion, seeking who and what he may devour. The Bible also says that he is attempting to destroy
all he can in his wrath, knowing his time is short. The only defense against
him is an aggressive offense. This is includes, but is not limited to, speaking
out politically and voting for candidates that represent Christian virtues and
ideals the best.
It
is definitely true that we are supposed to seek and save the lost, but the way
that we do this is through witnessing. Standing up for truth! How does running
from political injustice, or ignoring the social issues show our faith? If
anything or anytime demands that we demonstrate our faith through our actions,
it is now. What kind of witness are we if we hide our heads in the sand and
pretend that these issues will just politely go away?
The
way to overcome evil is with good! Jesus said, “… let your light shine before
men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in
heaven.”
We
can make a difference! We can push back the darkness by allowing God's love to
shine through us! Every time we do an act of kindness, every time we encourage
a friend, every time we pray, every time we do what is right, and yes, every
time we vote for public servants that believe in Christian values, we are
uncovering the light and punching holes in the spiritual darkness that
surrounds us!”
I am not telling anyone who to vote
for in this coming election, but I am saying that as Christians, not only
should we be involved in America’s political process, it is our responsibility!
We, that have been brought out of darkness into light, must support and
vote for people that uphold the moral laws of God. Not because of a person’s
age, race, or gender.
This election will be historic either way it goes.
Become involved. Educate yourself about the issues and candidates. Pray
and ask God to give you wisdom. And for God’s sake, your sake and America’s
sake, exercise your right to vote. Don’t allow the children of this world
to be wiser than the children of Light!
Getting’ down off my soap box now!
Have a God day! God Bless You and God Bless America!
John Clardy
I am 47 years old, married to wife Vicki 27 years and have one daughter, Courtney, who is 22 years old. I am an ordained Pentecostal minister with over 30 years of ministry. My ministry motto encapsulates my philosophy of ministry - “Ministering To Serve, To Save and To Heal”. My passion is anointed, biblical and practical preaching and teaching that is relevant, realistic and exalts Jesus Christ! I am also an avid hunter, LSU football fan and St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan
Spread The Word
22 Responses to "Should Christians Be Involved In The Political Process?" 
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said this on 02 Oct 2009 9:38:06 PM EDT
Please forgive me for getting involved in this discussion if I should walk on any toes, but I think it is very important as a US citizen to vote and to call sin sin. but the thng that I see more and more these days that I find very offensive is those who think that their "new' religion is shoving thier political views down my throat and others. the bible is clear in that we are not to be engangled with the affairs of this world! When you spend more time sending out politcal junk mail to people then reaching out to them about Christ's love I feel that is a big problem! Yes we should get invloved when it comes to our moral issues but we do that by preaching the gospel not by "granstanding " for some individual that never did a rotten thing for you! There is only one person worth Grandstanding for and that is Jesus Christ, the one who laid down His life for all humanity! So you want to "soap box?" Soap box for him and get off all the politians, Maybe then we can turn this world upside down!
And like I said at the beginning if I offended you, I'm sorry! God Bless, go win a soul for Jesus! |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 10:38:52 AM EDT
You are right on the money. If Dr James Dobson would spend half us much time on getting a dead church in revival. We would not need to put our energies and be entangled with the affairs of this life. Its a sign of how people have left the truth and are out of touch with the deeper things of God. they think the arm of the christian flesh in government is more important than TRUE revival. The christian socalled church is dead spiritually but alive to government issues. They pray more for bills than revival. OK now I am off my soapbox.
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said this on 03 Oct 2009 7:43:39 AM EDT
It's all well and good as long as you don't get side tracked. His/our kingdom is NOT of this world...
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said this on 04 Oct 2009 1:46:17 AM EDT
Christians do have a role in the polical process. Yes are vote does count and we should vote. Our primary role on this earth is to accomplish the will of God. I dont know many apostalic politicians. You may know more than I do. Our agenda is preach the Word to a lost and dying world. That carries more weight polically than we think. The minute we stop preaching the truth that is when our influence in the world is lost. Knowing what condition the world was in, Noah never stopped preaching the truth. We are the salt of the earth. Political wrangling and debating causes nothing divison among the bretheren. Having a political agenda in our churches will not solve the problems of our country.
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said this on 04 Oct 2009 2:28:00 PM EDT
The premise of the original post is defective in that it claims that American Citizens have no right to participate in government IF they are Christians.
The Bible, which Christians claim as authoritative, commands that Christians "render unto Caesar those things which are Caesar's:" their Declaration of Independence states that government descends justly from the "consent of the governed." ALL of the governed, not just those who reject traditional American values. Pericles (430 B.C.) said "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." Already Extremist powers have legalized the torture / murder of babies and called it "choice." Now they have three bills which contain provisions for "End of Life Counseling" (also known as "Death Committees") to decide who is allowed to have life saving medical care, based upon their age and the cost of that care. Only a very naive person, or one representing anti-American interests, could promote such a view when the evidence clearly shows the lethal intent of those adversaries, and simple logic warns that failure to vote grants those anti-American powers free reign over the entire country. |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 10:48:49 AM EDT
Christian's should obey the laws of the land also. I go to church to hear about God's love, salvation, peace, joy and salvation. I do NOT, however, go to be told who I can and CANNOT vote for. Just because someone is a Democrat, does NOT mean that they are NOT a christain nor does it mean they believe in abortions, etc. It seems that within the recent voting, it has brought the PENTECOSTAL and APOSTOLIC folks to believe that if you are a DEMOCRAT your a sinner. I believe that minister should KEEP their political OPINIONS out of the PULPIT. I am an Independent. By that I mean I am neither Demo. or Rep. I pray and whoever I believe God would want me to vote for that's who I vote for. I am not into raceism, judementalism, criticism (as some folks are) or trying to say that or that is what Jesus (God) wants. If we knew exactly what HE wanted we would be shock to fine that many folks that are so critical of others are those who need to take a look into the BIBLE. Read the scriptures about judging others, love, forgiveness, caring and God's JUDGEMENT NOT man's judgement. I find that Jesus would probably shake His head at a lot of so-called followers of his. Jesus is NOT Demo. or REP. He is GOD!
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 12:23:11 PM EDT
remember what the word says. satan is the god of this world meaning he
is behind the political process of mankind. the thing about it is most politicitions are not christians they are deceivers & liars. so i believe we should be concerned about whats going on.passing gov. health care only means 1 thing the beginning of the end. |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 1:52:53 PM EDT
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.'- Ronald Reagan
It is time for Christians to reclaim America. If anyone doesn't love this country enough to be involved in the political process, that person doesn't deserve to live here. It was Godly men and women who fought, died and suffered great personal and financial loss to give birth to this nation. I'm glad they did. I intend to do the same. GOD BLESS AMERICA!! |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 2:04:50 PM EDT
(2 Tim 2:4 KJV) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 2:55:04 PM EDT
I think if Christians had remained heavily involved in politics, as our founding fathers were, we would still have prayer in schools, legal abortion would not exist, and homosexuality would still be a shame. We, as Christians, have failed by hiding behind the scripture. Prayer and faith is a must, but faith without works is dead; politically speaking, our Christian works have been dead!
Just my opinion... |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 3:19:01 PM EDT
A person that DOESNT defend their FREEDOM doesnt deserve their FREEDOM! Being as FREE as possible from government and political intrusion was neccessary factors to be free to practice FAITH IN GOD/JESUS CHRIST AND FOR a BIBLE PROPHESY TO BE FULFILLED in what was once a UNITED STATES of AMERICA, but is now a greatly DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA! "A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND"! THAT BIBLE PROPHESY that was and is being fulfilled is FORMER RAIN & LATTER RAIN! FORMER RAIN happened in Isreal, LATTER RAIN happened in the USA! The LATTER RAIN was and is the MAIN REASON FOR THE founding and greatness this country has expierenced, BUT IS LOSING AT AN ALARMING RATE! You want more comment? Contact me at gastineaulr@yahoo.com
"YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE! Argue/debate/discuss TRUTH all you want, but you wont CHANGE GOD/JESUS CHRIST! HIS WORD IS EVERLASTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 3:30:56 PM EDT
I believe, as the saying goes, that "silence means assent." When a person says nothing (Christian or otherwise) when our values are attacked, when homosexuality is promoted as good and valid, when God, prayer, and the Bible are taken out of OUR schools, when babies are murdered in the womb, and on and on, then we say "so be it". And then one day we will wake up and we won't be able to try and save a soul because we will not be allowed to. Our words will be considered "hate speech" and we'll be put in jail or worse. What then? I personally cannot see how a true Christian can morally NOT get involved. The Bible says that "righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." Do you NOT think that speaking out politically against sin is trying to save their souls? ". . others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." I believe we are duty bound by God to be involved. We must be those "watchmen on the walls".
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 4:09:31 PM EDT
I agree that we must let the light in us shine forth and do something for the human race (lost souls). Obviously we cannot do that by closing up or shutting down. Be wise as serpent and humble as a dove. We know haow to do it and we must go forth and do it for the Lord!!!!!!
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 4:15:51 PM EDT
We should pray for our leaders. Those who shun the responsibilty of voting, pray for God to guide those of us who do vote. We need true God-fearing people to lead this country.
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 5:56:38 PM EDT
There was a reason why are for fathers recomended that we keep church and state separate the truth the word not be influenzed by no one group of men so that it not be deluded or perverted althought that is a truth and a fact the fact still remains that we should take and interest in the people we leave our countrys business in Hand because one is one with the lord does not mean that he or she should turn a blind eye to world and the souls that share it with us we must get involved by doing are part how every large or small it maybe so long as is God will and not mine .....
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 6:42:04 PM EDT
I did enjoy peoples comments;I guess you could say I am an involved person , First to God , Family, Country: They say if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. I am very concerned with what we are facing, I believe it is a matter of time now until we will be required to take a mark, Chip what ever to get medicine , food or anything else you might can think of. It will be a lot worse than we can imagine , and we will be singled out, it won't happen just while we are in church it will be when we are at home and are singled out. We must pray always that we will escape it. It is sooner than you think. As I was telling my doctor just this week a few things like that I said I" Know because I have read the back of the Book ( Bible) he said " I don't believe that it is near the end time." I'm thinking I hope you are right because, right now we are living like the Lacodiceaen Church . Are we to, sleeping?We must arise and shake ourself and get prepared. You might say I am already prepared! You still might want to check your garment. God has really been speaking that to me lately " Get prepared!"
God Bless in Jesus Name!! Vera |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 6:58:38 PM EDT
I believe in voting, I disagree with those who say not to be entangled in the affairs of this world means not to vote. We are to be salt and light in this world, salt is a preservative and I believe that by not voting and trying to put moral persons in government places is one way we are not allowing God to use us as salt in this world. Also getting a moral person into a lawmaking position allows him to shine his light and be salt with greater influence in this country by passing just laws. Also the bible says that when good men rule the people are happy, when wicked men rule the people are in oppression or something of that sort.
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 7:37:27 PM EDT
well no matter ones political view ALL politicians are crooked and some hide behind the lie of being christian and some let you know they are not. I would rather see an honest deceiver than those that hide behind religion its what gives the ones that accept Jesus as their savior a bad rap.
Now before I totally offend everyone. I do not any longer believe in being involved with the political deceptions put on by our Government. Just go to you tube and look up Illuminatti Deception 2009 You will see Government officials from both sides of the fence involved even ones I myself used to support are there. The thing of rendering Ceasar what is Ceasar's is speaking about taxes. This illuminatti Deception 2009 is 11 videos in total and very worth watching. I have no reason to say anything more except I am not worried about Government Issues I am worried about the things Jesus has taught and still teaches me daily |
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said this on 08 Nov 2009 7:54:22 PM EDT
I am from a family that always partcipated in local, state and national politics. Some of our family friends were elected officials. Some of the best ones were of the Pentecostal faith. My pastor's wifes cousin was a long time tax accessor. You can live for God and be a good citizen at the same time. Only really narrowed minded people find wrong in the simplest things of life, like decorating a Christmas tree for Christ's birthday celebration. Many years ago drinking coffee, wearing seamless hose, rolling your, to name a few things, were all considered bad. We know whoe our true judge is, and thank God for that!
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said this on 10 Nov 2009 1:18:12 AM EDT
All of you can rail against your own perceptions of what is the right thing for christians to do but untill you understand that the bible is the only inerrant word of GOD and we must obey every word that comes from HIS mouth.If the bible says it,I believe it.Return to and obey the TEN(not nine)commandments of GOD(not Moses').Especially"REMEMB ER to keep holy the SABBATH" which has been,since Genesis,the seventh day of the week(friday evening to saturday evening)."If you love me,keep my commandments".Author-JESU S CHRIST!!!
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said this on 10 Nov 2009 1:20:39 AM EDT
All of you can rail against your own perceptions of what is the right thing for christians to do but untill you understand that the bible is the only inerrant word of GOD and we must obey every word that comes from HIS mouth.If the bible says it,I believe it.Return to and obey the TEN(not nine)commandments of GOD(not Moses').Especially"REMEMB ER to keep holy the SABBATH" which has been,since Genesis,the seventh day of the week(friday evening to saturday evening)."If you love me,keep my commandments".Author-JESU S CHRIST!!!
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said this on 10 Nov 2009 4:08:05 PM EDT
Daniel prayed three times a day. He was learned and conversant in the laws of the land and was the confidante of the king. Seems to me he knew alot about a balanced lifestyle. Most people tend to be judgemental and self-righteous in their particular area of strength. That in itself shows a lack of prayer. I hate to admit it but from what I read about our founding fathers, they prayed and studied the Word more than the average Apostolic Pentecostal. Myself included.......
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