Recently, my husband and I were prompted with a thoughtful question regarding our roles as Christians in the political landscape: “Why is political engagement significant in a world seemingly destined to fade away?”
This question resonates, and it’s one many are grappling with. My experience in advocating for truth amidst the chaos of modern politics and culture tells me it deserves a careful response.
There’s a principle we can’t overlook: when people of righteousness step back from public life, the void created is quickly filled, often by less virtuous individuals. Even if some Christians hesitate, others will gladly take up the mantle.
We understand, as believers, that this earthly existence is temporary. As noted in Matthew’s Gospel, “Heaven and earth will pass away.” Ecclesiastes highlights our fleeting lives, reminding us that our true home lies beyond this world. So, what’s the point of engaging in politics and culture?
Simply put, “politics matters because people matter.” God has called us to be beacons of light in a world overshadowed by darkness, urging us to pursue justice in a landscape marred by wrongdoing. The recent revelations regarding Epstein underscore the moral decline that can occur when power goes unchecked and the vulnerable are neglected.
Understanding Governance
From the outset, God established principles of dominion and authority. Whether through civil or religious leaders, governance is an integral part of life. Yet, many Christians overlook God’s second command from Genesis. The first is familiar — “Be fruitful and multiply.” The second, found in Genesis 1:28, instructs us to exercise control over creation, encompassing all living beings on Earth.
The Hebrew word for this command implies “to rule.” If governance isn’t significant, why does it appear early in Scripture? God’s design isn’t random; authority serves a divine purpose.
History—and our current realities—illustrate that power structures exist to foster human flourishing. This emphasizes the need for people of integrity to lead justly.
Proverbs 29:2 expresses this truth: “When the righteous rise, the people rejoice; when the wicked govern, they grieve.” We see this in action as leaders promote harmful practices, infringe on personal rights, silence opposition, and call it “progress.”
Ultimately, when we stand before God, we’ll be accountable for our actions and our inactions. Indifference doesn’t carry virtue; withdrawing from public spheres is not a higher moral ground. Speaking truthfully about Biblical values isn’t merely about following rules.
Since God Himself has ordained governments, it’s our duty to engage thoughtfully with leaders, guiding them toward justice and the common good. While not everyone must run for office, basic participation like voting is essential.
God entrusted Adam with creation’s care, called Moses to lead, and chose judges to uphold justice. Such a framework influenced our Founding Fathers. None of this is accidental. We require law and order in a fractured world; evil prevails when rulers embrace it.
Upholding Justice
Justice is crucial; without it, truth is stifled, the innocent endure suffering, and malevolence grows unchecked.
Somewhere along the line, a notion developed among Christians that stepping back from political and cultural engagement is noble, that focusing on pastoral and missionary work is somehow superior. But is it? Jesus spent 30 years as a carpenter. Why not abandon his everyday tasks if this world is ultimately doomed?
Jesus instructed us to be present in the world without being part of its darkness. Our actions here carry eternal significance. The belief that disengagement is holier misrepresents Biblical teaching.
Scripture consistently urges action: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). The term translated as justice—Tzedek—implies an active role. It demands presence, courage, and involvement.
When righteous individuals abandon public platforms, only chaos remains. The void is filled quickly. Some Christians may even shy away from public prayers or truthful discussions about institutions. This retreat has grave implications. Christian beliefs have laid the groundwork for Western ideals surrounding dignity and justice. Ignoring those principles is not humility; it’s negligence.
In Proverbs 31:8-9, King Lemuel’s mother emphasizes the duty to speak up: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of the needy.” Remaining silent in face of injustice isn’t neutrality; it signifies failure.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted, we shouldn’t merely tend to the wounds of the oppressed; we must also confront the injustice itself.
Fighting for Virtue
There’s always a cause worth pursuing. As Samwise Gamgee says in The Lord of the Rings, “There are wonderful things in this world worth fighting for.” This statement endures because it rings true. Surrender isn’t our calling.
We must seek goodness and beauty. Protecting the vulnerable is essential.
However, we should recognize that politics can be exhausting. It shouldn’t become an idol. Our faith must inform our politics, not the other way around. Primarily, we serve God, then family, and then everything else follows. Our identities should be steeped in Christ alone. It’s not about power or fame; it’s about glorifying God. If we are given influence, it is our duty to steward it for others’ benefit.
Our mission revolves around service, not self-interest. Dorothy Sayers, in her essay “Why Do You Work?” reminds us that our participation in culture and governance isn’t a distraction from faith but a way to exercise it. “A Christian’s only work is good work well done,” she wrote. If God is Lord of all, our faith should shape our contributions to society.
When we ultimately meet God, may we account faithfully for our efforts to advocate for what is good, defend the vulnerable, guard our children, and resist yielding truth to fear. The pursuit of goodness and justice is necessary and integral to our Christian duty. Let’s strive to endure and persist in doing good.
