Cup Of Faith Daily Devotional 21 October 2022 – Christian Participation In Politics (2)

TOPIC: Christian Participation In Politics (2)

BIBLE TEXT: “…The authorities that exist have been established by God…For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good…They are God’s servants…” – Romans 13:1&4

In the previous lesson, we emphasized the necessity of Christians’ participation in politics. We concluded with the fact that Christians have a biblical obligation to engage in politics and the political process. The emphasis of today’s lesson is on how Bible-believing and gospel-loving Christians should exercise their political responsibilities.

This issue has been raised by some prominent evangelical leaders who expressed concern with the current divisive, coarse nature of politics and offered suggestions for engaging in the political process. Much of their advice is helpful. For example, one pastor stated, “to not be political is to be political,” thereby rebuking those who avoid political conversations for fear of being perceived as “too political.” According to him, avoiding politics altogether is a tacit endorsement of the status quo, which might include social conditions that perpetuate flagrant injustice. Historical examples include 19th-century churches that refused to denounce slavery and mid-20th-century churches that remained silent on Jim Crow laws. By refraining from becoming “too political,” these churches were de facto supporters of evil institutions and laws.

A second example is the Church of England in South Africa’s (CESA) response to apartheid (1948-1994). Although the Church sought to take an “apolitical” stance, this pretense of neutrality allowed the church(CESA) to be misled into accepting a social, economic, and political system that was cruel and oppressive. By trying to be apolitical, the church effectively sanctioned a system that tolerated profound injustice.

In order not to fall into the error of the past, it becomes a necessity that the church rises to her civic responsibilities. However, we must be careful of our involvement. A prominent Christian leader once acknowledged that politics is one of many ways to love our neighbors, but cautions that the political process comes with its own set of potential pitfalls and churches should, therefore, be wary of becoming too entangled with politics and elections. According to Jesus, as salt and as light, believers are to sweeten and lighten the political system of the world. We are to influence the system to the advantage of the kingdom of God.

Beloved of God, while it is good to participate in partisan politics, believers should be cautious in their dispositions towards the practice of it. Your engagement should reflect your faith, glorifying the name of the Lord. You must be able to maintain the balance between faith and politics.

PROPHETIC PRAYER

I pray for you today:

1. May the Lord raise you and connect you.
2. You will not be a shame to the cause of Christ.
3. The Lord will raise good leaders for this nation.
4. He will destroy every form of ungodliness.
5. May this weekend be sweet for you.

So shall it be in Jesus name. Amen

Have a pleasant weekend.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.

Yours in Christ,
Revd Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos

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