Faith & Insight: Let’s talk about God and politics

When I was young someone told me “Don’t talk about God or politics.” Against this advice, I became a pastor, making conversations about God inevitable – and desired! We also live in a time where politics are more pressing, concerning, and important every single election.

How does a Christian worldview inform how we interact with politics? Three scriptures and facts about God come to mind. I hope they serve you well as you vote on Tuesday and watch the election results.

First, God cannot be reduced to a political position or party, and he refuses to be. In Joshua chapter five, a ruler runs into a warrior who is secretly an angelic representative for God. He asks a question that all of us are familiar with in our political landscape: “are you for us, or for our adversaries?” The warriors answer to the ruler was simply, “No.” God is not on one side or the other but stands on his own and calls for others to join him.

Jesus did something similar when asked to take a position on taxes. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

God claims a higher authority and purpose than any of our earthly vibes. His aims and goals cannot be fully represented by any political party. This should remind us that if God calls for our allegiance (and he does), that we should not invest our full hopes in men who fail, but in God who never fails.

This leads to the second scripture, Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way.” The psalm goes on to quote God: “I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”

Institutions crumble and fall, but if God is your refuge, you have an enduring and unfading hope. No matter the president or politician, God has placed Jesus on the throne. You are invited to find your safety and security in him!

Finally, if you are a Christian you are commanded to pray for your leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says this is of first importance, even when the ruling party is opposed to Christians. I’ve heard a refrain often: “Oh, I’ll pray for them. Pray for them to leave office.” But that is not what scripture tells us to do. We are to pray for those in office because if they cause our society to thrive, we will thrive as well. If they keep the peace, we can pursue God more freely.

Ultimately, we pray for them because God is calling them to know Jesus. So, we pray that they would govern well, wisely, and justly, and that they would know the source of all life.

So be engaged! Vote! Then pursue the greatest ruler, who does not fail or change depending on what party is in power. I promise he’s the only one worthy of adoration.

Gavin Jarvis is the lead pastor at Living Stones Church in Carson City.