SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder)

Dearly Beloved, SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder) “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV). I am so grateful to everyone that reacted to my weekly message last week. Expectedly, some people reacted negatively, but majority reacted positively. Those that reacted negatively have their reasons, though not convincing to me. Out of the responses, some issues were raised that are worthy of note in this rejoinder. One, who is really a Christian? Is one a Christian by birth, name, church attendance, religious services, morality, or genuine personal relationship with Jesus Christ? This has to be clarified. Two, does the fact that Jesus Christ did not actively participate in the politics of His days while on earth make Christians not to do so today? Then, it means Christians should not get married because Jesus Christ did not get married while on earth. Was Jesus Christ not the Leader of His disciples? Three, should we abandon politics to unbelievers because they have spoilt it without making efforts to correct the anomalies in present-day politics? Can we make any meaningful change in politics without active participation? It is a fact that Christians are not of the world, but we are in the world. While we are still in the world, we are to be light and salt of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Can we light the darkness of the world by being indifferent to the world? Four, one main tenet of politics is “Majority carries the vote while minority have their say.” Are we Christians content with the ungodly decisions of the majority unbelievers in politics? No wonder, we continue to have our say that does not change anything. Five, what is the purpose of being active in politics? Is it for selfish gain or the common good of the populace and to the glory of God? Apostle Paul admonished that “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV), “and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NKJV). Six, before being actively involved in politics (or even any venture), are you really convinced that God is leading you into it? Christians get corrupted in politics only when they are not following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. From most of the reactions to my message last week, it is affirmative that Christians should be actively involved in politics. However, for people that still have negative or indifferent response, accurate answers to the above questions will make them to have as a rethink to their stance. The fact that one does not have flair for active politics does not mean one must discourage those that feel that God is leading them into it. Besides, each of us has the civic responsibilities of voting for our desired leaders and praying for those in leadership positions. If the world does not know how to do clean politics, Christians that are led by God should boldly come out to show the way. Failure to do so is a sin! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray for the courage for every Christian that is led to go into politics. 2. Pray for people in government that they will yield to the leadership of God. NB Send your comments/reactions to me directly at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. God bless you!