The Dichotomies in the Christian Life within Politics
By Bunni Pounds
As Christians, when we start participating in the culture we discover some harsh realities. People are not always kind, and it is not easy to be a Christ-follower engaging within a hostile world.
Jesus taught that the first shall be last, the last shall be first, and whoever would be the greatest must be the servant of all (Matthew 19:30, Mark 10:43-44). This is an “upside-down kingdom.” We are instructed as people of this kingdom to not “love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15), yet we are to be salt and light in our nations. We, therefore, have a hard balance – embodying this “upside-down kingdom,” while we operate in a godless world full of sin.
In His final sermon, before He was taken into heaven, Christ Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”- Matthew 28:19.
We are not called to just sit idly by within American culture, but to “go” and to “make disciples.” This “going” means we have to get involved within the world’s systems, serving our brothers and sisters in the community in very hands-on ways, and yet stay clean by His grace from the corruption of our souls.
In political and government activity specifically, there is a real dichotomy that we must struggle with as believers – to live within the principles of the Sermon on the Mount, and at the same time to operate in boldness and courage. We need Christian community around us – when we’re struggling with this tension, we need to be dialoguing with other believers in this space. And we need to be examining our own hearts daily as we engage in politics to make sure we are walking in the balance that we see in the Word of God. As we pray and ask God for discernment in our voting, we can then move into the art of engagement.
Jesus called us to this upside-down lifestyle in Matthew 5:3-10, and for people in politics, it is in direct conflict with the natural flow of the sport.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 3)
In politics, we must work through the pride that rises in our hearts. We think we are someone important after we have met powerful people or worked on critical issues. We have to stay in need of God and realize that we are nothing without Him.
“Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.” (verse 4)
We are called to rejoice even in the middle of mourning, and to allow God to comfort us. Even when we lose a race, get backstabbed, or hurt by someone we respect, God is there. Running to Jesus for our comfort must be our way of escape, rather than retaliation.
“Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.” (verse 5)
Being meek does not mean that we are weak. Through the Holy Spirit we have internal strength which keeps our lives steadfast, faithful, and with a giving spirit – this brings promotion and the favor of the Lord into our lives. We don’t have to push and shove our way into positions of authority; God opens the doors as we lean into Him.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.” (verse 6)
Power and influence many times lead to prosperity, but even when we are doing well in the natural world, we must still be hungry for God. His righteousness is the only thing that is holding our lives together, and hunger comes when we realize this daily.
“Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.” (verse 7)
We are told to not rejoice when our enemies stumble and fall (Proverbs 24:17). Crying out to God for even the ungodly and believing for mercy, not vengeance, is Christlike. We believe for true repentance as we lay our lives down before the Lord.
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.” (verse 8)
As Christians in politics, we must continually fight against the corruption and compromise that wage war against our hearts. It is critical that we don’t go against our consciences and what we know the Lord has called us to accomplish. Our heart position before the Lord has to be more important than a political victory.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.” (verse 9)
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of a political campaign or legislative battle, which run on a fast time clock. Phone calls and emails form divisions and alliances, and everything feels turbulent as people lobby for what they want. We are called to bring peace into the middle of the storms, even in the midst of natural chaos – bringing wisdom and the promises of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 10)
Like few areas in American life – politics brings persecution for the candidates, for the teams, and sometimes for the volunteers. Standing up for what we believe may lead people in our communities to turn against us. Just because we “speak the truth in love,” does not mean that every situation will turn out the way we desire it to. But we must still speak.
In our culture, we currently have lies being disguised as truth – within our school systems, our entertainment, even in some churches, as we sit under our trusted leaders. It is more important than ever that we get into the Word of God for ourselves. The Bible is the blueprint for our worldview and understanding. Through knowledge of these precious pages which bring us into truth, we gain courage and boldness to speak out on the issues of our day.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
We can’t be afraid of the faces in front of us who might speak ill of us or cancel us. We must speak, and speak boldly – knowing that God will never leave us.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
The beauty is that we are not on our own in this fight. God is with us wherever we go – whether that is to testify in front of a bill at our state house, to knock on doors for a candidate, or to run for a leadership position.
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” - Psalm 81:10
In 2018, I went from being a political consultant for over a decade to becoming the candidate for Congress, and I was terrified. I was worried about what I would say to convince people that I was worthy to be elected and to represent them, but every time I opened my mouth God filled it. The knowledge which I had gathered through the years studying federal public policy and Congressional campaigns paid off as I built a grassroots army of leaders who believed in me. Even when I had to debate, God helped me prepare and helped me take on the arrows that were flying against me.
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.” - Matthew 10:19
If we are consistent in our walk with God and are actively engaging in the culture, we don’t have to fear what might happen. If we are staying before the Lord in the place of prayer, God will meet us and help us navigate the sometimes mudslinging adventure of community or national politics.
What does America need in this hour of history? America needs YOU!
People who know God and are willing to go on this walk with Him through these dichotomies are the exact people we need in the political and governmental spaces.
Remember that the joy of walking with Jesus is the greatest reward. He will help us to navigate all of these dichotomies as we participate in prayer, voting, and engagement for the well-being of America.