This series of articles is intended to help the Christian wade through some of the biblical ethics in order to talk about politics God’s way. Many people, Christians included, merely think about politics without considering how to properly speak concerning them. I’m hoping that many Christians will take part in making the commitment to discuss politics God’s way as discussed in Part 1 of the series.

1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO CORRECT EVERYONE EVERY TIME: As Christians we are to speak truth. Even though that is the case, we don’t have to correct every last thing we see as wrong in politics. We need to understand that sometimes there is a time to speak truth, and other times there is a time to stay silent.

Proverbs 26:4-5 says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” 

There are times that we can correct people who are lying or speaking foolishly. But if you find yourself correcting everyone every time, you will drive yourself crazy. In fact, Scripture says here that you will become the fool yourself. As you try to attempt to correct people who don’t want to be corrected, you will look foolish if this person is not listening to anything you say. Do not feel like you have to correct everyone every time. There are times where it is better for you to spend time talking to those who would listen, not those who do not care to listen.

2. YOUR ANGER DOES NOT CREATE RIGHTEOUSNESS: Sometimes people not only disagree with others, but are continually angry with those who disagree with their politics. Now, does God get angry? He does. Is there such a thing as righteous anger? There is. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin.” But let us take all of the wisdom of God into account. James 1:20 also says, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” If you are someone who not only finds yourself, whether in person or on social media, continually angry at others for their political position, even if it is ungodly, my suggestion is to stop and take care of your own heart first. We want truth, but if we do not love those people, if we are only angry and hate them, this will come across, and they will not listen to us.

3. NO POLITICIAN IS PERFECT – ONLY KING JESUS IS: Jesus is the only Person to ever live, and Who will ever live, on this planet Who is perfect. I Peter 2:22 says, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in HIs mouth.” If there is nothing you can find wrong about the politician you support, you have elevated them to the position of Jesus. Often people feel afraid to speak poorly about their party or politicians they support, because they believe that will be used against them by someone else. This is in part true. If we cannot point out things in a politician’s life, either personally or politically, that is not in alignment with God’s ways, we have elevated them to the place of Jesus and God. This does a disservice to Jesus and to our credibility as Christians.

4. REDEEM THE TIME FOR GOD’S KINGDOM: As Christians, we are first and foremost called to build the Kingdom of God. We already said in Part I that we need to “proclaim King Jesus first and foremost.” One reason we need to do that is because we need to place our priorities into His Kingdom. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Many Christians today misuse their time, fighting for things that will not bring ultimate salvation to unbelievers. Is it that we are only to care about the spiritual? No. But our focus should be on God’s Kingdom, not politics. What is really the hope of the world, Jesus or your political party? How you spend your time, what you watch and listen to, what you talk about, or what you spend your time with on social media will reveal the answer to that question.

Will you join me in the way Christians are supposed to talk about politics? Most of these principles can apply to any conversation, but specifically they can be applied to how Christians should discuss political issues and candidates. Do you feel the need to correct everyone? Do you find yourself constantly angry when speaking to people with opposing views? Have you placed a politician at the status that belongs only to King Jesus? Are you spending the majority of your time building a political party, or redeeming it to build God’s Kingdom?

Thanks for taking time to read this Maddening Theology post. If you enjoyed this content you can find Pastor Tim’s sermons at www.cornerstoneforestcity.org. You can also join us at 520 Marion St. Browndale, PA 18421 on Sundays at 10 AM. To make following the blog easier you can also register. You can also join us on Facebook at Cornerstone Forest City. Also, don’t forget to download our APP on iTunes  or Googleplay.