5. Work with passion, but do not let your passion surface in ugly or destructive behavior.
It can be very difficult to learn about various issues or candidates and not become upset. Politics in America have become ugly and cruel; getting angry is not a hard feeling to fall into. Keep your passions in control.
6. Keep your focus on God and the cross of Christ.
Our political involvement can too easily be lost in American tradition and loyalties that we have learned as children. It is fine to be proud about being an American. But we have to be careful about not falling into nationalism where it is all about the country and not God.
“Our primary job is not to save America; our responsibility is to stand for Christ, witnessing to His grace and power.” – Erwin Lutzer, The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage, pg. 103
It is only when the hearts and minds of Americans are won to Christ, God’s values, and a Biblical worldview that we will see positive change in America. There is a significant need for creating a different culture than the one that is enabling our current political climate. We have a saying that we throw around, “God is still on the throne.” I dislike trite statements, especially when a critical truth is lost as a result. This idea of God reigning over governments and nations is the reality that should guide all of our attitudes, our conversations, and our behaviors as we engage in the process. No one candidate or politically charged issue will end America; God will either uphold this nation, or He will not.
7. Pray.
Pray that God has mercy on this nation; pray that God will move on our behalf despite the sins of our nation. I mention prayer, but it is no indication of its place in this list of actions to take. Pray for our nation’s leaders, pray for justice, pray that just laws would be upheld or created.
If you wish to be politically involved, then please do; all Americans should at least vote intelligently. If you want to do more than this, remain faithful as a Christian as you do it. There are a lot of behaviors in the Christian community that have become acceptable to those who call themselves Christians. This does not mean that it is acceptable to God or compatible to the gospel message, so be careful. Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20 that we are citizens of heaven, so as Americans, we hold a dual citizenship. As we interact here, we have to remember we are still representing another kingdom that is not of this Earth.
Never forget who you represent and of what kingdom you are a part. Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world. (John 18:36) So while we live here, we honor God in this kingdom, but it is not His kingdom here. The kingdom we are looking for is not in this world and never will be. Nevertheless, while we are here, we live in this kingdom. So long as it is a participatory democracy, we must vote and seek to maintain godly principles and morals while seeking to undo unjust and ungodly ones.
Honor God. Vote Biblically, vote wisely, pray.
