Can God Really Help You?

When it comes to the state and politics, there have been three main views on how Christians should behave. (Ref: Life Application Bible)

1. Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. They believe that they should be good citizens as long as they don’t have to compromise their beliefs. However, they will not work for the Government, vote in elections, or serve in the armed forces.
2. Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the two. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different spheres- the spiritual and the physical- and thus complement each other but do not work together.
3. Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christians or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view church and state ideally work together for the good of all.
 
In the United Kingdom we enjoy a great many benefits and freedoms that citizens of other countries do not. We have health care, police protection, ample provision of food and fresh clean water, good sanitation, welfare benefits, a justice system, free education, sexual equality and many other things that billions of people around the world do not have. Most importantly of all, for Christians, we have freedom of worship.

These things did not happen accidently. They happened because in years gone by, good people, many of whom were Christians, stood up for what they believed was right. They were prepared to fight for their beliefs, for the good of other people. Many of the principles upon which this country has been governed are Christian principles, based on Biblical teaching.

For a Christian to say that they will not have anything to do with the state is a case of ‘burying their head in the sand’. It is also hypocritical, because they tend to enjoy the benefits that the state affords in this country. Neither is it biblical. In the Old Testament, God took an active role in appointing leaders for his people. In the New Testament, the disciples took every opportunity offered to speak to the leaders of the people. God, Jesus, or the apostles, never took a ‘bury their head in the sand ‘approach.

There will be an elected Government whether Christians vote or not. The issue is whether an individual takes the opportunity to influence this. The Government that is elected will decide how the country is run, including how people are treated.

We are extremely fortunate to live in a democratic society where we have the opportunity to vote. This was something that had to be fought for; it was not always the case. Many countries do not live in a democracy and are the worse for it.

Jesus told a parable about a man that went on a journey, before he went he entrusted his money (talents) to his servants, giving them each a different amount according to their ability. Upon his return he asked them to give an account of what they had done with the money. One of the servants had hidden his talent in the ground. The master called him a wicked, lazy servant for not doing anything with it. He ordered that it be taken from him and that the servant be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (See Matthew 25:14-30)

This parable was not just about money. The talents represented any resource or opportunity that we are given. We should not waste them. The right to vote is an opportunity. Surely, in a country where Christians have the opportunity to vote, they also have a responsibility to vote. 

In recent years, this country, led by the Government, has steadily moved away from Godly principles and laws. The country is worse off for it. The enemies of God are ever on the offensive. Christians do not have the option of walking away from the political battlefield. If believers neglect to become involved in politics, the enemy will continue to use the political process to manipulate and herd the country into ungodliness.

You are not responsible for anyone else’s actions, but you are responsible for your own. A Christian should do what they believe is right, regardless of what anyone else is doing. This is all that God requires from you. One day you will be called to give an account of your life. This will include your voting choices. According to Jesus parable, it will be worse if you haven’t voted at all.