Can you explain for me if it is biblical for a pastor to be involved in politics?
Let me state from the outset that there are no different standards for different ones in the church. The Lord desires that we all “…walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10). It is right that the older ones should set good examples for the younger ones, but the standards are the same.
So, let’s consider this controversial question: Is it biblical for Christians to be involved in politics? Should we spend our time involved in trying to improve the world by ‘making our voices heard?’ Has the Lord called us to make the world a better place by being involved in its governments?
FIRST, let’s consider our calling from the Lord. Mark 16:15 says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and PREACH THE GOSPEL to every creature.” Notice in the Lord’s intercessory prayer for His disciples, He specifically DID NOT pray for the betterment of the world. The Lord Jesus prayed in John 17:9, “I pray for them: I PRAY NOT FOR THE WORLD, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.”
SECOND, did the Lord ever get involved in politics? Once, some tried to draw the Lord into a political discussion. Let’s read about that in Luke 13:1-3, “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” That was outrageous! Pilate would kill some of the Galilaeans and mix their blood with that of their sacrifices. How cruel and sacrilegious these actions were! When asked for His thoughts on this atrocity, the Lord turned the conversation around and pointed to the more important theme, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” The Lord never lost focus on the importance of eternal salvation. You may rise up and stop the evil of Pilate. You may join forces and overthrow his throne. But, the importance of that pales when compared to the eternal damnation they all faced if they did not repent and put their faith in Christ.
THIRD, who really puts people in places of power? Daniel 4:17 tells us, “…the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and GIVETH IT TO WHOMSOEVER HE WILL, and setteth up over it the basest of men. Let’s consider this interesting conversation between Pilate and the Lord Jesus in John 19:10-11, “Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, THOU COULDEST HAVE NO POWER AT ALL AGAINST ME, EXCEPT IT WERE GIVEN THEE FROM ABOVE: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” Who put Pilate in his position of power? It was clearly the Lord who put Pilate in his position. Certainly Pilate was one of the “basest of men.”
FOURTH, what does the Lord directly tell us about being involved with our governments?
* We should OBEY our governmental leaders. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” At this time, Nero, one of the most cruel and sadistic rulers who ever lived was in control. Paul told the believers to obey their leaders.
* We should PRAY for our governmental leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
FIFTH, can we improve the world? 1 Corinthians 11:32 says, “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be CONDEMNED WITH THE WORLD.” This tells us that self-judgment should be a part of the believer’s life. If we do that, we will avoid being condemned with the world. This shows us clearly that THE WORLD IS CONDEMNED. We are told in 2 Timothy 3:13 that in the last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.” This world that has rejected the Lord Jesus will only get worse and worse. Rather than spend our days trying to improve this condemned world, we should spend our days being an example of Christ and telling others of their need of salvation. This world is a sinking ship, let’s use our time helping rescue people from going down with the ship! (283.8)