SHOULD CHRISTIANSBE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder)

[Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi]

Dearly Beloved,

SHOULD CHRISTIANSBE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN POLITICS? (A Rejoinder)

“Therefore, tohim who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17NKJV).

I am so gratefulto everyone that reacted to my weekly message last week. Expectedly, somepeople reacted negatively, but majority reacted positively. Those that reactednegatively have their reasons, though not convincing to me. Out of theresponses, some issues were raised that are worthy of note in this rejoinder.

One, who isreally a Christian? Is one a Christian by birth, name, church attendance,religious services, morality, or genuine personal relationship with JesusChrist? This has to be clarified.

Two, does thefact that Jesus Christ did not actively participate in the politics of His dayswhile on earth make Christians not to do so today? Then, it means Christiansshould not get married because Jesus Christ did not get married while on earth.Was Jesus Christ not the Leader of His disciples?

Three, should weabandon politics to unbelievers because they have spoilt it without makingefforts to correct the anomalies in present-day politics? Can we make anymeaningful change in politics without active participation? It is a fact thatChristians are not of the world, but we are in the world. While we are still inthe world, we are to be light and salt of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Canwe light the darkness of the world by being indifferent to the world?

Four, one maintenet of politics is “Majority carries the vote while minority have their say.”Are we Christians content with the ungodly decisions of the majorityunbelievers in politics? No wonder, we continue to have our say that does notchange anything.

Five, what is thepurpose of being active in politics? Is it for selfish gain or the common goodof the populace and to the glory of God? Apostle Paul admonished that“...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV),“and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”(Colossians 3:23 NKJV).

Six, before beingactively involved in politics (or even any venture), are you really convincedthat God is leading you into it? Christians get corrupted in politics only whenthey are not following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

From most of thereactions to my message last week, it is affirmative that Christians should beactively involved in politics. However, for people that still have negative orindifferent response, accurate answers to the above questions will make them tohave as a rethink to their stance. The fact that one does not have flair foractive politics does not mean one must discourage those that feel that God isleading them into it. Besides, each of us has the civic responsibilities ofvoting for our desired leaders and praying for those in leadership positions.

If the world doesnot know how to do clean politics, Christians that are led by God should boldlycome out to show the way. Failure to do so is a sin!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi(Pastor).

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for thecourage for every Christian that is led to go into politics.

2. Pray forpeople in government that they will yield to the leadership of God.

NB

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