If Christians are arguing over politics,
perhaps “Christians feel powerless.” The desire to change society through political means is not new to Christianity. It happened in Biblical times; after Jesus
fed the five thousand in John 6, the people wanted to make him an earthly
king.
John 6:14-15 "After the people
saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet
who is to come into the world.'
Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and
make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. When Jesus was
on earth the people wanted to make him an earthly king.”
Changing
society through political means is not the message Jesus came to bring. Jesus was
unwilling to become an earthly king. The Bible is clear that Jesus came to
establish the kingdom of God on this earth; not to rule the kingdom of men.
In the
Bible, the book of Esther is a great model for Christians who want to influence
society today. Queen Esther was a Jew
living among non-Jews. She could have
demanded kosher food and announced her origin, but she did not. The Bible said the king was pleased with
Queen Esther and she won favor with everyone around her. At the right time, Queen Esther had the
influence to save her people. Christians should vote and be involved in politics. However, if Christians put their hope in political outcomes, of any kind, they need to reevaluate which kingdom they are plugged into. If individuals do not care for those in authority, they will lose favor and influence in society.
The kingdom of God is powerful. The Word of God is powerful. Prayer is powerful. Christians need to plug into the kingdom of God.