So what do you think about politics? As Bible believing Christians it is always good to start by examining our attitude and approach before considering any actions. Government and the political process is surely no exception, and it therefore is the duty of every Christian to approach the subject with care and diligence.

Sadly the British political process appears to be infested with cynicism at all levels. Whilst politicians have at times caused and contributed to this problem, the media seems to fuel it on a daily basis. In particular, the tabloid press is far more interested in sordid stories than in substance and policy. With the increasingly secular attitude in society at large (eg ‘Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die’), the recipe for a cynical electorate is all but complete.

The Christian must be different. If anyone was justified in being sceptical about rulers and politicians the Apostle Paul would have been, and yet he clearly states that Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans13:1). Further, we should surely be concerned to see those holding government office, at all levels, doing so in a God-honouring way, and we should pray and be concerned for them even if we do not agree with their party and/or policies. When Christians ridicule politicians and the office they hold, we should have no part in it.

As well as cynicism there is widespread ignorance. Many UK citizens (including Christians) know little about the current political process or the history of incredible struggles that have led to today’s democracy with its freedoms and stability. Many of our forefathers died for the faith at the hands of tyrannical monarchs and leaders, whilst others faced the constant threat of death or long periods of imprisonment (eg John Knox and John Bunyan). Such great saints as these were spiritual giants, but they were advocates of political liberty and freedom too. God used the witness of those burnt at the stake to bring glory to his name and sinners to the cross of Christ, but he also used their deaths to demonstrate the injustice and cruelty of wicked leaders.

Further, if we really do believe that government and governors have been instituted and appointed by God, surely we will want to encourage them to be worthy of their calling. In free democratic societies where leaders can be called to account for their motives and actions, and where poor leadership can be punished by rejection from office, citizens enjoy some of the greatest political privileges under God, even when those leaders have no regard for him or his Word. Whilst many politicians may appear disingenuous as they keep one eye on the swings of the nation’s moods and tastes, they are also positively checked and harnessed by the public accountability that comes with the office.

Having addressed the attitude with which we should approach the political process, now we can briefly turn to the principles that might guide Christian involvement in politics.

The first factor that should arguably cause us to pause and thank God is the privilege of being entitled to vote for our leaders. This is not something to be sneered at or just ignored. Even in Britain, often referred to as the mother of all democracies, universal suffrage and comprehensive democratic freedoms have existed for only a very limited period, when taking an historical overview (the former less than a hundred years). And when we also consider that in Britain today the peaceful, orderly and efficient transfer of power is simply taken for granted, the magnitude of our favour comes into sharp focus. Further, whilst today we enjoy these freedoms many countries of the world are wracked by political violence that leaves death, destruction and despair in its wake. Even some countries on the continent of Europe have no established history of consolidated democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.

With these thoughts in mind it is surely inexcusable to neglect our right to take part in the political process. Christians should be not counted among those who couldn’t be bothered to vote. Even if our conscience troubles us at the thought of voting for any of the proposed candidates, we could at least enter an empty ballot paper in the box and thank God for our democratic freedoms. If Christians are to ‘in everything give thanks’ surely this includes political freedom, and we should express this through participation in the process.

Having put the case for political participation of the most basic kind, we should briefly consider what form our further involvement might take. Certainly we must not become involved carelessly and we should avoid being perceived as subversive. Though the apostles disobeyed the authorities, this was when the rulers directly clashed with God’s revealed will: Judge for yourself whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God’ (Acts 4:19). Further, Paul exhorts us to If it is possible, live at peace with everyone, being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody (Romans 12:18). And Peter instructs us to submit yourself for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men (1 Peter 2:13).

Our political involvement should not compromise our Christian witness. If we protest against or challenge political decisions and proposed new laws we should do so lawfully and biblically. If we choose to join pressure groups we should be careful to avoid political stunts, especially if they use law-breaking methods to gain publicity. And if we become active in a political party we should scrutinise their history, evolution and policy proposals to be sure our Christian position will not be compromised. We need to strike the balance between inactivity and apathy on the one hand and inappropriate protest on the other.

In conclusion then, we should be thankful every day for our spiritual and secular freedoms and we should express our thankfulness through an appropriate engagement in the process, remembering those who died for the faith because such freedoms previously didn’t exist. Should our interest in politics, or current circumstances, lead us to become more involved as politicians or protesters, then we should never forget that we are first Christians and therefore nothing we do or say should bring our witness into disrepute.