After years of being a libertarian politico, I dropped politics altogether after surveying the dire state of American (and international) political affairs. The writing is on the wall; the dominoes are bound to fall. The house surely will burn. The American economy will experience a devastating collapse; no informed person has any doubts about that. When struck with this hard truth, one can either dig-in and fight harder against the federal establishment, or one can go Galt and drop out. I’ve chosen the way of Galt (in a very general sense – you won’t find me “going off the grid”…yet).
Here at Reformed Libertarian, we are students of theology and of politics. For my brothers and sisters in Christ who are still engaged in the political arena, there is much to be gained from their involvement. While not the most fertile ground for sowing, God will use Christians in the political field to reap a harvest and produce gospel fruit. God seeks to redeem and restore all things. The way in which men govern themselves and others is not excluded in his redemptive plan.
So, how can authentic followers of Jesus Christ practice gospel-centered politics? Let’s be clear: a large portion of our nation’s leadership is godless. However, God has placed some Christians in the U.S. government for such a time as this. Folks like myself may not be called to enter the boxing ring that is politics, but some brave folks have been called and they have faithfully obeyed. Political solutions, at least in the short to mid-term, are mostly sought after in vain. As already noted, no solution from man is about to fix the train wreck that is barreling our way. The American Empire as it currently exists has numbered days. Politicking aside, how can Christians bring the gospel to bear in politics?
1. Christian statesmen proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The statesman does not invoke Christian belief or philosophy when merely convenient. He holds steadfast to the teachings of Scripture both in and out of season. Contrary to being a “cultural Christian” for the sake of political gain, the Christian statesman cannot help but to speak of God in his daily conversations with colleagues, staff, and the media. There will be opportunities for him to share the gospel with others in politics, and he will joyfully do so, out of interest for the lost individual and our lost nation. Not only is Christ proclaimed with his mouth, He is glorified through the statesman’s actions. His submission to Christ’s lordship influences how he votes, campaigns, and serves his constituents.
2. Christian statesmen are honest and forthright. An honest politician is commonly referred to as an oxymoron; this assumption is largely on point. But it would be a mistake to assume that honorable statesmen simply cannot be found. I can think of one honorable doctor from Texas who told the truth in the “empire of lies” for more than two decades. Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. It has been said that all truth is God’s truth. In fact, Jesus claims that He is truth (John 14:6). The Christian statesman will not cower when truth must be spoken. Like the apostle Paul, he is unashamed of the gospel. He will stand in the Lord’s strength when it is unpopular and untimely. In utter contrast to many of his colleagues, he will not bear false witness against his political enemies or the American people.
3. Christian statesmen have a proper understanding of the role of government. Government does not exist to bully and abuse; it exists under the sovereignty of God to do God’s will. Government is a result of the fall. George Washington called it a “necessary evil.” Whether that statement is true or not, government certainly is not to be a modern day Leviathan, but that’s exactly what it is. The Christian statesmen will understand that most affairs are best handled by individuals, families, and communities – all three of which were created by God as a means to express his love to the world. The Christian statesmen will seek to stop the delegating of Church responsibilities to the government. He does this out of a genuine desire to extend God’s love to his fellow image-bearers – the fourth and final point.
4. Christian statesmen have compassion on the “least of these.” In addition to their concern for the spiritual needs of the people they lead and serve, the Christian statesman works to extend justice and mercy to his constituents. He will realize that it is a rare occurrence for a behemoth federal government to properly care for the poor, the widow, or the alien. He knows that intentions and motivations are important for the Christian, but that the best of intentions can result in the worst of sins. He joins God in his work of redemption, renewal, and restoration by locking arms with institutions that do a far better job of caring for hurting people than the federal government: families, communities, the local church, the Church universal, charities, and many businesses.