Faith and Politics: A Christian’s Approach to Voting
Pastor Michael Wear
September 11, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: The Tension Between Faith and Politics
Acknowledge the moral burden Christians often feel regarding voting and political engagement.
Thesis: Our current political climate often places undue moral pressure on voters, which can distort a proper understanding of civic responsibility and Christian faithfulness.
The Problem with Political Pressure
Manipulation and Coercion in Politics
Political actors often raise the moral stakes to serve their own interests.
This creates an ill-fitting moral burden for Christians, leading to guilt, confusion, or false certainty.
Quote: "The problem is not that we take politics too seriously, but that we take politics seriously in all the wrong ways."
Polarization and Party Loyalty
The role of political polarization in shaping voters' views.
Parties demand allegiance not out of principle, but for their own benefit.
“We should be members of a political party because we believe things; we should not believe things because we are members of a political party.”
The Burden of Voting: A Distorted Image of Jesus’ Judgment
The Image of Jesus at the Voting Booth
Discuss the common anxiety among Christians that Jesus will judge them based on their vote.
Story of people imagining Jesus waiting outside the voting booth.
Clarify that Jesus understands the complexity of politics and does not demand perfection from our vote.
The Two Common Reactions
Avoidance: Some Christians may be tempted to avoid voting altogether, fearing divine condemnation.
False Certainty: Others may become overly confident, forcing simplicity onto complex political decisions and becoming judgmental of others.
The Christian Perspective on Voting
Voting is a Prudential Decision
Voting is not a pure expression of one’s identity or deepest values, but a contingent, imperfect decision based on incomplete information.
The Christian vote is informed by discernment, prayer, and study of Scripture, not party allegiance.
No Political Party Can Save Us
Emphasize that salvation does not come from our politics or the right political party.
Acknowledge the existence of faithful Christians who will vote differently, and the need to respect this diversity within the church.
Five Questions to Help Christians Vote Faithfully
What political issues are you passionate about?
How has God shaped your life experiences, and how do they intersect with political decisions?
How might the candidate meet your needs in your current stage of life?
Acknowledge self-interest without letting it dictate your vote.
How might the candidate meet the needs of the broader community, especially the poor and marginalized?
Consider how political decisions impact those who are often overlooked.
How might the candidate shape our political culture?
Reflect on the kind of culture the candidate promotes and how it aligns with Christian values.
If your vote determined the outcome, would you regret it?
Frame your vote as a stewardship of civic responsibility for the common good, not just an expression of personal identity.
Encouragement for Faithful Political Engagement
Spiritual Formation in Politics
Discuss how spiritual formation affects civic renewal. Our engagement in politics should reflect our formation in Christ, not the world.
Politics as a Means of Loving Our Neighbor
Emphasize that politics is a forum for Christians to express love for their neighbors by working toward the public good.
A Christian's Political Identity
Our ultimate home is not in politics; it is in Christ. We should approach politics with humility, love, and service.
Quote: "A faithful church will not be marked by political uniformity, but by spiritual integrity."
Conclusion: Contend for Hope and Love
Rejecting the Spirit of Antagonism in Politics
Call to live out Christian virtues (compassion, kindness, humility) in political discourse, rejecting the divisiveness and anger of the current political climate.
A Call to a Different Way
What if our political engagement reflected Colossians 3:12-14, where we “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility” rather than rage and malice?
Encouragement to Seek the Common Good
Challenge the congregation to engage politically with their feet planted firmly in the Gospel, not in political party loyalty.
Closing Blessing and Prayer
Pray for wisdom, discernment, and love as Christians navigate the complexities of politics, with confidence that God is with us.
Biblical References
Colossians 3:12-14
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
This passage emphasizes the virtues Christians are called to embody, contrasting with the divisiveness often seen in politics.
Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
A reminder that God calls for justice, mercy, and humility, which should shape our political engagement.
Romans 13:1-2
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
This passage invites reflection on how Christians relate to authority and political systems, recognizing God's sovereignty.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
A call to pray for leaders and authorities, focusing on peace and godliness rather than political strife.
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
This verse underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom when making decisions, including those about voting.
These verses align with the sermon’s themes of humility, love, justice, and seeking God's guidance in civic engagement.
Reflection Questions
How does the current political climate affect your understanding of your role as a Christian in civic engagement? Do you feel an undue moral burden when making political decisions?
Reflect on how you balance your faith and political responsibility, and whether you sense guilt or pressure in that process.
In what ways have you seen political actors or parties attempt to manipulate voters, including Christians, by raising moral stakes? How do you guard against this influence?
Consider how you discern the difference between genuine moral conviction and political coercion in your voting decisions.
What specific values from your faith inform your political decisions, and how do you ensure that your allegiance to Christ is above any political party?
Reflect on how your spiritual formation shapes your political choices and how you navigate party loyalty in light of your Christian identity.
When you think about voting, do you imagine Jesus judging your vote? How does this perception affect your approach to political engagement, and how might it shift if you viewed Jesus as understanding the complexity of your decision?
Explore how the idea of divine judgment impacts your feelings about voting and what it means to vote with faithfulness rather than fear.
How can your political actions be an expression of love for your neighbor, especially the marginalized, rather than an expression of personal identity or party loyalty?
Reflect on the call to love others through political engagement and how this challenges the often divisive nature of modern politics.
Daily Activities
Prayer for Wisdom and Discernment
Activity: Spend 10-15 minutes in focused prayer asking God for wisdom (James 1:5) in your political and civic engagement. Reflect on how you might incorporate compassion, kindness, and humility into your thoughts and actions this week.
Application: Begin the week by seeking God’s guidance for how you should approach voting and political conversations with a heart aligned to His will.
Assessing Personal Political Influences
Activity: Reflect on your own political views. Write down a list of the political issues you are passionate about and consider how your life experiences, faith, and Scripture have shaped those views.
Application: Examine how your faith informs your politics, and be aware of any outside influences (such as party loyalty) that might be impacting your beliefs in ways that are inconsistent with your values.
Engaging in a Conversation with Compassion
Activity: Find someone in your community (a friend, family member, or coworker) who holds different political views. Have a respectful, compassionate conversation about your differences, focusing on listening and understanding rather than convincing them to agree with you.
Application: Practice embodying Colossians 3:12-14 by engaging in political discourse with humility and kindness, rejecting the spirit of antagonism prevalent in the current political climate.
Serving Your Neighbor Politically
Activity: Identify one political issue that directly affects marginalized groups or those in need. Research practical ways you can support or advocate for these groups, such as signing a petition, donating to a related cause, or volunteering with an organization that supports them.
Application: Live out Micah 6:8 by actively working toward justice, mercy, and love for those who are often overlooked in political systems.
A Day of Prayer for Leaders and Community
Activity: Set aside time to pray for local and national leaders, as well as for those in your community who are struggling or impacted by political decisions (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Ask God to give them wisdom, discernment, and a heart for the common good.
Application: End the week by lifting up your leaders and community to God, recognizing His sovereignty and seeking His will in your political and civic involvement.
These activities will help you apply the message of faithful political engagement and spiritual integrity throughout your week.
