Navigating the Political Landscape: A Christian's Guide

Nov 4

Have you ever felt torn between your faith and your political views? As we approach another contentious election, many Christians find themselves struggling to reconcile their beliefs with the polarized political landscape. But what if I told you that there's a way to engage in politics without compromising your faith or damaging your relationships?

In a recent sermon, we explored how to approach politics as followers of Jesus. Let's dive into some key insights that can help us navigate this challenging terrain.

The Foundation: Love God, Love Your Neighbor

Jesus gave us a clear directive that should guide all our actions, including our political engagement. In Matthew 22:37-40, He says:

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally as important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

This foundational teaching should shape our approach to politics. When we vote or engage in political discussions, we should ask ourselves: How does this align with loving God and loving our neighbors?

Unity in Diversity

It's important to recognize that our church, like our nation, is diverse. We have Democrats, Republicans, and everything in between. Yet, as I mentioned in the sermon, "Our church is unified politically. And what I mean by that is we're all ready for this election to be over, aren't we?"

While we may disagree on specific issues or candidates, we can find unity in our shared faith and our desire for a better future. Remember, Jesus is not a Republican and Jesus is not a Democrat. Jesus is a king.

John Wesley's Wisdom for Voters

In 1774, during a contentious election in Bristol, England, John Wesley provided guidance to Christian voters that remains remarkably relevant today. Let's consider his three main points:

1. "Vote without fee or reward for the person they judged most worthy."
Choose candidates based on their qualifications and character, not personal gain.

2. "Speak no evil of the person they voted against."
Resist the temptation to engage in negative rhetoric about opposing candidates.

3. "Take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side."
Maintain respectful relationships with those who disagree with you politically.

Civility in Political Discourse

In our current political climate, it's easy to get caught up in heated debates and harsh rhetoric. However, as followers of Christ, we're called to a higher standard. As I mentioned in the sermon, "Engaging in name-calling and rhetoric is un-Christlike. Attaching an '-ism' to them for everything they say or do is unfair."

Instead, we should strive to model respectful disagreement and prioritize relationships over political alignment. Remember, love people more than you love issues.

Putting It Into Practice

As we approach this election, here are some practical ways to apply these principles:

1. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you consider candidates and issues.
2. Research candidates thoroughly, looking beyond party lines to their character and qualifications.
3. Engage in respectful discussions with those who hold different views, seeking to understand rather than to argue.
4. Refrain from sharing or engaging with inflammatory political content on social media.
5. Remember that your identity in Christ is more important than your political affiliation.

Finally, regardless of the election outcome, take comfort in this truth: Jesus is king. He will continue to be in charge. He will continue to be king of Kings and Lord of lords. He will continue to be blessed and sovereign.

By grounding our political engagement in love for God and neighbor, maintaining unity in diversity, following Wesley's wise counsel, and prioritizing civility, we can navigate this election season with faith and grace. Let's be a light in our communities, showing that it's possible to be politically engaged without compromising our Christian witness.

Ryan Schreckenghaust

My name is Ryan Schreckenghaust and I’m the Lead Pastor at The Summit Church. Lee’s Summit is my hometown and I love connecting with people to tell them about who Jesus is.

I am a graduate of William Jewell College and, after changing my major countless times, felt God’s nudge to invest my life in the work of the local church. I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology. I then attended Rockbridge Seminary where I earned the Master of Ministry Leadership degree.

I was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in 2003, ordained as a Pastor/Elder in 2013, licensed as Local Church Pastor in the United Methodist Church in 2019, and completed the United Methodist Course of Study in 2021.

I have worked at several churches over the last 20 years where I served in roles such as Student Ministry Pastor, Creative Arts Pastor, and Executive Pastor. I’ve also worked professionally as a social media strategist in the marketing department at a Fortune 500 company.

I’ve been married to my wife Rebekah for more than 20 years. Rebekah is a school counselor at a local middle school. Together we have two boys, Jackson and Camden, and a Weimaraner named Poppy. I love time with my family, reading and watching my favorite sports teams!