I want to be practical.
Here in South Africa—and I see this in America as well—we are heading toward some form of election.
Hence my question: Do the things we have been discussing lately have implications for how we engage politically and how we express ourselves in the political sphere? Should we also be “ambassadors of heaven” in this regard?
The answer is: “Of course, yes!” And yes, I know this is an incredibly broad field, full of twists and turns—and plenty of pitfalls! But let me venture a few observations on this, without going into excessive detail or taking sides.
I am convinced that we desperately need this “heavenly” perspective regarding our role—as people of the light—within politics, as well as in the marketplace and in our own personal lives.
Let’s focus on what is currently at hand.
During any presidential, midterm, or municipal election, those who support a particular candidate or party often feel as though the end of the free world has arrived if “their side” loses.
Conversely, those on the winning side feel exactly the opposite.
Furthermore, we see and hear many Christians engaging in politics with the same anger, spite, and mudslinging as the unbelieving world around them.
There is little difference—save for the occasional mention of “Jesus” or “God” thrown into the mix. Yet, in light of God’s Word—whatever the outcome may be—I want to remind every follower of Jesus, whether they are grieving or rejoicing: No president, minister, or winning party in this upcoming election will establish the kingdom of heaven here on earth!
Therefore, do what you must do politically, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us. But always remember that you are a follower of Jesus Christ! You are an ambassador and a representative of a radically different kingdom—the kingdom of heaven—which operates according to a different kind of politics!
You belong to a kingdom that is not of this planet, a kingdom that demands—first and foremost, above all else—your complete allegiance, your total passion, and your very life.
Consequently, you cannot and must not ever give your full allegiance, loyalty, and passion to anything else, or to any other institution, organization, political party, or candidate.
As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we can approach all our political activities with a sense of calm, knowing that our God is in charge and has everything under control!
Whether you feel alarmed or relieved and happy regarding the newly elected candidate, party, or president following an election, our Lord calls upon us all—as 1 Timothy suggests—to reach out to the throne of heaven on behalf of that person or governing body, every single day. 2:1–5.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for those in authority and all who hold power—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been attested to at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:1–5)
Take note of what we are to pray for. It is not about the political party or candidates in question transforming the municipality or constituency in which they operate so that it becomes obedient to God. No, our prayer for them is simply that the political authorities will allow us, as Christians, to live “quiet and peaceful” lives for our Lord.
As we have said to one another so many times: We, as believers—people of the light, the “ekklesia”—are not a secluded, isolated group. On the contrary, we are firmly planted in this world. We are meant to take our stand right here where the Lord has placed us—engaging with this world, with all its challenges and needs, with great responsibility and wisdom—and to serve as a witness to the world and its people, while remaining prepared... ...to be here—in whatever way the Lord has called us to—and to serve as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The confession that "Jesus is Lord" is, in fact, a political statement; it refuses to acknowledge Caesar—or any other power, authority, or political party—as Lord.
Regardless of where you find yourself—whether before or after a political election—do not let your heart be troubled, and do not place your ultimate hope in any fallible human being.
To do so is to forget that you are part of an eternal kingdom that belongs to a different reality and realm.
Therefore, we pledge allegiance to no flag other than that of the kingdom of God. When we lose sight of this, we begin to treat our political opponents just as the world does: by criticizing them, and even acting or speaking as if they are “from hell”—or are perhaps even demonic.
Remember, then, the words of Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against every power and authority, against every spirit that rules over this sinful world, against every evil spirit in the heavenly realms.”
The outcome of any political election does not mean that “the world around us has been saved,” nor that it has “perished”!
On the contrary, these are merely blips on the vast radar of time. Pray to the Lord, therefore, for perspective!
Remember, too, that our spiritual forebears once lived under rulers and governments where, because of their faith, they were thrown to the lions, set ablaze as human torches, and subjected to all manner of other barbaric forms of oppression and suffering.
Never, then, become so deeply immersed or involved in party politics that you forget who you are and to whom you belong.
We are part of a kingdom that will outlast all other kingdoms and, ultimately, will triumph. Jesus is the Lord of that kingdom, and He is also the Lord of this world—regardless of who is in power now, or who may be in the future.
Seek His kingdom first; this includes showing this world what the kingdom of God looks like, how it acts, and what it feels like—especially during and amidst an already highly charged political climate.
All presidents, ministers, and government officials will merely be a footnote in history. But the kingdom of Jesus Christ shall have no end.
May this perspective help you—and others—to carry out what God has called you to do (including in the political sphere) without succumbing to anxiety or fear!