BEING CHRISTLIKE WHILE BEING POLITICALLY ENGAGED
Reframe: Embracing a Biblical Worldview
“For the kingdom is the LORD’s and He rules over the nations.” Psalms 22:28
“… For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1-2
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Romans 13:1-2 (NLT)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right … Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13-14; 17
“Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order.” 1 Peter 2:13-14 (MSG)
“It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society.” 1 Peter 2:15 (MSG)
“Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules.” 1 Peter 2:16 (MSG)
“Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” 1 Peter 2:17 (MSG)
“Do not copy the ways of the world…” Romans 12:2
HOW TO BE POLITICALLY ACTIVE AND CHRIST-LIKE
1. BE SALT AND LIGHT — “You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-14; 16 (NIV)
2. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR — “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
o Loving your neighbor means showing grace.
o Loving your neighbor means acting with compassion.
o Loving your neighbor means looking out for their wellbeing.
o Loving your neighbor means serving them.
o Loving your neighbor means speaking kindly.
o Loving your neighbor means making allowances for other people’s humanity.
o Loving your neighbor means forgiving.
3. RESPECT EVERYONE — “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1
4. SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE — “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
5. PRAY FOR THOSE IN LEADERSHIP — “Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)