Faith Filled Family Magazine September 2016 | Page 28

that true for all of us? All we have to do is look around. A myriad of paths to influence the action of government abound. How Christians can influence Government 1.Voting. When we cast our vote to elect politicians, we exercise our power to directly influence the selection of the people who will shape government. 2. Phone Calls. We provide our Christian perspective on an issue that will affect many with a phone call to a local, state or national leaders to voice our concerns, 3.Donating to campaigns. Donating to carefully selected campaigns provides the resources needed to run a campaign Definition 2 The work or job of people (such as elected officials) who are part of a government. 
 Contemporary Example By actually running for office or leading a political movement, Christians can make their voice and influence heard and felt. What better person to influence the laws of the land but an individual who has submitted his life to the light of God’s word? If we are ever need justification for God’s people running for office, take a look a Joseph. He became a ruler in Egypt, and he used his position to to not only save Egypt during a time of famine but save his own people’s lives. (Gen 40) God positioned Joseph in Egypt to preserve the lives of people in Israel according to God’s plan (Gen 45: 5 NIV). Sometimes people are in a positon of leader- ship because God placed them there. If an individual possesses the ability to formulate policy and communicates effectively, God may call that person to lead locally or nationally. For some, politics is a dirty word, but if a child of God can withstand any of the temptations that are prevalent in that arena, running for office may just be what God requires. Christians need to be represented in every walk of life, the political arena included Definition 3 The opinions that someone has about what should be done by governments: a person’s political thoughts and opinions For this example, the opinions referred to are not our own. We impart only one opinion and that is the truth of God’s word. There are some God-fearing people who are called to deliver the prophetic voice to political figures. This call to action is not necessarily a public act. It can be a private conversation. Consider Nathan and King David. Nathan rebuked King David because he had abused his power, caused the death of Uriah, and took his wife. In this case, David paid the price and repented. Rebuking politicians could be risky, however. In the case of John the Baptist who rebuked Herod for taking his brother’s wife, Herod had John beheaded. For most, the faith path through politics does not result in martyrdom, but it does cause a call to action. Remember “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV). The fallen world gives us many opportunities to act in faith. Where there is injustice the Lord expects his people to speak up. God commands Amos to, “Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream.” How do Christians show justice? The response involves a political act. When we have an opportunity to do what is right, Christians must step up. (Proverbs 3:27 NIV) Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” So often we only think of feeding the hungry and other philanthropic acts when we read this verse, but it can be applicable to so much more. It can also mean using our voices to shape the political landscape by supporting others who have a calling for public service. It can mean voting on referendums that support care for the planet which is our responsibility also. As Christians we must flex our spiritual muscles and give our faith feet, hands, and mouths. Involvement in politics is one way to insure we are living a functional faith. References Merriam Webster. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1828. Web. 7 Aug. 2016. http://www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/politics (Politics and the Pulpit: An Essay on the Rights and Duties of the Christian Pulpit in Relation to Politics.( Boston: American Tract Society, [c1860])