Over the years, as a Christian and a Christian pastor, I have been accused of being either too political or not political enough. This doesn’t surprise me, since people often judge us based on what they want us to be. The real challenge is to genuinely be who God calls us to be. Our call is to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
Often, we believers are accused of being too political when we simply speak on Christian values that have implications for politics. If I were the enemy, I would convince believers that our views should not be spoken because it might offend others. Furthermore, I would convince them that they should not get involved in politics at all. I would even use titles such as Christian Nationalist to silence them. But, we believers, for the cause of Christ and the betterment of others and our society, are called to call evil evil and good good.
Christian Nationalism is often seen as a problematic mix of Christianity with American identity or government power. It can be viewed as a cultural system that aims to promote Christianity through government or to equate being a good American with being Christian. If this is what is meant by Christian Nationalism, I do not want to be associated with it. Nonetheless, believers should influence society. Evidence of this can be found throughout the time God’s people were in exile, with accounts showing how the Jews were involved in politics, sometimes not by choice, but God used them to make a difference (i.e., Daniel). In the New Testament, from Peter to Paul, we see examples of believers standing before political leaders, standing on the gospel, and witnessing to its truth. The term “Christian Nationalism” is often misused as a strawman to unfairly label orthodox Christians who engage in civic life or hold biblical convictions. I encourage Christians to evaluate issues biblically, advocating for principled civic engagement without compromising faith or falling into political traps that distort the gospel.
As a Christian in America, I want my nation to know Christ and treat each other in a way that honors the Lord. I hope our society will have laws aligned with biblical principles. I vote, engage others in conversation, and preach the gospel, hoping to influence our local, state, and national direction. Christian brothers and sisters in Iran want the same for their country. The church in China desires and works toward seeing the same change there. Believers worldwide want this for the nations where they live. Just as I pray for the Spirit to use the disinfectant of God’s truth to remove the dark spots in my soul, I pray the same for my home, neighborhood, city, state, nation, and the world. I pray that God’s kingdom will come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
So I, for one, will continue to stand on God’s truth and pray to our Lord to grant me humility, boldness, and love as I share His life-giving truth with others. I will not be passive, nor will I be silent. I will value life from conception to the grave. I will speak out against life-altering surgeries on minors. I will defend the God-given rights of all, even those I disagree with. I will stand for equality by treating everyone equally and providing identical opportunities and resources, regardless of individual differences or needs. I will not only identify as Christian; I will be Christian. I have been saved by Christ, am being changed by Him, following Him, and on a mission with Him, and I will not cease to call others to do the same.
Call me what you will. I serve for an audience of one, and I encourage you to do the same. As Paul declared, so shall I personally affirm, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). For others doing the same, know you are not alone, and no matter what others may call you, I call you brother, I call you sister. I call all believers to do the same. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!