The world of politics. A world that can be quite discouraging and sad. But also, a world full of so much hope and change. It is an arena that desperately needs Christian fighters. Those who are willing to stand for biblical principles. Those willing to stand strong and not waver when challenges arise. Those willing to stand for truth. What does being involved in the world of politics mean and look like? To me, it means educating myself on what is going on around me. It means standing up for truth, helping when an opportunity arises, and striving to be a light for Christ in such a dark world.
“Why would you want to be involved in that ugliness?” or “As a Christian, you should not be involved in politics.” These are phrases that some Christians in this chosen profession get at times. First, I don’t even like to consider it “being involved in politics.” Instead, I view it as standing up for biblical principles. It is advocacy for truth. Secondly, as a Christian, we are called to be a light in this world. We cannot just stand back and not fight for truth and for the way that God intended for things to be. I find it so important and urgent to be involved. Because if Christians are not, then this world is on a path more towards darkness daily. Politics is definitely a difficult profession full of corruption, but Christians in the political arena are called to be in the world but not of the world.
My interest in this all started in 6th grade. It was 2016, the year of the Presidential Election. I was in a very liberal public school. Day in and day out, I was hearing all sorts of talk about how unqualified each presidential candidate was, especially about Donald Trump. I was always puzzled because what I heard from several 6th graders did not make sense: They continuously contradicted themselves and argued invalid points. This confusion, then, led to my going home from school each day with a new set of questions for my mother about this presidential election. After I started researching and watching the news, my interest was piqued from the early age of 12. I was so invested and intrigued with our election system and democracy in America that I went to the local republican party office in my county and started volunteering.
Just imagine a little 6th grader holding up Trump signs at the state fair in a predominantly democratic area … chaos ensued. What I did not realize at that age was the amount of controversy that surrounded our former President, so I could not understand why there was so much anger and intolerance from so many. I was trying to figure out why there was so much hate from all sides and why people could not get along. And why respectful discourse lacked in every arena. Why couldn’t we agree to disagree in a courteous manner?
I realized very quickly how much of a fallen world we live in, which led me to seeing the importance of being a voice in such a fallen world. Being involved in “politics” is far more than trying to persuade those to vote republican or believe in conservative principles. This is about showing people Jesus and the hope we have in Him, to advocate on biblical principles and issues that break God’s heart.
So many practical ways exist to get involved and stand up for biblical principles, not only different organizations for advocacy but also for education. Here are three simple ways to get involved: First, know what you believe and educate yourself. If we do not understand the concepts of the issues we defend/uphold, then why are we even talking to others about them? Learning is so valuable. Secondly, evaluate how you want to be involved whether that is making politics your profession, volunteering, or just simply following the news and commentators and educating yourself. Finally, implement this practically! Action-based activities include going to conferences, learning, networking, volunteering on campaigns, being involved in organizations such as Turning Point USA, Leadership Institute, and Young Women for America, just to name a few. Getting involved in a myriad of avenues is important, but more important is knowing what you believe and being able to articulate it. Have hard conversations with those around you. Genuine, truthful, and respectful conversations are what make a difference.
The Lord has given us all unique gifts and talents, so how do we use them? That is the question that we must ask ourselves. How do we use what He has given us for His glory and purpose? For me, it was finding an organization called Young Women for America that protects and promotes biblical values and principles. Finally finding my niche and what I longed to be involved in — protecting biblical principles and promoting truth. The years of feeling guilty for being a Christian and being involved in this arena finally started switching. Instead of feeling guilty, I realized how important it is to take a stand as Christians to advocate for these issues. An added benefit is the beautiful and sweet community that comes along with being involved in such a God loving and God honoring organization.
So, I urge you to never stop fighting. Educate yourself on important issues and have hard conversations with family and friends, even when it is uncomfortable. Volunteer and get involved where there are needs and vote; vote for leaders that your values align with. One piece of advice that I got early on is to not let this profession and passion become your identity. Our identity is in the Lord and priority is to serve His kingdom. Stand up for biblical values, pursue truth, and honor Him in the gifts and talents that He has blessed us with.
