The church cannot afford to opt out of politics. It is in politics that governments formulate policies for governance, make laws, distribute resources, prioritize projects and programmes which affect every aspect of our society. Deliberately opting out of politics is irresponsible.
- Jesus, himself, spoke to God the Father, and said: I am praying for them, not that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe (in the world) from the evil one” (John 17:15). Jesus wanted Christians to remain as part of the contemporary world. It is obvious that they cannot escape the problems that society faces.
- In asking Christians to the salt of the earth and the light of the world, Jesus left a clear message of responsibility and obligation to ensure that the world they lived in is impacted positively by their faith.
- Credit must be given to the early missionaries who not only brought the gospel of salvation, but also established critical societal institutions like schools, hospitals and colleges. These have been the seedbeds of quality education and medical services with distinctive ethical values and influence.
- In an increasingly liberal world, laws that compromise moral values are being passed. Christians must be loud in the public arena and be present in houses of parliament to stand up and fight, like William Wilberforce fought and won the war against slave trade.
- Christians should always vote with their conscience and do the right thing at all times.
- Christians need to resist turning a blind eye to the wrongdoing during national elections but rather speak up.
- It is important for Christians to identify themselves as such when entering the political arena. One’s faith is paramount and should come before the political party they are affiliated to.
- Christians should regard political office as a service to God and to the people. They ought to pray and honour God for this was a calling.
