THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN POLITICS

Those who believe that politics and religion do not mix, understand neither. — Albert Einstein

In the olden days, Christians involvement in politics in the society was stereotyped because politics was viewed as a dirty game, Any Christian venturing into politics is stigmatized and often referred to as "a bad egg" or "a black sheep" or "backslider". But nowadays, we have seen the adventures of Christians into the world of politics regardless of the stigmatization.

Many Christians have seen the light and how they can come in to make a change in the political world. Religion and politics are inseparable because religion serves as a guiding light for making a moral decision. A religious man with a relationship with God would definitely be ten times more better than someone who does not know God, because he is under authority; he is submitted to God and it would be difficult for him for him to make rules/laws that affect his people, instead all his acts and practices would be striving towards making a positive change in the society.

We see an example of Daniel in the scriptures, how he was invited into the king's palace to work for the King. We can liken kings and palaces in the olden days to presidency and Aso rock villas in modern times. Daniel was invited to the King's palace to work for the king, as a Christian, Daniel made sure that all he did in the palace glorify God. He was a man of integrity, he didn't involve himself in any bad acts while he was in position of authority not because he could not necessarily do it but because he had the fear of God in him. He didn't compromise his Christian values, in the book of proverbs; chapter 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold". He was not blinded by the riches and the position of authority; instead he chose to uphold the name of God even in his position by doing the right thing.

So the place of religion in politics cannot be overemphasized. However, a christian must learn to recognise where God has called him or her too, If you are called to be a pulpit minister, then you must maintain it, if you are like Daniel and called into the world of politics to rule the affairs of the kingdom, then you must maintain it .You cannot be a pulpit minister and at the same time seeking to do politics. It is two different governments entirely but they are interrelated to each other. Politics sometimes requires the support of religion to make things work smoothly and efficiently, but it should not be manipulated.

Religious leaders should be a guide to those in positions of power, they should not be found at the middle point of disrupting things. There are some ways Christian leaders can be involved in politics, it include the following;

• Praying for people in political authorities: 1 Tim 2:1-2 Paul talks about how prayers, petitions and intercession be made for kings and those in authority. This is necessary because praying for them helps to redirect their steps and guide their path into making the right decisions that will favor the country at large.
•  Becoming a leader by influence: Some of the Christian leaders have politicians as families, in their churches and environment, and they respect them. They should influence them through their words and ways of life to the side of righteousness. They should make sure that they speak to them about values that should not be compromised irrespective of their political office or situations they find themselves in.
• Speaking up for the truth and righteousness without fear : In this moral decadence world, where corruption and bribery is the order of the day, safety of lives and properties is no longer something to vouch for, crimes are on the increase daily. Christian leaders must learn to voice out without fear and declare the word of God over the land. Most times, some of the leaders who are supposed to raise their voice over the land have compromised in one way or the other either by their past corruption or have been bribed by those in positions of power which silenced their voice. There is no way you want to speak against or speak prophetically when you are in one way inclined to the political parties you are involved in.

The Big question to Christian leaders who are actively involved in politics is; Will it not compromise your walk with God? Will it not take away your love for God? Can you be in that position of authority and still uphold the Christian values? If yes, then do not involve yourself; if No then you can go ahead with it. But Remember in all you do, ensure that you are sent to the world of politics before you involve yourself in it. You might want to say: Even the godly go into politics and then change into bad lifestyles. This is where your consistent fellowship with God and your obedience will be tested. So my question for you is would you want to fail God?