As a Christian, Should You Be Republican or Democrat?

Democrat - division

Republican - division

COVID - division

Doctrine - division

Followers of Jesus have been sorting themselves into divided groups and churches based on their political opinions for years.

In 2020-1-2-3, there was separation between those wearing masks and those who didn’t; between those who thought COVID was real/serious, and those who didn’t. Groups sitting on this side of the sanctuary, and groups sitting on that side. My concern is that politics largely motivated these separations, not compassion. We’ve all felt these difficult political, social, and cultural tensions. We’ve all felt the division in recent years, and I’m talking about division WITHIN the church. 

As a Christian, you are not called to be a Republican or Democrat, but a Citizen of Heaven. 

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)

As we enter an election year, I hate the division which often comes with it. We see endless political bickering, divisive ideologies, and partisan mudslinging. We get caught up in earthly power struggles and battles over the letter of the law. Messages trying to convince us to pledge allegiance to one party or another inundate us, to rally behind this candidate or protest that policy. The 24/7 news cycle and endless politicking can make us feel like our primary citizenship is determined by whether we vote Democrat, Republican or independent. 

“But, Pastor Paul, should we not be aware and care for the goings on in our country?”

Yes and no.  

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must remember our true citizenship is not of this world. We are sojourners and exiles on this earth (1 Peter 2:11), temporarily residing in human nation-states and political systems that will one day fade away. Our permanent homeland, our eternal nation to which we pledge the highest allegiance, is the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is not to say we should be indifferent to what happens in our earthly governments and societies. Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to be a light to the world around them, speaking out against injustice, oppression, and immorality. Jesus himself did not shy away from confronting the corrupt leaders and unjust systems of his day. 

Jesus made it clear that his Kingdom was "not of this world" (John 18:36). His primary mission was not a political or military one to overthrow Roman rule, but the redemption of humanity through his death and resurrection - an overthrow of the heart. Loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, and putting God above all else, One in the Body, should radically redefine our understanding of power, authority, and what ultimately matters most.

Make the Way of Jesus your primary, first, centering, overarching, guiding allegiance - always. Never a political party.

When we take on the identity of citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, our perspectives and priorities shift in profound ways. Suddenly, our feuds with those on the other side of the political pew seem petty and insignificant and contrary to the Way of Jesus. The delusion of finding our ultimate hope and fulfillment in any earthly party or system is shattered. We recognize that our calling is much higher - to be ambassadors of the King of Kings (2 Corinthians 5:20), light in the darkness of a fallen, fractured world.

We pledge our primary allegiance not to a donkey or an elephant, but to the Lamb of God who was slain for our salvation. We are part of a kingdom not defined by national borders, but by the encompassing reign of the living God over all of heaven and earth. And while we live out this citizenship through prayer, worship, service, and Christlike LOVE, we also long for the day when God's Kingdom will be established forever - a new heaven and a new earth. 

We pledge our primary allegiance not to a donkey or an elephant, but to the Lamb of God.

Until that day comes, we press on as citizens of the heavenly nation, bearers of a higher vision than what is offered by the rise and fall of worldly empires and regimes. Does this mean we should not align with a political party? No, it’s how America works. But it DOES mean your allegiance is to the Way of Jesus FIRST. And this way of love should inform everything about your political position.

As a Christian, should you be a Republican or a Democrat?

First, filter every political position you have through the Way of Jesus.

He is your primary allegiance, not a political party.

Here are five things to consider: 

1. Are you making sure your first allegiance is to Jesus, not the world?

2. How do you serve, treat, and speak about those on the opposite side of your political spectrum?

3. Even if you disagree politically, how are your words life-giving and full of love? 

4. How are you praying for those who differ from you politically?

5. How are you bringing unity and uplifting the Body of Christ?

To we who call ourselves followers of Jesus, let’s make sure we are actually living the Way of Jesus. I am encouraged because I believe a new movement is happening among those taking this calling seriously. 

I love you and believe in you! Let's do this together!

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