The apostle Paul writes to the Colossians “by [Christ] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. And he is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross”(Colossians 1:16-20 ESV, emphasis added).

It is a healthy chunk of scripture, but oh is it not beautiful? However, when we take a look around us at the political landscape of our time, it looks quite different. Rulers and authorities were created through and for Christ, but yet so many of our leaders are corrupt and fail to lead us towards Christ. He is the head of the body that is the Church, but yet we often turn to idolizing politicians instead of Him. He is preeminent in everything, reconciling all things to peace through his cross, yet his cross brings division among the already muddled waters of political conversations. Not to mention the feuds and arguments we have with our brothers and sisters in the Church, often harshly reacting and causing division.

All this begs the questions: Where is Christ in our politics? What is the role our Lord plays in politics, and how can we better view said role? How can we think first of the heavenly kingdom and act justly before prioritizing any earthly kingdom?

I humbly confess that I do not have perfect answers to these questions. However, I do have some suggestions. There are three key things that we as Christians should keep in mind during election seasons: The government is upon Christ’s shoulders, No candidate is perfect, and Christians are salt and light in this world (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV, Romans 3:23 ESV, Matthew 5:13-16 ESV).

Upon His Shoulders

Christ reigns. Need I say more? Of course I do, since that is not a satisfactory answer. Such a simple phrase, and yet we allow ourselves to overlook it so easily. Enthroned as the king over this universe is the same one who was gruesomely nailed to a cross on our behalf. He took upon himself the weight of the cross, sin, and abandonment, such that he would be the principal authority over all. Isaiah 9 foretells of the Messiah’s governance, verse 6 giving us comfort in knowing the crucified messiah reigns victoriously in our present time. Meanwhile, verse 7 gives us the assurance of his eternal ruling, establishing peace and righteousness forevermore. You may be asking yourself, how is it that Christ is in authority when my candidate does not win? Well, that leads to my second point.

No Perfect Candidate

The ever so common verse of Romans 3:23 establishes that we all are sinners, and our entire being is tampered with and tainted by this power, Sin. Objectively, this is clearly evident within our politics. Between policies, debates, and speeches, we see that no matter what, no candidate will ever be perfect. Yet there is comfort in that. When has God ever picked perfect individuals to use them? Abraham was old and decrepit, David was an adulterer and murderer, and the majority of Israel’s kingship were horrific rulers. But somehow, someway, God used all these figures miraculously, for good. Though it can be hard in the moment to see, we can trust that God is working through whoever is in office. Even if Christ himself was on the ballot, they would crucify him, despite being utterly and completely perfect.

To Be Salt and Light

It is evident just by looking around us that there has been much division and pain over politics. Ultimately, it stems from pride. Pride in our opinions, and the fear of thinking we could ever be wrong. Why is it that we so badly want to be correct over matters that most often do not affect someone’s salvific standing? My brothers and sisters, are we not called to be different, to be distinct in this world as salt and light? As salt we are to make this world a purer and more palatable place¹. As light we are to be distinct, not hiding ourselves. Are we not meant to show others the light, in this dark world, that has the power to transform? Do we make this world more palatable or display our Savior when we bicker and cast one another out? Do we bring others into this new life we have been gifted when we tell them their ideologies cannot be Christian? It is almost as if we forget that none of us are followers of Christ by nature. If it were up to our nature alone, we would still be stranded without him, wanting nothing to do with him. We are called to a higher standard of action, so let us walk in that by showing love rather than pride in our conversations, and embracing others despite our differences.

My prayer would be that this is beneficial in our thinking and in the way Christ can be present within our political space. Let us work towards advancing Christ’s kingdom here on Earth, identifying chiefly with His cross, and not with a donkey or elephant. After all, he died both for the avid liberal that is despised for being too hip AND the traditional conservative said to be too old fashioned.

One day we will be under his governance forever and there will be nothing but peace. Let us look forward to that day with joy. In the meantime, I leave you with some word from Psalm 47:2-3, 8: “For the Lord, Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the Earth. He subdued people under us, and nations under our feet…God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:2-3, 8 ESV).