CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR IN POLITICS {New Edition]

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism) DIP, BA, (Theology) MA, PhD

CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR IN POLITICS

{New Edition}

... "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to GOD what is GOD’S,{Matt. 22:21}

INTRODUCTION:

     In the words of Anibueze {1998:57} “politics deals with the organization of human society”. This implies that politics is all about the activities that ensure a legitimate gaining of power, a conscientious management of the resources and socio-political life of people in a given country, society or organization. Certainly, the principal objective in politics is the enthronement of government, for the effective organization and management of the human society, and government in the words of Ndoh 1994:10}, is a body of persons authorized or mandated to govern or rule a state, {country}.

     From a biblical standpoint, every government is GOD’S establishment, no matter who is there or how he is there, {Rom 13:1}. Politics, therefore, is a means to an end. And, GOD achieves this end {government} through the political activities of a people in a democracy or in any other system of government. Furthermore, if politics, in the words of  Anibueze {1998} deals with the organization of human society, the Christian, therefore. becomes the most suitable in political matters, since, as the image bearer of CHRIST, he carries the virtues the make for good governance, and judicious management of the affairs of the people. This readily refutes the idea that politics is dirty, and that Christians should have nothing to do with it. Logically speaking, if politics is a means through which God forms governments, it becomes un-reasonable to think that GOD would forbid politics, to give approval of governments formed through it. Having cited the above, it becomes proper to know the:

POLITICS THAT GLORIFIES GOD

Whatever you do, do it all for the GLORY

of GOD”, {1 “Cor. 10:31}.

     Politics that glorifies GOD, fundamentally, seeks to do the duties of Caesar {state duties} without dishonouring GOD. It aims at partisan politics that does not violate the WORD of GOD. Such politics, keeps away from all forms of political corruption like; election rigging, image smearing, vote-buying/selling, ballot box snatching, and other political offences, as it is obvious that, the foregoing are some of the reasons why some people believe that politics is dirty, and should not be practiced by Christians. Based on this, GOD’S WORD, as cited, charges all Christians, and politicians of the Christian Faith, to do all things, including politics, to the GLORY of GOD.

      Therefore, if election rigging and all cited political vices are not to the GLORY of GOD, then the Christian in politics should endeavour to refrain from every such behaviour, since it is said that the Christian is the light of world, and so, should shed light in the political life of his nation, {Matt. 5:14}.

GOD’S DISPLEASURE IN POLITICS

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech”, {Prov. 8:13}

     The cited Scripture demonstrates GOD’S displeasure in human life and activities. And, politics is one of the human activities where such vises are displayed. Politics is not a dirty activity or exercise, but dirty men bring dirty behaviour into politics. In the words of Anibueze ({1998:57}, the problem of politics is one that affects man, and this has earned him the reputation expressed in the Greek words, zoon polition, meaning “a political animal”. This is introduced by Aristotle who says that “man is by nature a political animal” The essence of social existence is politics. This emphasises that when two or more poeple interact with one another they are certainy involved in a political relationship. Thus, we have, “family politics”, “school politics”, “state or party politics”, and even “ church politics”. This points to the fact that no one is free from politics. Unfortunately, the adjective “dirty” to many, qualifies only party politics, whereas, families, schools or other institutions as mentioned  take the same or similar processes, as to, who gets what, and who does what in such establishments, which are all features of politics.

     Therefore, since this project strongly supports Christian involvement in politics, it, on the other hand, disapproves every behaviour in politics that displeases GOD. In the light of this, Christian behaviour in politics should demonstrate:

{1} THE FEAR OF GOD {PROV. 8:13} AGAINST; bribery, corruption, greed, assassination, avarice, nepotism, despotism and embezzlement.

{2} HUMILITY {VS.13B} AGAINST; pride, arrogance, pomposity, egotism, conceit, vanity, haughtiness and pratense.

{3} GOOD BEHAVIOUR {VS. 13C} AGAINST; evil, fraud, evasion, theft, forgery, imposture, crime and mischief.

 {4} SINCERE SPEECH {VS 13C} AGAINST; falsehood, hypocrisy, lying, sycophancy, deceit, double-dealing, feign and distortion.

THE ROLE OF A CHRISTIAN PASTOR IN THE POLITCAL

LIFE OF A NATION

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good” {Titus 3:1}.

     This role of the Christian pastor {as GOD’s representative} in the politcal life of a nation borders mostly on guidance and not partisan. On this note, Stephens {1972:9-11} highlights that during the theocratic regimes of the nation of Israel, under such people like, Moses, Joshua and Samuel, there was no thought of the state as a secular organization separate from the people’s religious life. However, with the emergence of  Saul as the nation’s political leader, as was informed by the people’s agitation for a king, like other nations, the situation changed,{1 Samuel 8}. Under the new political dispensation, the Old Testament prophets did not meddle in politics, but considered they had both right and duty to proclaim the VOICE of GOD to the nation, and in particular, to its politicians or leaders. This position saw to the reproves of King David for sexual immorality and King Ahab for greed  by prophets Nathan and Elijah, respectively, {11 Samuel 12, 1 Kings 21}

     Therefore, since no new political guidance or reforms were introduced by JESUS, the KING of KINGS or HIS apostles, it becomes worthy of note that the teaching and behaviour of the Old Testament prophets, the apostles and JESUS CHRIST remain the basic guide for the right Christian political behaviour for all ages. On this note, the Christian pastor should always not compromise GOD’S messages of reproof and guidance to the people and governments of his time. He should constantly remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, as well as, constantly remind the government(s) of the DIVINE demand to govern the people in the fear of GOD, {Titus 3:1; 11 Samuel 23:3}.

     In conclusion, I wish to draw the attention of the reader of this message that, GOD will not judge one for getting involved in politics, but will judge one for violating HIS WORD in politics. Every Politics of sin will be judged, whereas, every politics of righteousness will be rewarded. Furthermore, it is important to also note that; one who cannot refrain from political vices should better refrain from political ventures, considering GOD’S judgement. BE ADVISED.

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                 REFERENCES:

 Anibueze, G.U. {1998}, Man and Philosophy.

                 Glanic ventures press, Enugu.

Stephens, John {1972}, Politics and the Christian,

Daystar Press, Ibadan.

Ndoh, C.A. {1994} An Introduction to Political Science.

Tudor and Group Printers, Enugu

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