May a Christian join a political party?

It is true that church leaders do need to know all about their people; their politics, their economic circumstances and many other things.

If we were to leave the governing of countries to those who are not Christians, there would be less freedom for the worship of God and for God’s Word to reach the people. God wants Christians to have an influence in all spheres of life, including politics. The question that arises from this is, “How should we be involved?”

We should not be involved for selfish reasons – to promote a better life only for ourselves and our people while others suffer. There should be no thought of seeking fame or money. Our aim should be only that the righteousness of God should be shown and lived out. If this were done, much of the fighting in party politics would disappear. Individual Christians can play a large part in lifting up a nation to the righteousness of God, if God’s glory is their only aim.

The work of the church as Christ’s body is to bring people to know Jesus as Saviour and teach Christians how to live their lives according to God’s principles. Then people who have been taught like this, can go into the world of politics and live the Christian life as God wants them to, and thus be an influence for God. We need to be the “salt” that stops corruption (Matthew 5:13).