If you’ve been a Christian for any number of years, you’ve probably heard a pastor preach on Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world.”
In America, Christians have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to serve as salt and light in our culture by influencing our nation’s politics. Christians should care about politics because laws and policies impact people. Influencing national, state and local politics is one way that Christians can love God and their neighbor.
The conservative journalist Andrew Breitbart used to say, “Politics is downstream from culture.” That’s true. However, since the law is a great teacher, culture is downstream from politics, too! That means our politics can help shape and influence the culture – and the people – around us.
Some may say politics is “too dirty” to get involved in, or that their vote “doesn’t matter.” But nothing could be further from the truth.
According to one survey, an estimated 41 million born-again Christians chose not to vote in the 2024 election, including 32 million self-identified Christians who regularly attend church, and 14 million church-going evangelicals.
In elections that are decided by a few thousands votes in key states across the country, an increased participation among faithful Christians could easily change the outcome, and therefore the course of our nation.
So, how can Christians take easy, simple steps to get involved? Here are five practical steps to consider.
First, pray! Scripture reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (ESV). Every Christian can take time to pray about the state of our nation, their level of political involvement and for guidance for those in elected offices.
Second, get informed! Most people know who the president is. (You do, right?) But many can’t name their senators, congressman, or elected state and local officials. Get up to speed on who your elected representatives are – and whether they support or oppose your principles and values. Also, begin to learn about important political and moral issues that are being discussed like life, marriage, education, religious freedom and free speech.
Third, stay informed! As you’re able, pay attention to various news sources to know what’s happening in the nation and your community. However, I must add a word of caution. Be wary of most mainstream media sources – we’re looking at you MSNBC, CNN, NPR and The New York Times – that have a distinctly liberal perspective. As former President Ronald Reagan once said, “The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant; it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” So be sure to get your news from reputable sources.
Fourth, register to vote! Former President Thomas Jefferson is often quoted as saying, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” You can have all the opinions in the world, but if you don’t vote, you’re letting your voice fall silent at the ballot box. Make sure your voter registration is up to date, and find out when the next election is happening in your area.
Fifth, get engaged! Consider attending your local school board meetings, writing opinion pieces to your local newspaper on important issues, or even running for office yourself! Connect with your state-based Family Policy Council to learn how you can get involved in your state. The best way to learn how to swim is to jump into the pool headfirst! (Ok, that may not be true.) But it is true that if you pray, vote and engage, you can help shape your local community, and our nation, for the better – and you’re sure to learn a lot in the process.
Now go forth, and do great things!
Daily Citizen is a news division of Focus on the Family that provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias.
