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The political season has started again, much to the dismay of many Americans. We are bombarded by media buys, press releases, and promotion by sound bites, either to persuade us to vote for one candidate or to dissuade us from voting for another. As words get tossed to and fro in a frenzied froth, we shake our heads with disgust, for it seems as though nothing has changed, except for a few new faces.

While I am grateful that God has given us the opportunity to have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, I also realize that involvement in politics will not fix the problems of the world. Yes, as Christians, we have a stewardship toward God to be involved, but we must also realize that our main objective must be to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the midst of all of this, it is important to remember that God’s plan for the ages is still progressing on the earth. During this frenetic pace, we must remind ourselves of the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

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Recently, while visiting a church as a guest speaker, I sat in the front row, reading the bulletin before the service began. Three words that I read brought back memories from long ago. Those three words were, "Ora et Labora." As a young boy, I suddenly recalled my grandmother attending a ladies society called "Ora et Labora."

How fitting these words, meaning "pray and work," are for the Christian life! It is easy in the Christian life, to spiritualize prayer to the point where it seems to be disconnected from what is happening in the world around us. Yet prayer is a vital part of ministering to other believers and to seeking God’s leading and direction in our own lives.

God’s plan for the believer includes both praying and working, not as disconnected parts of life, but as integrated with each other. At the same time, there are some Christians who have a special ministry in prayer. Years ago, while serving as a pastor, there was a woman who had been confined to her bed for years. While there, God used her tremendously as a prayer warrior.

In Mark 13, Jesus compares the Son of man as the man who is taking a journey, leaving his house, and giving authority to his servants, giving every man his work. God has equipped each believer with spiritual gifts, severally as He wills, to be able to complete the work that He has for that Christian to perform. While we are all called to win souls, and to edify the brethren, God does put different believers in different areas in which to minister.

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Several years ago, at the request of a university professor, I spoke to his political science class. He had asked the class at the beginning of the semester, "Do you believe there is a place for religion in politics?" Only one member of the class believed there was a place for religion in politics.

I shared with his class that all of life is religious, for everything in life is influenced by our religious beliefs. The atheist, who believes there is no God, is influenced in everything by his religious beliefs. His legislative proposals are based upon a morality that presumes there is no God, while mine are based upon the belief that there is a God to Whom I must give account.

The students agreed that America’s political system is based upon the concept that all people are allowed to have their voices heard in our government. The obvious question then, is this, "Should someone be precluded from being involved in government because of his or her religious beliefs?" The answer clearly is, "No!"

The next question is, "Should people of faith be required set aside their deeply held religious and moral beliefs to be involved in government?" That answer is also obvious, for to do so inhibits the practice of religious belief in America. The professor later shared with me that he asked his original question on the final exam, and all the students but one believed that there was a place for religion in politics.

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I have talked to reporters and political pundants about the recent changes in Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. There seems to be a new political wind blowing, and it seems as though we will be facing a storm of legislation that goes against biblical values and the protection of innocent life.

While God judges nations based upon their actions, it is not just legislative leaders who are giving direction to America. It is the responsibility of every Christian to be involved in the political process. God has ordained a government of the people, by the people, and for the people in these United States of America. There are some Christians who seem to think they are fulfilling all that God has called them to do by being involved in the political process.

God is looking for balance in our Christian lives. Because I so frequently work in the field of legislative issues, I understand how easy it can be to forget about the main thing. Winning Congress for one party or the other is not the main responsibility of Christians, although working within our political system can make a tremendous difference.

According to Paul’s writings in 2 Timothy 2, we have a responsibility to pray for those who are in authority for a very specific purpose: “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This is good and acceptable to God, Who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. The main thing in God’s eyes is that men be saved! Even our political activities are to that end.

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