Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV)
Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. (James 3:1 AMP)
Recently, I had a brief conversation with a young woman who grew up in the Church but was deeply hurt by the toxic ways her pastoring parents were treated by the churches they served. Now, as a mother of young children, she says she still believes in God—but she’s no longer connected to a church community. She shared that her parents are also looking for a new church because the pastor at their current one “preaches politics.”
I haven’t heard those sermons myself or spoken to her mother, so I can’t speak directly to the situation. But it raises a real and relevant tension: Politics is highly divisive in our culture, and many believers understandably go to church longing to hear the Word of God—not political commentary.
Still, it’s worth asking: To what should the Word of God be applied?
Jesus often described his Kingdom in ways that defied expectations—especially those looking for earthly power or political dominance. Instead, he revealed a spiritual kingdom rooted in humility, love, justice, and transformation. This Kingdom begins within us, but it’s not meant to stay there. It should affect how we live, love, and lead in the world.
If we truly know the love, grace, peace, and joy of God, it will naturally show in how we treat others. And if we are living lives rooted in justice, mercy, and humility, that includes striving for righteousness not only in personal relationships, but also in the broader systems and structures around us.
So yes—politics is one area where Christians are called to make a difference. Not through partisanship or power-seeking, but by bringing Kingdom values—truth, compassion, justice, integrity—into public life.
The pastor at our current church might also be described by some as “preaching politics” at times. But I believe many parts of the Church have, for too long, avoided teaching how Scripture speaks into everyday life—including civic and cultural matters. So when a pastor, led by the Holy Spirit, begins to apply Biblical truth to real-world issues, it may sound jarring to modern ears. But Jesus did this all the time with the people and settings he encountered.
Think of the parables:
- In Luke 10, the story of the Good Samaritan challenges our assumptions about who is truly righteous—showing that even a cultural “enemy” can reflect God’s heart better than religious insiders.
- In Luke 18, the Pharisee and the tax collector teaches us that God values humility over outward religion.
- In Luke 15, the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son flip the idea that God is only concerned with the obedient. Instead, we see that he passionately pursues the lost, even leaving the 99 to rescue the one.
Jesus consistently challenged his listeners—and continues to challenge us—to see the world through Kingdom eyes.
So when we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we’re not just uttering words. We’re inviting God’s rule to shape our lives—in our homes, churches, communities, and yes, even our politics. We are meant to be vessels of his Kingdom in every sphere we touch.
Let us pray today for pastors navigating this reality.
Father, thank you for the life and teachings of Jesus, which challenge us to see the world through Kingdom eyes. Thank you for calling us to walk in humility and to bring your mercy, righteousness, and justice to the people and systems around us. Thank you for revealing both your holiness and your grace to us so clearly.
Today, we lift up pastors who are faithfully shepherding churches, seeking to honor you through their leadership and teaching. We ask that you shape their hearts, minds, and spirits to be deeply rooted in your Word and led by your Spirit—not influenced by the “wisdom” of the world.
Give them clarity and courage to boldly proclaim the fullness of the Gospel, without being distracted or entangled in teachings that are not from your Kingdom. Help them to be faithful shepherds and godly examples to their congregations—not motivated by personal gain, but eager to serve. Since they carry greater responsibility, help them embrace the weight of that calling with reverence, meeting the high standard you’ve set for those who lead. May your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)