By Br. Walt
As we approach the upcoming presidential election, tensions are high, and the noise from all sides seems impossible to escape. Candidates, parties, and pundits clamor for attention, each claiming to hold the key to our nation’s future. Many people feel pressure to choose sides, to align their faith with a particular platform or candidate. And there is so much fear. But as we move into this season, it’s important to remember something crucial: while the Gospels speak profoundly to issues of power and justice, they are not partisan. The teachings of Jesus don't point us toward a political party or candidate. But they are, undeniably, political.
By “political,” I don’t mean that Jesus took sides in the way we often think of politics. In fact, he famously said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus never endorsed candidates or policies, but he did challenge systems of power, both spiritual and temporal, and called his followers to a radically different way of thinking about authority, justice, and the common good.
The Context of Empire
To understand the political nature of the Gospels, we have to remember the context in which Jesus lived and taught. The entire Jesus movement arose in the shadow of the Roman Empire, an oppressive regime that maintained order through violence, intimidation, and economic exploitation. The people of Judea were subject to Roman rule, paying taxes to a foreign empire that did not have their well-being at heart. The empire was the ultimate symbol of worldly power: it demanded loyalty, and in return, it offered wealth and security—at least to those who were on the right side of the system.
But Jesus offered a counter-narrative to this system of power. He preached about the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that stood in direct contrast to the Roman Empire. In this upside-down kingdom, the last would be first, the poor would be blessed, and the meek would inherit the earth. In the world of Rome, might made right, and the greatest was the one who had the most wealth and influence. But Jesus flipped that entirely on its head: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).
This is what made Jesus’ message so radical, and in many ways, so political. He wasn’t telling people to overthrow the empire by force, but he was subverting the very values that underpinned it. Jesus called his followers to a new kind of power—one grounded not in domination but in service, not in wealth but in generosity, not in coercion but in love. And it’s a message that remains just as relevant today as it was then.
The Temptation of Partisanship
Today, it’s easy to feel the pull of partisanship, to think that one party or candidate will fix what’s wrong with our world. It’s tempting to align our faith too closely with a political platform. But the truth is, the Gospel transcends these divisions. Jesus wasn’t a Republican or a Democrat. He didn’t advocate for policies that would fit neatly into our current political boxes. Instead, he called us to a way of life that transcends those categories—a way rooted in love, humility, and justice.
That doesn’t mean the Gospel is irrelevant to our political choices. Quite the opposite. As Christians, we are called to engage in the world, to care for the marginalized, to seek justice for the oppressed, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our faith must inform the way we vote, the way we advocate, and the way we participate in our communities. But that doesn’t mean we give our ultimate fealty to any political figure or party.
A Practical Call
So, as we move toward November, I want to offer a few practical ways to think about this election season:
1. Remember Who You Serve. As followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not to any earthly power. We are called to be witnesses to God’s love and justice in the world, no matter who holds political office.
2. Stay Grounded in Love. Political discussions can get heated, and it’s easy to lose sight of our call to love our neighbors—especially those who think differently from us. As we engage in conversations and debates, let’s do so with grace, humility, and love.
3. Consider the Marginalized. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently sided with the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized. As we cast our votes and advocate for policies, we must ask ourselves: How will this decision impact the least among us?
4. Pray for Wisdom. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” In this season, let’s make prayer a priority—asking for the wisdom to discern how we can best live out our faith in the political sphere.
5. Trust in God’s Plan. At the end of the day, our hope is not in political leaders or systems. Our hope is in God’s unfolding plan of redemption and renewal for the world. No matter what happens in November, God is at work, and we are called to be part of that work in whatever ways we can.
It’s About Power—But Not the Kind You Think
The Gospels remind us that the Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world. Jesus showed us a different way to think about power: one that lifts up the lowly, challenges the powerful, and invites us to serve rather than be served. As we head into this election, let’s be mindful of where we place our trust, and let’s keep our eyes fixed on the One who holds all true power, both now and forever. Amen.
