Church and state

So they're already campaigning. Babies are commandeered for photos, slogans are trotted out and posters put up.
But how should Christians respond to politics and the state?

First, we should always find it hard to know who to vote for: God calls us to be more generous and compassionate than any left wing politician, but more concerned for morality than any right wing politician. We want to invest in business because it's investing in people and work, but we want the state to provide good healthcare and support for the vulnerable.

Second, we must have a realistic view of what can and what cannot be achieved now. Some Christians believe that we can completely transform this world now and bring the Kingdom of God into the present by social action, miraculous healings etc. But the Bible says that the Kingdom of God will come with the return of Christ - only then will the world be put to rights.

Other Christians seem to deny that we can do any good now, and that we should only preach the gospel - it's tough now, there's nothing we can do but prepare people for heaven. But this denies the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and the church. We're called to pray for the those in authority and do good to those who hate us. The church is to demonstrate a genuinely alternative, God-honouring, transformed and transforming way of life. But we can't right every wrong nor heal every illness. People are still sinners (even Christians) and will still suffer and die.

So we have to walk the tightrope.  No, we can't make the world perfect. But yes, we can make a difference. And we should make a difference - individually and corporately; by our prayers and our behaviour; in generosity and morality. And of course, by proclaiming Christ as Saviour and Lord - because it's true and honours him; because it's powerful and brings people into the Kingdom of God.