The recent mayoral election in New York City has stirred up our nation. I wish I had answers for everything, and I am embarrassed to admit that at times I let social media shape my thoughts and actions in the political arena. If you spend time on social media, you know what I mean.

As Christians, what should we do? Here is my personal conviction: this is not ultimately a political issue; it is a gospel issue. It is not Republicans against Democrats; it is about Jesus and His mandate for the church. Remember Matthew 28: we are to go and make disciples. We must keep the heart of our purpose as believers. Our mission does not change, and neither does the mission of the Lord’s church. We are called to be salt and light, to believe the gospel, stand on the authority of His Word, and to share the hope of the gospel. We are to believe in Christ, follow Christ, and boldly share Christ.

That does not mean we jump on every platform with rants and angry discourse. It does not mean we spend the day consuming political content. It does mean we actively look for opportunities to share Christ with others, clearly and courageously. This is the time to be bold for Christ!

Do we get involved in politics? Yes. Do we follow the political climate of the day? Yes. But these remain secondary to our true calling. Our primary purpose is to walk with Christ, serve through His church, and share the gospel with others. We can be courageous without being combative. If each on of us truly lived this out, we would see a difference in our homes, our churches, and our society. I long and pray to see Jesus-loving leaders in every public office. Until that day, I will remain joyfully and purposefully on mission, trusting God’s sovereignty, praying for those in authority, and shining the light of the gospel wherever He places me.

The What Next

• Limit your time on social media and news watching. Guard your heart, pray, and focus on the people in front of you.
• Match your zeal for politics with passion for the Great Commission. Share less on social media and share Christ more in person and in public.
• Go to church faithfully. Ask your pastor how you can serve. Pray for opportunities to share Christ and to disciple someone.
• Trust God. Remember that we are pilgrims passing through and that He is still on His throne.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Colossians 1:27–28 (ESV)
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

Psalm 22:28 (ESV)
“For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.”

Isaiah 40:15 (ESV)
“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.”

Psalm 33:10–11 (ESV)
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”