COLUMN: Grey Matters – Can politicians serve God?

“Be careful, lest in fighting the dragon you become the dragon.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

C.S. Lewis wrote that most crimes committed by Christians against each other happen when religion is mixed up with politics. Mennonites have also had a low view of Christians being politicians. Can one still serve God while exercising political power? After all, Jesus said “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43).

As our communities prepare for their municipal elections on Oct. 28 this is a good time to do a series on ‘Faith and Politics’ starting with a look at the Old Testament. In the Old Testament there are several times God guides people into government to serve the people.

In Genesis 41 and following, we see Joseph become one of the most powerful administrators in the world. Notice what he does not do with power. He does not use it to settle personal grievances, enrich just himself, showcase his importance or seek to build his reputation. Instead, Joseph uses administrative authority to prepare for a famine that will affect all of Egypt and their neighbours. Joseph shows us that sometimes God puts people and places of political authority for good stewardship.

The Christian politician should ask: “Who is better off because God entrusted this responsibility to me?” That question changes the meaning of public service. Budgets become moral documents. Legislation affects actual neighbours. Policies have consequences for people who may have very little political influence themselves. Maybe the poorest 20 percent should be on their mind more than the richest 20 percent.

In Daniel we see someone who serves a government whose religious beliefs are very different from his own. Yet Daniel becomes extraordinarily valuable as a public servant. Daniel 6 describes him as distinguished in his governmental responsibilities. But when government demands something incompatible with his allegiance to God, Daniel draws a line. Two lessons from Daniel: first, don’t withdraw from government simply because it is imperfect and doesn’t align with your personal beliefs. Second, don’t surrender faithfulness to God simply because government demands it. Here the politician of faith should ask: “Can people who disagree with my faith still recognize integrity, competence, honesty, and fairness in the way I serve?”

In Esther we see someone who was, “made queen for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Esther didn’t have official political authority, but she did wisely use her newfound political access. Esther then chooses to risk her position in order to protect vulnerable people. That’s important. Political influence isn’t merely: “What can I accomplish that will look good and get me more votes. It is also: “whom can I protect?”. Sometimes faithfulness means working quietly through established processes and taking some risks. At what point does preserving political influence become compromising integrity with God?

Our last Old Testament passage comes from Micah 6:8: “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.” Notice how beautifully these three belong together. Justice without mercy can become harsh. Mercy without justice can ignore wrongdoing. Justice and mercy without humility can become self-righteousness. Political leadership therefore needs all three. This biblical view of politics does not ask, “is this politically popular?” but “is this just, merciful, and align with God’s ways?”

Based on this look at the Old Testament we see that God does place people in positions of political power, but a key is that their focus remains on being faithful to God’s heart for all people. With each decision a politician of faith should be asking: ‘Is it just? Who benefits from this decision, and who bears its cost? Is it merciful? Have we considered the people most vulnerable to this decision? And finally, is it humble? Am I genuinely willing to discover that I don’t know it all?”

Gary Dyck is a chaplain and spiritual care provider at a hospital and personal care home in the Southeast. He is also a candidate for Steinbach city council.