THE BELIEVER AND POLITICS: STANDING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE BELIEVER AND POLITICS: STANDING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 29:2, Daniel 6:1-10

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 13:1-7, Esther 4:14, Psalm 75:6-7, Micah 6:8

INTRODUCTION:
The intersection of faith and politics has long been a subject of debate among Christians. Some believers see politics as too dirty to engage in, while others recognise it as a vital platform for influencing society. The truth is that politics, like any other sphere of life, needs the light of Christ to shine within it.

God has always used men and women of faith to shape the destinies of nations. From Joseph in Egypt to Daniel in Babylon, from Esther in Persia to modern-day reformers, the presence of righteous leaders has always brought about divine preservation and societal upliftment. The believer has a responsibility not to retreat from politics but to participate with integrity, discernment, and boldness.

In a time of growing corruption, oppression, and compromise, God is raising voices of truth, justice, and righteousness in leadership. This message is a call to action for believers to see politics not just as a career, but as a divine assignment for national transformation.

1. BELIEVERS ARE SALT AND LIGHT IN THE NATION
Christians are called to positively influence society, including the political arena.

a) You Are the Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13)
Salt preserves and adds value—believers must preserve godly values in governance.

b) You Are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14-16)
In a dark and corrupt system, Christians must shine with truth and integrity.

c) The Nation Rejoices When the Righteous Rule (Proverbs 29:2)
Believers must rise so that righteousness can exalt the land.

d) Political Withdrawal Gives Room for Darkness (Judges 17:6)
When the godly stay silent, ungodly men dominate leadership.

Biblical Example: Joseph’s rise in Egypt preserved not only Israel but the entire region during famine (Genesis 41:39-44).

2. GOD ORDAINS AND USES GOVERNMENT FOR HIS PURPOSE
Government is not man’s idea but God’s instrument for justice and order.

a) All Authority Comes from God (Romans 13:1-2)
Submission to legitimate government reflects submission to divine order.

b) Believers Must Be Law-Abiding Citizens (Romans 13:5-7)
Participating in governance includes fulfilling civic duties with honour.

c) God Lifts Leaders to Fulfil Divine Purposes (Psalm 75:6-7)
It is God who promotes; He can place believers in positions of power.

d) Governments Should Reflect God’s Justice and Compassion (Micah 6:8)
Leadership should be marked by mercy, humility, and righteousness.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s service in Babylon showed that God uses faithful men to influence pagan governments (Daniel 6:1-10).

3. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST GUIDE POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Christians must engage politics with godly values, not worldly ambition.

a) Integrity Is Non-Negotiable for Christian Leaders (Proverbs 11:3)
God honours those who walk uprightly even under pressure.

b) Refuse to Compromise Godly Standards for Political Gain (Psalm 15:1-2)
The ends do not justify the means—righteousness exalts a nation.

c) Be Wise as Serpents, Gentle as Doves (Matthew 10:16)
Believers must be discerning and strategic without becoming corrupt.

d) Seek God's Will, Not Personal Ambition (James 3:17)
Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, and without hypocrisy.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah governed Jerusalem with godly fear and refused bribes or personal gain (Nehemiah 5:14-19).

4. BELIEVERS MUST BE BOLD ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE AND TRUTH
Christian leaders must defend the weak, speak truth, and confront evil boldly.

a) Speak Up for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9)
True leadership protects the vulnerable and gives voice to the oppressed.

b) Be Willing to Pay the Price for Righteousness (Esther 4:14-16)
Sometimes, standing for truth will cost you—but it will preserve generations.

c) Confront Evil with Prophetic Boldness (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
The believer must tear down lies and build up justice.

d) The Nation Needs Watchmen, Not Silent Saints (Ezekiel 22:30)
God is seeking believers who will stand in the gap for their nations.

Biblical Example: Esther used her royal position to advocate for her people and save a nation (Esther 7:1-6).

CONCLUSION:
God is not looking for spectators in governance; He is seeking righteous influencers. The believer has a divine mandate to be involved in shaping the laws, culture, and direction of society through political participation. Running from politics is running from an opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom on earth.

Let us rise and be the Daniels, Esthers, and Josephs of our time—bold, prayerful, discerning, and uncompromising. As we engage with righteousness and wisdom, may our voices be heard, our values preserved, and our nations transformed for the glory of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, raise righteous leaders in our nation and place them in positions of influence.
2. Father, give me boldness and wisdom to stand for truth in my generation.
3. Let every ungodly structure in politics be overturned in Jesus’ name.
4. Help me to be a light in whatever sphere of governance You place me.
5. Let righteousness reign in our land and justice flow like a river.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall be a voice for truth and a standard-bearer of righteousness!
2. Every gate of governance shall open to the righteous in this season!
3. You are empowered to influence your generation for Christ in leadership!
4. The corruption in your nation shall bow to the rising of the just!
5. Your hands shall build what will last for generations to come!