Let’s not Mix the Good News with Politics

Published: Feb. 25, 2021, 8 a.m.

Journalists love to ask my opinion about politics. I always decline to comment. I won’t even tell them how I’m registered to vote. The minute I align myself with a political party or politician, I’ve effectively alienated half of my listeners. In America, there is still a feeling that we are a Christian and even an evangelical Protestant nation. But the minute we get involved in party politics, others think we’re aligning God in heaven with this or that earthly power. That is misleading to some Christians, and a terrible witness to unbelievers. We vote – yes! As informed citizens who happen to be serious Christians. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 [NLT], the apostle Paul writes: “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” Like Paul, we need to see ourselves as ambassadors speaking for God—not self. I’m not here to advance my political opinions. Instead, we are here to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. On Christ’s behalf, you and I are here to plead, “Come back to God!” There is no greater calling, no greater purpose. Today, will you say yes? Will you gladly say yes to serving as an ambassador of Christ—as an ambassador of the King of kings and Lord of lords? I truly hope so. What could be better? This is Luis Palau.