4 minute read
The Leadership Toolbox
Should We Use Our Influence To Push Political Agendas?
Recently, our daughter visited a church in another city. She returned from the service feeling discouraged and anxious. When my husband and I asked why she felt this way, she explained that she was spiritually manipulated instead of being spiritually uplifted. After talking with her more, she shared the distress she and her friend experienced after listening to a politically charged sermon where they were pressured into thinking they weren’t good Christians if they didn’t vote a certain way. As responsible parents, we assured her that despite whatever people may say, God doesn’t favor any political party, and being a good Christian isn’t determined by belonging to one party over another.
Christian writers are also given a unique platform to influence and inspire others. Our words have the power to shape perspectives, encourage hearts, and spread hope. However, in today’s politically charged climate, using our platforms to sway people’s political choices can be tempting. Also, bashing our political opponents in ways that are offensive to Godly character can be equally alluring. While engaging in political discourse is not inherently wrong, there’s a compelling case for prioritizing leading by example in our lives over using our influence to push political agendas.
1. Biblical Mandate: The Bible clearly calls us to be ambassadors of Christ, shining His light through our actions and words. In 1 Timothy 4:12, we’re urged to set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our foremost responsibility is to exemplify Christ-like character and values rather than become entangled in divisive political rhetoric.
2. Unifying the Body of Christ: Our primary allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not any earthly political ideology. When we emphasize promoting specific political stances, we risk alienating fellow believers with differing views. Instead, by embodying Christ’s love, humility, and compassion, we can contribute to the unity of the Body of Christ, transcending political divides.
3. Enduring Impact: The legendary Billy Graham’s legacy is a powerful example of the impact of leading by example. Throughout his life, Graham focused on evangelism by sharing the Gospel and embodying the love of Christ, transcending political affiliations. He was the adviser to many presidents throughout his lifetime, regardless of the president’s party. His unwavering commitment to demonstrating Christ’s love inspires generations, showcasing the enduring influence of a life under God’s principles.
4. Authentic Witness: Our credibility as Christian writers hinges on our authenticity and integrity. When we prioritize leading by example, our witness becomes more compelling and trustworthy. People are often more receptive to the message of Christ when they encounter genuine love, kindness, and selflessness in our lives rather than when they perceive us as advancing a political agenda.
5. Eternal Perspective: Ultimately, our purpose as Christian writers is to point others to the eternal truths found in Christ. While political issues are important, they are temporal. By focusing on leading by example and sharing the unchanging message of the Gospel, we contribute to impacting lives for eternity, transcending the transient nature of political debates. We focus on building bridges rather than building walls.
Christian writers wield a profound influence through our words and actions. Rather than using our platforms to advance political agendas, we’re called to prioritize leading by example, following in the footsteps of Christ, and embodying His love and truth. The enduring impact of a life lived following God’s principles far exceeds the transient influence of political rhetoric. Let us, like Billy Graham, leave a legacy of love, grace, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill our highest calling as writers and ambassadors of Christ.
Author, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
Author, speaker, and editor Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D., is a freelance writer/content editor, and her writing has been published in Guideposts. She also writes for Killer Nashville, The Write Conversation, The Christian Pen, The Editor’s Freelance Association, and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Blog. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality and is the cohost of the Word Weaver International live podcast Open Mic. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequels of her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.” Her publisher is Endgame Press, and she lives in Florida with three of her four daughters, her grandson, her husband, and her fur babies.
