Clarity: What Is My Political Obligation?

This is the fourth installment of the Clarity blog series, where I am helping us build a Christian worldview to navigate a few of life’s toughest topics. So far, we’ve explored spiritual warfare (relying on God to stand firm), the Bible’s trustworthiness (our foundation for truth), and how science and faith complement each other (tools for understanding God’s world). Now, we turn to a realm that often stirs tension: politics. The question I am seeking to answer is: What is my political obligation? 

The answer to this question is rooted in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (NLT) 

We engage the political process not as citizens of this world but as citizens of God’s Kingdom, in a way that honors King Jesus.

The Lens of Our Worldview

Imagine wearing glasses with blue-tinted lenses. Everything you see—trees, sky, people—takes on a blue hue. You can’t perceive reality as it truly is unless you swap the lenses. Our worldview works the same way. It’s the lens through which we interpret life—meaning, morality, decisions. A Christian worldview, shaped by faith in Jesus, colors how we see purpose, relationships, and even politics. Others might view the world through naturalism, Buddhism, or another lens, leading to vastly different conclusions. The key question is: What lenses are we wearing? Are they aligned with God’s wisdom, or molded by the culture around us?

In this series, we’ve emphasized that Christians use the Bible to construct a worldview that makes sense of the world. With competing voices vying for our attention, Scripture offers a firm foundation—including for something as messy as politics. 

Why do I think it is important to address politics in this series? 

First, it’s a discipleship issue. As Kaitlyn Schiess argues in The Liturgy of Politics, we must ask: Are we being shaped by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, or by a political ideology? 

Second, politics is unavoidable—we live in this world, and we have been given a voice. This means we need wisdom in the best way to use that voice. Our task when it comes to politics is to discern how to bless our communities while representing Jesus well. I won’t tell you how to vote—that’s between you and God, approached prayerfully. But I do want to emphasize the reality that how engage in politics isn’t trivial; it’s a reflection of our faith.

Defining Politics Broadly

Politics isn’t just elections or government. It’s the activities, actions, and policies that govern a community—how power, resources, and decisions about laws and justice are handled. This means that politics isn’t only about voting or debating, it also includes how we shape our families, neighborhoods, and society. For Christians, it also about living out Kingdom values right now. So, how do we do that? 

I believe it starts by remembering who we are.

Christians as Exiles

In 1 Peter 2:11-17, Peter calls believers “exiles” and “foreigners.” What this truth points to is that we are citizens of the Kingdom of heaven called to live as representatives in the world. Our primary allegiance isn’t to any nation but to King Jesus and his We can’t have a divided allegiance! 

Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters.” This means my U. S. Citizenship  (or yours, wherever you are) is secondary to my citizenship in God’s Kingdom. Our mission isn’t to “take back” a country for God but to make disciples. This mission is a slow, transformative process that shapes people’s worldviews. I think this is a crucial point to remember: Politics can’t forge a “Christian” nation; only disciple-making can.

Peter offers practical guidance for exiles:

• Live Honorably (v. 12): We represent Jesus, seeking to bless our communities—voting, working, befriending—living in ways that honor him, even if that leads to us being misunderstood or maligned.
• Submit to Authorities (v. 13): We respect human institutions, not because we always agree, but because Jesus teaches us to. We trust God’s ultimate rule, avoiding needless rebellion and violence. One of the reasons we submit to authorities is because Followers of Jesus will sooner or later clash the laws of the State, so we shouldn’t provide additional excuses for the State to use the sword against us (This is basically what Paul is arguing in Romans 13).
• Use Freedom Wisely (v. 16): Christian freedom isn’t license to defy the laws of the land but empowerment to serve God and respect the State.

In the oppressive Roman Empire, Peter urged submission and respect, not defiance. Christians built pockets of heaven amid darkness of Rome. How can we do the same today?

Prayer: Our Greatest Political Act

Paul teaches about Christians political responsibility in 1 Timothy 2:1-3. In this passage Paul teaches us that prayer is our primary form of political engagement. In a Roman world where Christians had little power, Paul told Timothy to teach the church to pray—for leaders, for peace, for godliness. Why? So we can live “peaceful and quiet lives” (v. 2) and so people “can be saved” (v. 4). Our prayers aren’t about crafting a nation to our liking but about opening doors for God’s Kingdom to grow. 

I think it is also important to remember that prayer isn’t passive—it’s active work. I think too often we fall into the trap of thinking prayer of prayer as a way to give God our thoughts and worries, but we have to get to work to make things happen. That is not the case! Prayer is the work that all of us are called to do, and through it God works in this world. Prayer is also how we wear God’s armor in spiritual warfare, how Paul sought support for evangelism, and how we engage politics. Alongside making disciples, prayer is our most potent political tool.

Representing King Jesus

Colossians 3:17 ties it together: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” We are called to represent King Jesus in a world that is mostly ignorant about him, so we need wisdom on how to do it. 

Yes, Jesus flipped tables in the Temple, but we are not called to flip tables . For Jesus, flipping tables was a prophetic act, not a tantrum—God’s judgment on a corrupt system. John the Baptist’s fiery calls to repentance targeted covenant people who knew better, not a secular culture. 

As we seek to represent Jesus, we can’t assume our society knows the Bible, the nature of sin, or the love of God. Our political engagement—conversations, votes, actions—must reflect Jesus’ love, grace, and mercy, rather than just engaging in a culture war to uphold “biblical values.”

The Big Idea: Citizens of Heaven

Here’s the heart of it: We engage the political process not as citizens of this world but as citizens of God’s Kingdom, in a way that honors King Jesus. Like the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah 29), we seek our community’s welfare—blessing, not cursing—while praying for leaders and opportunities to share the Gospel. Winning elections matters less than living faithfully.

Your Challenge

Ask yourself: How can I engage in politics in ways that glorify God and reflect Jesus’ character? I believe it is more vital to embody love, compassion, and integrity than to win a debate or an election. Reflect on the importance of representing King Jesus in everything you say and do daily—let it shape your words, votes, and actions.

Tying It to Our Worldview

Our Clarity series seeks to build a lens for life. Spiritual warfare taught reliance on God; the Bible gave us truth; science and faith showed us complementary tools. Now, politics reveals our identity as Kingdom citizens. We don’t disengage or conform—we participate as exiles, praying and living for Jesus’ glory.

Closing Prayer

• Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus.
• Ask for wisdom to follow Him in all things, including politics.
• Commit to being a citizen of God’s Kingdom, blessing the world around you.

We’re here to worship, hear God, and respond. If you’ve got questions or feel the Spirit nudging you to follow Jesus, let’s talk. For all of us, prayer is our starting point—let’s honor King Jesus together.

Clarity: Do I Need to Choose Between Science and Faith?

Welcome to the third installment of our Clarity blog series, where we’re crafting a Christian worldview to tackle life’s big questions. So far, we’ve established that spiritual warfare calls us to rely on God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-20), and that the Bible is a trustworthy foundation for truth (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12). Now, we face a tension many feel: Do I need to choose between science and faith? The short answer is no—they’re not rivals but complementary tools, like a hammer and a saw in a toolbox, each serving a unique purpose in understanding God and His world.

Picture this: I’ve got a hammer in my toolbox. If I’m building a house, it’s essential—but it’s not enough. I can’t measure boards, cut drywall, or level walls with it. I need a tape measure, a saw, a level—multiple tools working together. Similarly, when constructing a worldview, we often feel pressured to pick one tool: science (the study of the physical world) or faith (belief in a reality beyond what we see). Skeptics pound away with science—“There’s no proof God exists; the Bible’s just old myths”—while some Christians counter, “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it,” pounding back with faith. But this either/or mindset misses the point. Science and faith, alongside tools like history or psychology, equip us to build a fuller picture of reality.

God’s Two Books: Creation and Scripture

Psalm 19 paints this beautifully. David writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands… Their voice goes out into all the earth” (v. 1-4). As a shepherd and fugitive king, David gazed at the stars and saw God’s fingerprints. Creation spoke to him, sparking worship. Then, in verse 7, he shifts: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” Scripture revealed God’s character and will. For David, nature and God’s Word weren’t at odds—they both pointed to the Creator.

Yet tools can be misused. By Jesus’ time, religious leaders so idolized the Law that they missed the Messiah standing before them. Today, we’ve flipped the script—science is king. We marvel at how rainbows form (refraction of light!) but forget to ask why they’re there, losing the wonder. The issue isn’t the tools; it’s how we wield them. A naturalist leans solely on science, dismissing faith. But as Christians, we can embrace both, gaining insights that elude those who reject the spiritual.

Four Realities to Remember

When someone insists science and faith can’t coexist, consider these truths (inspired by a 2020 What Would You Say? video):

1. Modern Science Was Birthed by Faith
   Giants like Robert Boyle, Isaac Newton, Blaise Pascal, and Michael Faraday—devout Christians—laid science’s foundations. Their belief in an orderly, God-created universe drove them to explore it. Modern science assumes discoverable laws govern reality—a premise rooted in faith.
2. Christians Thrive in Science Today
   From 1901 to 2000, 60% of Nobel Laureates were Christians. Francis Collins, who led the Human Genome Project, is a prominent example. These believers don’t see a clash—faith fuels their scientific curiosity.
3. Science Answers ‘How,’ Faith Answers ‘Why’
   Imagine I’m at a campfire. You ask, “Why’s that wood burning?” Science says: “Pyrolysis of cellulose reacts with oxygen, producing heat and flame.” Faith says: “I was hungry and wanted supper.” Both are true—one explains mechanics, the other purpose. Science reveals how the world works; faith reveals why it exists.
4. Science Can’t Explain Everything
   It decodes nature’s laws but stumbles on origins (where did matter come from?), life’s start, or intangibles like love and morality. Faith, through Scripture, fills those gaps with meaning.

Science and faith aren’t a forced choice—they’re partners, offering a richer view of reality.

God’s Fingerprints in the World

If science and faith align, do the heavens truly “declare His glory,” as Psalm 19 claims? Paul echoes this in Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Since we’ve established the Bible’s trustworthiness, let’s look for God’s signature in creation. Here are two examples:

1. The Fine-Tuning of the Universe
   Astronomer Hugh Ross, in Why I Am a Christian, lists 35 precise conditions—like the gravitational constant—that make our universe possible. Too strong, and stars burn out fast; too weak, and they never ignite. Add 122 life-specific factors (e.g., Earth’s axis tilt), and the odds of this “just happening” feel astronomical. It whispers design.
2. The Origin of the Eye
   In A Humble Defense, Terry Chaney highlights the eye’s complexity. Evolution struggles here— optic nerves, retinas, eyelids—all must work together from the start. No part offers an advantage alone. It’s as if a Designer crafted it whole and set it in place.

Faith sees these as God’s handiwork, not random chance.

The Big Idea: Complementary Tools

Here’s the core: Science and religion are tools that help us better understand God and the world we live in. They don’t compete—they complement. As God’s people, we should wield both to grasp reality fully—science unveiling the “how” of creation, faith revealing the “why” behind it.

Your Challenge

This week, read Psalm 19 daily. Ask God to show Himself through nature (a sunset, a storm) and Scripture. Let both stir your awe and deepen your trust. We live in God’s world—science explains its mechanics, Christianity reveals its Maker.

Tying It to Our Worldview

In Clarity, we’re building a lens to see life clearly. Spiritual warfare taught us reliance on God; the Bible’s reliability gave us a foundation; now, science and faith together expand our toolkit. We don’t ditch reason for blind belief or reject discovery for dogma—we embrace both, trusting they lead us to the same God.

Prayer Response

• Thank God for creating a universe full of wonder.
• Ask Him to strengthen your faith against skepticism.
• Pray for people of faith to rise in science, showing the world His glory.

Clarity: Can I Trust the Bible?

Welcome back to our blog series, Clarity, where we’re building a Christian worldview to navigate life’s toughest topics. In our first post, we explored spiritual warfare, learning from Ephesians 6:10-20 that our role is to rely on God and stand firm. Now, we’re tackling a foundational question: Can I trust the Bible? If we’re going to lean on Scripture to shape our understanding of reality—whether it’s spiritual battles or daily decisions—we need confidence in its reliability. Let’s dive into this with humility, recognizing I’m not an expert but a fellow traveler piecing together insights from God’s Word and solid resources. (If you’d like to dig deeper, I’ll share some recommendations at the end.)

Where Do We Turn for Answers?

Think about how we handle questions today. In 2022, Americans googled everything from “What to watch?” (109 million searches) to “Where’s my refund?” (89 million) to “How many ounces in a cup?” (32 million). Google, Siri, and Alexa are our go-to problem-solvers. But as Christians, when we face questions about God, the world, or what it means to follow Jesus, we’re called to a different source: the Bible. It’s not just a book of ancient stories—it’s God’s guide for His people.

Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, puts it this way in 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Paul’s point? The Bible equips us with truth to live rightly—but only if we trust it. That’s why this question matters. Since much of our worldview hinges on Scripture, we need to establish its trustworthiness upfront.

Two Truths to Frame Our Approach

Before we dive into evidence, let’s anchor ourselves with two key truths about the Bible. First, as Dan Kimball writes in How (Not) to Read the Bible, “The Bible was written for us, not to us.” It’s God’s truth for His people, but we aren’t the original audience. Take Genesis 1:1—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Our modern picture of the cosmos differs from an Israelite’s 3,000 years ago. Or consider Leviticus, where bats are listed among unclean “birds”—their categories don’t match ours. When something feels confusing, it’s often a signal we’re missing the original context. That’s not a flaw; it’s an invitation to dig deeper.

Second, every word in our Bible is translated. From Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to English, teams of scholars labor to preserve the text’s meaning. Are nuances lost? Sometimes. But their commitment ensures we can trust the Bibles we hold. So, with these truths in mind—context matters, and translation is reliable—let’s explore why we can trust Scripture.

Three Lines of Evidence

To build confidence in the Bible, we’ll look at three pillars: manuscript evidence, archaeological evidence, and cohesion evidence.

1. Manuscript Evidence: A Wealth of Copies
   When evaluating ancient texts, scholars ask: How many copies exist, and how close are they to the originals? Compare the Bible to other ancient works. Caesar’s Gallic Wars? Ten manuscripts. Homer’s Iliad? 643. The Old Testament boasts over 11,000 manuscripts, while the New Testament has 5,700—far more than any ancient text. Even better, some New Testament manuscripts date within 100 years of their writing, while other classics were copied centuries later. With so many copies—fragments to full texts—scholars can cross-check them. The result? The New Testament is 99.5% accurate, and the Old Testament is remarkably consistent. This isn’t a game of telephone; it’s a carefully preserved record.
2. Archaeological Evidence: History Confirmed
   Archaeology keeps uncovering the Bible’s historical roots. Take the Mesha Stele, discovered in 1868 but newly analyzed in January 2023. This stone recounts King Mesha of Moab warring with Israel, aligning with 2 Kings 3, and mentions the “House of David” and Israel’s God. Or consider a 2007 find: a monument celebrating Hezekiah’s pools in Jerusalem, echoing 2 Kings 20:20. Then there’s a tiny lead tablet from Mount Ebal, excavated decades ago but only recently readable via CAT scan. Dated 1200-1400 BC, it bears a curse—“Cursed, cursed, cursed—cursed by the God YHW”—matching Joshua 8’s account. These are just snapshots; hundreds of discoveries affirm the Bible’s historical reliability.
3. Cohesion Evidence: A Unified Story
   Spanning centuries, penned by dozens of authors, the Bible tells one cohesive story: God’s plan to redeem creation through Jesus. From Genesis 3:15’s promise of a serpent-crusher to Genesis 12’s call to Abraham, from Israel’s role to Jesus’ arrival, and the Gospel spreading worldwide—it’s seamless. Its moral core—“Love God, love people”—threads through Old and New Testaments. God’s heart for Gentiles shines in both the prophets and Acts. This unity across time and cultures is extraordinary, a testament to divine guidance.

The Bible’s Living Power

Hebrews 4:12 adds another layer: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible doesn’t just inform—it reveals truth we’d miss otherwise. It shows us God, exposes the world’s brokenness, and unveils our own hearts. When we trust it, it shapes us into God’s people.

The Big Idea: Trustworthy Truth for Life

Here’s the takeaway: We can trust the Bible to give us the truth we need to live as God’s people. It’s not like other ancient books—its preservation, historical backing, and unified narrative set it apart. We can be confident this is the book God intended for us.

Your Challenge

So, what’s next? Find a Bible reading plan and start engaging with Scripture. Whether it’s a “Bible in a Year” plan or a slower dive into a single book, let God’s Word speak. It’s not just reliable—it’s alive, ready to guide you into truth.

Why This Matters for Our Worldview

In our Clarity series, we’re constructing a Christian worldview. Last time, we saw spiritual warfare requires reliance on God. Now, we’ve established the Bible as our trustworthy foundation. It’s not Google or cultural trends we turn to—it’s Scripture, revealing reality as God sees it. As we move forward, this confidence will anchor us through life’s tough topics.

Resources to Explore:

• How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball
• The Bible Project (videos and podcasts)
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

Clarity: How do I Engage in Spiritual Warfare?

In a world that’s rapidly changing, where the United States has o entered what some call the “Post-Christian Era,” we’re faced with a sobering reality: most people no longer attend weekly worship services or affiliate with any religion. 

During the Great Depression, church attendance surged as people sought hope and meaning amid the financial hardship they experienced. Since the turn of the century we see the opposite happening: the rise of the “Nones”—those who claim no religious affiliation. This change in reality isn’t just a statistic; it’s our lived experience. We live alongside, work with, and are friends with, and have family whose worldview—the lens through which they interpret reality—differs drastically from our own.

This difference in worldview matters. It’s not that those with a different way of looking at the world are inherently “bad” or “evil”; it does mean they operate from a distinct moral framework, pursue a different purpose in life, and draw authority from sources other than the Bible. Understanding this is crucial if we’re to build meaningful relationships and share the Gospel effectively. 

I think it also forces us to confront a deeper question: What do I believe? If we’re to withstand constant challenges to our faith and communicate the Gospel clearly, we must know what we believe and why we hold those beliefs.

That is the purpose behind this blog series, Clarity: Thinking Clearly about Life’s Tough Topics. My goal isn’t to hand you a list of “correct” Christian answers to common questions, but to show how the Bible equips us to wrestle with some of today’s toughest issues. We should not see the Bible as an instruction manual with step-by-step fixes for life’s problems. Instead, it’s a guidebook, that helps us construct a worldview that makes sense of the world. And to kick off this journey, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked or misunderstood: spiritual warfare.

The Spiritual Reality We Can’t Ignore

Let’s be honest—there’s some wild stuff in the Bible. A talking serpent in Genesis 3? A cherubim wielding a flaming sword to guard Eden? The “sons of God” marrying the “daughters of man” and producing heroic offspring? That’s just the opening act! 

Flip to Job 1:6, where Satan walks into God’s presence, or 2 Kings 6, where invisible armies surround Elisha, or Daniel 10, where angelic beings battle behind the scenes. Then there’s Jesus, confronting demons throughout the Gospels. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the unseen—it insists there’s more to reality than what meets the eye.

This brings us to Ephesians, a letter from the Apostle Paul to churches in Asia Minor. This letter were intended to be shared among the different churches. One of the recurring themes in the letter is the spiritual realm. Paul mentions it repeatedly—six times, by my count (e.g., Ephesians 1:21, 3:10)—urging believers to recognize the cosmic conflict unfolding around them. He wraps up the letter with a rousing pep talk in Ephesians 6:10-20, outlining our role in this spiritual battle.  What wisdom does the Apostle have for us?

What Ephesians Teaches Us About Spiritual Warfare

Paul begins, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Our strength doesn’t come from within—it flows from our relationship with God. We’re powerless to withstand this spiritual warfare our own, but God equips us with His armor. Who is the enemy? Satan and his forces, scheming to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). They wield influence in this world, that is why Paul clarifies: our real fight isn’t against flesh-and-blood people but against these spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12).

So, what part do we play in this spiritual battle? We stand firm. The image we should have in our minds is that of the Roman army, famed for its unyielding formations. Soldiers locked shields, planted their feet, and thrust spears forward—armor only on the front because retreat wasn’t an option. United, they were invincible. Likewise, we stand together, relying on God’s power, not our own.

Paul details the armor we’re given: the belt of truth (living with integrity), the breastplate of righteousness (right relationships with God and others), shoes of the Gospel of peace (sharing the good news of King Jesus), the shield of faith (loyalty to God), the helmet of salvation (assurance of our security in Christ), and the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word, our only offensive tool). This isn’t just poetic imagery— it comes from Isaiah 59:17 where God puts on His armor to save His people, and now He shares this armor with us.

At the end we see that prayer ties it all together. Prayer is how we lean on God, aligning our hearts with His. Paul’s point isn’t to sensationalize spiritual warfare—naming demons or picking fights with cosmic powers—but to ground us in a simple, steady response: resist by standing firm.

Our Part in the Battle

So, what’s our role in this unseen conflict? 

First, we stand united. Ephesians 3:10-11 reveals God’s grand plan: the Church, diverse yet unified, showcases His wisdom to the spiritual realm, advancing His mission to restore creation. Our job isn’t to chase down demons but to live faithfully—loving, serving, preaching the Gospel, seeking reconciliation, and offering forgiveness. This is how we push back darkness.

Second, we pray. Yes, pray for physical needs and healing, but also for Kingdom priorities—wisdom, courage, and the expansion of God’s reign. Let Scripture shape your prayers; ask for boldness to carry His love into the world.

Third, we don’t overstep. Jude 1:8-10 warns against those who arrogantly challenge spiritual powers they don’t understand. Our only offensive weapon is God’s Word, not because we’re weak, but because victory isn’t ours to win—Jesus already secured it. We’re not meant to start cosmic showdowns. Even when confronting evil (like the demon-possessed in Acts 19:13-16), we rely on prayer and Jesus’ authority, not our own authority.

Standing Strong in a Cosmic War

The Bible offers a glimpse into a reality far bigger than human sin. It’s a cosmic rebellion against God, spilling into our physical reality. Our mission? Stay faithful. Clothed in God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—we resist evil’s advance. United and prayerful, we don’t just hold ground; we reclaim it for God’s Kingdom.

The big idea is simple yet profound: engaging in spiritual warfare means relying on God and standing strong in faith. Jesus won the victory; we spread the victory by making disciples. Every act done in His name—every kindness, every witness—pushes back the tide of evil. Our call is to remain faithful.

A Daily Challenge

Here’s your challenge: pray Ephesians 6:13-17 daily. Ask God to clothe you in His armor—not just for yourself, but for your whole church family. We all need it to stand firm. This isn’t a battle against people (though they may be pawns in the war), but against rebellious spiritual forces. Our response? Put on God’s armor every day and stand.

Closing Prayer

This week in our prayers let’s: (1) Thank God for new life in Christ. (2) Ask Him to clothe us in His armor. (3) Commit to stand firm. This is how we engage in the battle—not with fear or frenzy, but with faith, unity, and reliance on God’s strength.