Obama or Not Obama? - That is not the Question

Over the past number of elections, evangelical believers have increasingly become engaged in the political arena. This increase has propelled the evangelical church to a place where the media tracks its voting habits and its positions on various ballet issues. Candidates of every stripe then court this vote, emphasizing positions, and even quietly changing positions to win the evangelical endorsement. I, too, am political. I enjoy watching conventions and debates, and I strive to understand a candidate's position on a number of issues. However, in the pulpit and in my Bible teaching I maintain an apolitical stance. It matters not to me whether a person is a Democrat, a Republican, or some other stripe. What matters to me is whether a person has placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
Just prior to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus warns His disciples that if they live the life of the Kingdom a result will be persecution. Then, before they can catch their breath and head to the hills to hide, Jesus implores them to be salt and light. Believers are to stay engaged with society. We are to make movies, write books, teach in schools (yes, even public schools), lead scout troops, coach ball teams, and of course vote and hold political office. All of this is important. Society is affected not when believers hide, but when they become engaged. That said, whether we write a bestseller or become a senator will have limited impact on our culture. What does make the difference? What activity or office will make a change for the better, a change that will last generations? None of the above. The only lasting difference that can be made is made with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the local church loses its way, focusing its efforts on things other than the life-changing gospel, then society is affected for the negative. Ministries lose workers, various peoples of different persuasions are offended, and those that we should have shared Christ with go without a witness. By all means, go and vote. Pull the lever for your candidate. But after you do, put an even greater energy and focus on sharing Jesus with your neighbor. Only the good news of Jesus Christ can make an eternal difference in our society.
-Mark
For a good article on this matter read John MacArthur's post on Politics, Activism, and the Gospel.