Dr. Hukashe A. Zhimomi
Nagaland Baptist Church Council
It is vital for Naga Christians and Churches to develop a clear foundation that can allow them to involve and contribute meaningfully and at the same time offer prophetic critique to the secular political arrangements. Indeed, a society and a state should have strong moral foundations and vision, without which there would be demoralization in all spheres of activity. Therefore, it is a Christian mandate to engage the “powers that be.” Since the state of Nagaland is predominantly Christian, social engagement is a mission task and it is a spiritual issue. This is particularly inevitable when it concerns the issue of politics and all modern day forms of elections.
From a Christian stance, we need to have laws to restrain evil, and policies to commend what is good, as we see in 1 Peter 2:13-14. Moreover, it is religion that must provide social and political institutions with sound moral precepts. In practical terms, good Christian citizens should understand that the government is not responsible for everything. Government by itself cannot solve all our problems or even come remotely close. If we do not have free and fair, and clean election, or if we do not have a responsible government, then we will have a socially and morally corrupted Christian society. As such, the General Election in our context provides an opportunity for Christians to speak out and play a prophetic role that can contribute toward the building of a healthy, just and peaceful society. Therefore, working for clean elections and reform in governance should be a top Christian agenda. An attempt is made here to show the connection between Christian faith and politics.
Christian Citizenship:
The state is a means of God’s ‘common grace’. The Bible is very clear that the governing authorities act on God’s behalf to restrain evil (see Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2). This is for the good of all people in this world . not just Christians. A Christian has dual citizenship: of heaven (Philippians 3:20); and of an earthly nation (usually that in which he/she was born). His duty is to obey the governing authorities, except where they forbid what God requires, or require what God forbids (Acts 5:29). It is a Christian’s heavenly citizenship which commands the ultimate loyalty, as well as duties. Being a citizen also gives us certain rights. The Apostle Paul was prepared both to use and not to use his rights as a Roman citizen depending on which option most benefited the gospel cause (Acts 16:37- 39; 21:39; 22:25-29; 25:10-12).
The only lasting and real solution to the problem of human sin is uniquely provided in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel denies that there can ever be political salvation in this life on earth. Nevertheless, we are to pray that our authorities would provide freedom for the gospel and freedom for Christians to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are to pray that the governing authorities will fulfill their God-given mandate and govern according to God’s moral law (Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14).
Biblical Priorities
The Bible gives a clear basis for knowing right from wrong. God’s moral law is laid down for everyone – not just for Christians. Jesus criticised the Pharisees and told them “you have neglected the more important matters of the law, justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). This includes “setting aside the commands of God” by neglecting their parent in order to observe a man-made tradition (Mark 7:9-12). For Jesus, and for us, it is God’s commands which set out what constitutes justice, mercy and faithfulness. Whilst we are obligated to obey God in everything, certain parts of the moral law are absolutely foundational and fundamental. That is why God has been pleased to give us the Ten Commandments.
During the General Elections, the politician’s expenses and the economy will both loom large. Biblical principles apply directly to both issues, e.g. honesty, integrity and the proper use of money. The downgrading of Christians must be a vital issue for Christians at the General Election; and not only because we should have a special care for Christians who are suffering for their faith (Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:3). Christ clearly taught that his followers are the salt which preserves society and the light which guides it (Matthew 5:13- 16). If the salt remains in the salt cellar and the light is increasingly hidden under a secular bushel, then it will become very much harder for Christians to do those good works which transform society. Suppressing gospel values will accelerate the moral decline of our society, particularly during elections.
Candidates and Parties:
Who to vote for
There are perhaps two factors which we all must consider when deciding who to vote for. We must consider the candidates and we must consider the parties they represent. You may feel it is better to vote for an exceptional candidate who shares your Christian views across a range of moral issues even if they are standing for a party which you would not naturally support. You may feel that the most important consideration is to vote for the candidate who is standing for a party which in your view represents the least bad option. You may feel that it is better to vote for one of the Christian political parties which may happen to stand in your area. These are decisions which ultimately only you can decide. In some constituencies believers may be in an impossible position to exercise their Christian conscience and free will. However it is our duty to exercise our right and pursue it irrespective of any difficult circumstances or situations. Just because your parents or your work colleagues vote in a certain way does not mean that you need to do the same. It is your choice. However, you can’t make an informed decision without knowing what the parties and the candidates stand for. Christians should make it their business to find out the policies of each candidate and party. They should seek to find out their positions on key moral issues. Doing this is a Christian moral responsibility.
