The men of the cloth In Kenya have been under attack for hosting politicians in their churches. Some politicians have been blamed for using the Church to further their political interests and to get their “evil” money “sanitized” in churches.
Preachers have been condemned for engaging in politics. Should men of the cloth engage in politics? I am of the opinion that, the Church should actively engage in politics.
Political leaders determine how the nation is governed. They make the laws that govern the nation. Their decisions, therefore, affect all citizens in this nation. When systems are broken, the roads are dilapidated, hospitals and other services are in pathetic conditions, everyone including the church members suffer.
Don’t you, therefore, think it is ridiculous for anyone to tell the church to keep off politics? Church and politics are intertwined.
First and foremost the church is made up of members who have voting cards and who must vote. Telling the church to keep off politics is denying them the right to decide how to be governed. Some politicians are church members too.
Secondly, the church members are citizens who pay taxes and must be given the opportunity to decide how they want their taxes spent. Who decides how taxes will be utilized? The politicians do pass the budgets and it’s only fair that the church has its say through the ballot.
The church must educate citizens on what good leadership is all about. Believers in Christ must begin to run for various elective seats. The good book in Proverbs 29:2 says when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
People will continue suffering and complaining because people of right standing have refused to be in authority. They have been cheated that politics is a dirty game yet the proponents of this theory keep asking for their votes. Who made politics dirty in the first place?
People of right standing must wake up and take their positions in the governance of this Nation. God has given believers in Christ the power to dominate in their spheres of life. The good book in Genesis 1:28 says, And God blessed them and God said unto them, “Be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it, and have dominion(rule) over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over everything that moves the upon the earth.
God expects believers in Christ to rule and be fully involved in the affairs of the earth. As believers do not be too heavenly-minded and of no use on earth. If God intended it this way, then you should have gone to heaven immediately you got born again. You are here for a purpose!
Bad things are happening in this nation because good people have refused to take their position and do the right thing. When you speak out you do so for those who cannot speak and defend the rights of the poor and the needy according to Proverbs 31:8-9. The church must begin to influence not just on their knees but at the decision-making table. It’s time for the church to stand for the truth and vote for people of integrity.
Whether Kenya flourishes or not is in part the responsibility of the church.The good book in Matthew 5:13-14 talks of believers being the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Believers must ensure there is no darkness in Kenya by illuminating their light in every sphere of influence in the nation. Kenya will only rejoice if the righteous rule. Christians, wake up from your slumber and dominate. You have what it takes.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. Let the conversation continue in the comment section. God bless you.
Dr. Mary Mugo
Strategy, Governance and Management Consultant
Website:www.marymugo.com
Very well said Daktari. Very good quotes from the bible. It’s a high time Christians woke up from slumber. If true Christians took up the responsibility of this nation it would be a better place to live.
Thank you for your comment.Christians must be active not passive hiding in caves.Faith without action is dead
One of the best sober articles have read in this season of election.
Thank you
Hi Dr. Mugo. Well received! It’s an informative as well as provocative article. What is at stake is the form of engagement between Church and Politicians. Mark you there is a difference between the engagement between Church and State; which should be nurtured to maturity, and between Church and Politicians? It is the latter that is truly controversial!! The Church should continue engaging the State for Development through provision of essential services e.g. health, education, … other infrastructures. We have seen State doing vaccination in Churches … and educating people on how to protect from Covid-19!! Church should even engage State to provide water, toilets, food for the poor etc. Church could invite State agents to help fill tax forms or to identify poor kids for bursary. What is really horrible is to allow Politicians to come to ‘buy’ the Church leadership and its followers during political — especially campaigns. We should guard, at all costs, against extending political bribery (corruption) to the Church. Those who want to give donations … as tithes or offertory should do so privately as prescribed in the Bible. And Church leaders should keep watch not to be compromised by Politicians for self gain? Sadly, some Church leaders have already fallen victim!! The integrity of the Church should be safeguarded by standing by the truth as revealed in the Bible. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16). My take.
Thank you Prof for your comment. This is truly well thought and scholarly.
Yes, Christians should participate in politics and make a little heaven in Kenya.
Saints should raise up and take possession in this land to the Glory of God.
Well done daktari
Very well said Prophetess after all we pray let the will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven.