Faith Filled Family Magazine September 2016 | Page 26

MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT

Should Church & State
Be Separate?

By Margo McKenzie
I grew up believing that a Christian’s only responsibilities were
to live a holy life and spread
the word of God. I specifically
remember a conversation with
a church leader when I was in
my teens who explained how
Christianity required us to follow
a separatist path which meant
among other things that we
should stay out of politics.
Over the decades, my think-

ing shifted, and I have come to politics. If we closely examine
understand that there is a politi- the Meriam Webster definitions
cal role for all Christians.
of the word politics and relevant
biblical or modern applications,
The Apostle Paul’s words to we will find that Christians can
Timothy are clear, “I urge that do more.
petitions, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgiving be offered on Definition 1: Activities that relate
behalf of all men for kings and to influencing the actions and
all those in authority” (I Timothy policies of a government or get2:1-2 NIV). Praying wisely for ting and keeping power in a govour leaders requires knowledge ernment

of the issues. From this perspective, prayer is involvement in Esther was chosen to be the