As someone who loves Jesus deeply, I always assumed that meant I’d naturally fit into certain political spaces. I mean, most Christians I know lean a certain way, and growing up, I never questioned that. But lately? I’ve found myself in this weird, uncomfortable space where I’m starting to question if the label “Christian voter” means the same thing it used to.
And trust me, I didn’t wake up one day and say, “Let’s stir the pot and make things weird with other believers” But here we are.
When the ‘Good Guys’ Look… Not So Good
I’ve seen things. Not in a prophetic vision kind of way—but in conversations, in rallies, in social posts, and even in sermons.
I’ve seen racism go unchallenged—sometimes even cloaked in Bible verses. I’ve heard immigrants talked about like they’re a threat, not people made in God’s image. I’ve seen many demonizing other religions, and advocating for ousting them. And the scariest part? It’s being done in the name of God. Is that the message of the cross?
Jesus Isn’t a Mascot
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen God’s name thrown around during election season like a political prop. You can feel it, as election comes near. How many times have I seen people post that their rival political party is a demon, and their supporters are heartless demons and they are taking this country to hell in a hand-basket, and then after the election, suddenly everyone is back to spiritual and says “God is still on the throne”. Well, wasn’t he even a day ago? Why were you rude and obnoxious then?
It feels like Jesus has been turned into a party mascot.
But when I look at Jesus in the Gospels, I don’t see a political celebrity. I see a man standing up for those who don’t have a voice. I see Him breaking racial, cultural, and religious barriers—not enforcing them. Galatians 3:28 says:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
So why are we still drawing lines?
The Shame Game is Strong
A friend once told me, “If you don’t vote [insert direction], you don’t care about babies.”
Okay… so it’s that simple now?
What if I told you I do care about babies—and also about immigrants, and single moms, and racial justice, and the poor, and the integrity of the gospel?
But see, that doesn’t sell well in a political ad. Nuance doesn’t trend.
Sinister Saints Are More Concerning than Silly Sinners
Here’s something that might sound strange: I’m less bothered by what the world does than what the church tolerates.
I don’t expect people who don’t know Jesus to live like Jesus. That’s like being mad at a cat for not barking. But when people who claim to follow Christ start doing evil, discriminating, or preaching hate while holding a Bible—it hits different.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:12:
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”
We’ve been too busy pointing fingers at “them” when the real problem might be us.
Okay, So What Do I Believe Then?
I don’t think any political party is the answer. Only Christ is. But I think we should stop shaming people who vote different. The world is watching and they are seeing bigotry in us.
I still care about life in the womb.
I still believe in truth, and I don’t buy into every idea the world promotes.
But I also believe the gospel is bigger than one issue.
I believe in a God who loves the refugee.
A Savior who touched the leper.
A Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine for the one.
And sometimes, that puts me in awkward political territory.
To My Friends Who are Disappointed in Me…
“I haven’t abandoned my Christian convictions, but I have decided to stand up for the broken and downtrodden. In fact, it’s precisely because I follow Christ that I’ve become more uncomfortable with some of what’s happening. I still don’t agree with many things the other side pushes, especially when it comes to God’s creation and plan. But when I see racism, exclusion, or the misuse of God’s name to push political power, I can’t support that either. I believe Christ came for the outcast, the immigrant, the broken—and to see Him used as a mascot for political tribalism hurts me deeply. I’m not trying to be ‘left’ or ‘right’—I’m trying to follow Jesus, even if that means standing in the tension.”
I’m just learning that following Jesus is sometimes lonelier than expected.
But I’d rather be in the wilderness with Him than in the crowd without Him.
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