No Neutral Ground: Political Matter or Moral Matter?
Politics is never “off the table” for Christians. The stakes are too high.
We live in a day when people don’t know where the line is between political matters and moral matters - or should I say, biblical matters. Somewhere along the way, we’ve decided that issues like abortion are “political,” or that a child praying in school is “church interfering with the state.”
But let’s not dance around this: the confusion is intentional. If something is labeled political, it can be debated, compromised, or ignored. If it’s moral - especially biblical - it cuts deeper. It demands obedience.
Political vs. Moral
A political matter is about government, public affairs, or the way power is structured and exercised.
A moral matter is about right and wrong - the goodness or badness of human action and character.
Yet here’s the truth: America was not built in a vacuum. The United States of America was founded on biblical principles. That’s why the two categories - political and moral - so often overlap in this nation. Just look at the state constitutions:
Texas: “Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution.”
Massachusetts: “We… acknowledge, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the universe.”
New York: “We the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, do establish this Constitution.”
And on it goes. All 50 states reference God in their constitutions - not just any god, but the God of Scripture.
No Neutral Ground
As Christians, we have a moral obligation not to cower when these topics arise. If you’re wondering whether something is political or biblical, it’s probably a biblical matter at its root.
A political matter might look like tax rates, zoning laws, or speed limits. But even these aren’t neutral. Why? Because Scripture leaves no part of life untouched:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)
Every decision, every policy, every law must be measured by this standard. A highway route may sound like an engineer’s problem, not a preacher’s - but tell that to the church split in half because the new road cut its community apart.
God’s sovereignty covers all.
Man’s corruption taints much.
But every choice falls under His rule and will be woven into His story.
That means this: all political matters are biblical matters. Not because every bill has a verse attached, but because every choice is either glorifying God or rebelling against Him. There is no neutral ground.
Our Obligation
So for pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and every Christian - politics is not off the table. Quit hiding behind the excuse that “I don’t want to be political.” Your voice matters. It matters most when a nation is deciding its direction.
But this comes with a warning: the Bible commands us not to be reckless with our words. Let the Word itself determine your speech, your reasoning, your ideas.
The Bible on Government
The government is not left undefined. Scripture gives us clear markers:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God…” - Romans 13:1–7 (KJV)
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme…” - 1 Peter 2:13–17 (KJV)
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” - Micah 6:8 (KJV)
The Bible is not a government manual - it’s a moral compass. It doesn’t prescribe zoning codes or trade agreements, but it sets the standard for justice, mercy, humility, and righteousness that leaders and policies must align with.
Two Foundations
Society builds its morality on shifting intellect. Christians build theirs on the Creator of the universe. That’s the difference.
So the next time someone tells you, “That’s just political” - don’t shrink back.
Remember: in God’s world, every matter is moral. Every decision is spiritual. Every law either honors Him or rejects Him.
And there is no neutral ground.
Christians must step into the public square, not retreat from it.