Many years ago a Christian politician came to me almost in tears. He said that every year the church would ask all the missionaries to stand. Then the church would pray for them. But no one has ever asked those in public service to stand to receive prayer. Many in the church believe that only evangelism is God’s work and that the world of politics is dirty, so Christians shouldn’t be in that space. We agreed that evangelism is critical for the mission of the church, but he believed that the Lord had called him to serve in public service. He was sad that his calling was not recognised by the church and that he received little encouragement and prayer support.
I thank God the church has come a long way since. While we would all still agree that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the church’s unique offering to the world and making disciples is the central work of the church, we also believe that the call to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16) means that believers should be serving in various capacities out there in the world, including the realm of politics.
This truth came home to me afresh when I made my first visit to the Malaysian Parliament building a few days ago. I was there as the guest of Steven Sim, the Malaysian Minister of Human Resources. Steven is 42, one of the youngest ministers in the cabinet. I first met Steven when he was still an undergrad. We were in the same cell group, one led by Rev Wong Fong Yang. Steven was serious about his faith, both in understanding the Word and in seeing how to live out the Word in the world. His leadership gifts were obvious and he held the promise of serving the purposes of God wherever he landed up.
He was challenged to consider the pastorate. His obvious gifts would be a real blessing to the church. After much prayer he decided to say no to the invitation to be a pastor and felt that his calling was to be in public service. (See Steven Sim Chee Keong) I don’t think anyone, least of all himself, could have foreseen that he would be a full minister by his early forties. I believe he is where he is because of the hand of God. I also believe that his competence and integrity have a lot to do with it, especially in a government ministry that is so vulnerable to corruption. But it is a ministry where he can try to fight for justice for workers in a way that takes seriously the legitimate needs of workers and employers.
He would be the first to admit that the world of politics is one of moral ambiguities and challenges. How often does the church pray for brothers and sisters like Steven? Believers are called to be salt in the world. In the ancient world salt was used as a preservative. It helped to keep food from going bad. Christians living out Christian values help keep a check on evil in the world. We know that the final expression of justice and compassion awaits the return of Christ and the coming of the new heavens and the new world. But we must do what we can until then.
Believers are also called to be light. Light reveals. By living out God’s values in the world, followers of Jesus give a glimpse of another way to do life, a better way, God’s way. It is a way marked by justice and compassion, that gives voice to those who can’t speak up for themselves. When we invite people to follow Christ, they need to see something of the values of this Christ. By living out Christian values in the world, we shine a light on the King.
Is the world of politics “dirty?” Yes, it is. All the more, then, we need Christians there.
