Why Focusing Too Much on Politics Can Distract Us from Living Like Christ
For many people today, it feels like politics is everywhere. Whether it’s the news, conversations with friends, or endless updates on social media, the political world is hard to escape. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to a different way of life—one centered not on parties, debates, or power struggles, but on the radical teachings of Christ himself. In this post, let’s explore in plain language why getting too caught up in politics can take us away from the heart of what Jesus taught and how we can refocus our lives on living out his message.
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
When we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus’ teachings focus on love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and serving others. He calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to care for the poor and the outcast, to forgive those who hurt us, and to seek peace over conflict.
Jesus was not concerned with gaining earthly power or winning arguments; he was more interested in changing hearts. His message was simple yet challenging: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This commandment doesn’t come with a political party attached or a checklist of policies to enforce. Instead, it asks us to become living examples of God’s love in the world.
How Politics Can Distract Us
Politics, by its nature, is about power—who has it, who wants it, and how it gets used. While it’s important to care about our communities and work toward justice, politics can easily become all-consuming. Here are a few ways politics can distract us from living like Jesus:
· It Divides Us: Political debates often put people into “us versus them” mindsets. This can make it harder to see each other as fellow citizens and children of God. Instead of loving our neighbors, we might be tempted to argue, judge, or even dislike those who disagree with us.
· It Can Fuel Anger and Resentment: Politics can stir up strong emotions—sometimes even hatred. Jesus told us to forgive and to turn the other cheek, but political arguments often encourage us to hold grudges or seek revenge.
· It Shifts Our Focus from Service to Winning: Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and welcomed everyone, regardless of their status or beliefs. Politics, especially in today’s world, can make us obsessed with “winning” arguments or elections, rather than serving others humbly and quietly.
· It Can Distract from Prayer and Spiritual Growth: When our minds are busy with the latest political drama, we may have less time or energy for prayer, reflection, and growing in our relationship with God.
Examples from Jesus’ Life
If we look at Jesus’ life, we see that he lived under Roman rule—a political system that was often unfair and corrupt. People expected Jesus to become a political leader who would overthrow the Romans. Instead, he chose a different path.
· When asked if people should pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” He showed that his kingdom was not about earthly power, but about something much higher.
· He spent time with people from every walk of life—rich and poor, powerful and powerless, insiders and outsiders. He welcomed tax collectors, who were hated for working with the Roman government, and he healed Roman soldiers’ servants. His love was not limited by political boundaries.
· When his disciples argued about who would be the greatest, Jesus told them, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” His focus was always on serving, not ruling (Matthew 20:26-28).
Why Do We Get Caught Up in Politics?
It’s normal to care about the world we live in. We want justice, fairness, and peace. Sometimes we hope that politics will deliver these things. But the truth is, no political system or party can fully bring about God’s kingdom on earth. Only God’s love can change hearts and heal divisions.
Politics promises quick fixes and clear answers, but life—and faith—are more complicated. When we get caught up in political arguments, we might start to believe that the “other side” is our enemy, instead of remembering Jesus’ words to love even those we disagree with.
Living Out the Teachings of Jesus Today
So, what does it look like to follow Jesus in today’s politically charged world? Here are some simple steps anyone can take:
· Put People First: Remember that every person—no matter their political views—is loved by God. Listen more, judge less.
· Serve Quietly: Find small ways to help others in your community. Volunteer, give to those in need, check in on a lonely neighbor. These acts of love matter more than any political argument.
· Pray for Guidance: Before getting involved in political debates or sharing opinions online, take time to pray. Ask God for wisdom and a spirit of kindness.
· Seek Peace, Not Conflict: When conversations get heated, take a step back. Try to bring calm, not more anger.
· Focus on What Lasts: Political issues come and go, but faith, hope, and love endure. Make these the center of your life.
What About Taking Action?
Does this mean we should never care about politics? Not at all. Being a follower of Jesus means standing up for justice, loving our neighbors, and caring for the vulnerable. Sometimes this will mean speaking out or getting involved in community issues. But the key is how we do it.
Are we acting out of love, or just trying to “win”? Are we more interested in serving others, or in making our point? Are we remembering that Jesus calls us to unity, peace, and compassion—even towards those with whom we disagree?
Conclusion: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
At the end of the day, politics is part of life, but it’s not the center of life for a Christian. Jesus calls us to something deeper and more lasting: to love as he loved, to forgive as he forgave, to serve as he served. When we keep our focus on Christ and his teachings, we can rise above the noise of politics and become agents of peace, hope, and love in a divided world.
So let’s challenge ourselves to step away from the endless arguments and debates, and instead, live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. That’s how we truly make a difference—one act of kindness at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 