Doesn’t being “in the world, but not of the world” (John 17:11-16) mean we shouldn’t take stands on policy issues which are part of this world?

Our first allegiance must always be to God. But our actions and choices have economic and political effects in the world, whether or not we vote or speak on public policy issues. Taking positions on public policy issues can be an important way to “love our neighbour as ourself” (Luke 10:27), as can making choices to live simply or to live and work with people who are poor in our communities.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus called for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. God wills that people have food, clothing, shelter and safety – and sometimes public policy must change before this can happen.

Of course we can never legislate the reign of God. We must follow Jesus first, rather than the consensus of the majority (Acts 5:29).