America is faced with looming socialism, widespread child pornography, sex trafficking at increasingly staggering levels, escalating murder rates, record-level drug-induced deaths, West Coast wildfires raging out of control and the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. Our country is far from the great and holy nation God intends it to be.

As “The Land of the Free” and “One Nation Under God,” how did we get here?

According to a 2020 Pew Research Report, Christians account for approximately 64% of registered voters in the United States; which is the voting majority. If this is the case, then the power of the body of Christ to make meaningful change in American politics is not only possible, but it’s also our grave responsibility.

As Christians, we must ask ourselves this crucial question: What role does the body of Christ play in all this? Have we, as believers, forgotten who we are in Christ, deceived into thinking we are powerless?

Spiritual Bravery Grounded in Biblical Truth

How do we counteract a political system that seems so deeply entrenched in brokenness, selfish ambition and the pursuit of financial gain? The answer is simple: spiritual bravery, grounded in biblical truth.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Most Americans have no idea how much political leaders’ decisions impact their daily lives. Many Americans have determined they need not concern themselves with government and public policy — resulting in apathy — even when our nation’s problems rage out of control.

Many individuals who cognitively desire change feel helpless and hopeless, despondently wondering how they could possibly help without astronomical sums of money and influence. But the truth is, even one person can make a difference if they are called, trained and properly supported. This is what makes America truly great! We have the ability to make a difference and that is something that we must never lose sight of, no matter how difficult things seem.

America’s political, cultural and spiritual battleground has become more dangerous and difficult to contend with than ever before. Just as we literally “fight fire with fire” in order to stop raging California wildfires, we must also become more like firefighters — trained to overcome our fears, equipping ourselves to run right into the political fire itself. Rather than sitting by idly, watching the flames grow higher and higher, afraid to enter the political-cultural realm, deemed dirty and corrupt — we must prepare our hearts and act in obedience to where God has called us as Christians to be lights venturing into the darkness.

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort and protect me.” Psalm 23:4

The Front Lines of Democracy

We, as the body of Christ, must be brave enough to run into the fire of politics. If we are not, quite often we leave the job to those creating the fires themselves. We must walk by faith not fear. The front lines of democracy need us, fighting with our influence, our votes, our capital and — most importantly — the Spirit of God which leads us in truth and love.

Though the fire is raging around us and religious persecution is at our doorstep, we have the power to gear up, run into the fire and fight to restore the values on which America was founded.

This excerpt is adapted from Terri Hasdorff’s, Running Into the Fire: Why More Christians Need to Be Involved in Politics, published by Charisma.

Terri Hasdorff is a former congressional candidate and executive-level leader with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, government and politics. Hasdorff is the author of Running Into the Fire: Why More Christians Need to Be Involved in Politics, released in September 2022.