Categories: Shuzia Magazine,

By Phoeby Wangui

Is politics a calling from God? Nearly 70% of respondents would honestly have No as their answer and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The politicians are to blame for this. They all seem to be the same – promising bridges in the absence of rivers. The picture politicians portray during campaigns shifts so suddenly that you can't tell if it is the same person. But then, something seems to really change after they take office.

Can we at least get real with the Manifestos during campaigns? It would save us a lot. There's no point in raising our hopes so high and then after elections we find ourselves at rock bottom. Voters remember broken pledges better than fulfilled ones. There is no greater fraud than a promise not kept. If the State or Party could break its promise to the citizenry, they, in turn, do not feel obliged to respect the state. That is where anarchy sets in.

In all honesty, all real authority (even political) is derived from God. The Bible makes clear that, despite the stigma often associated with politics, God calls and uses political leaders. He calls those who partner with him. Only that aftermath is determined by the call recipient. Whether with God, against him, or even unaware of Him, God uses people in politics.'

Politicians are a vital component in our democratic system; indeed they make the executive democratic.

They bring a range of skills and characteristics to government, and some of these are exercised through political parties.

Political parties perform key tasks in a democratic society, such as:

• Soliciting and articulating public policy priorities and civic needs and problems as identified by members and supporters
• Socialising and educating voters and citizens in the functioning of the political and electoral system and the generation of general political values
• Balancing opposing demands and converting them into general policies
• Activating and mobilizing citizens into participating in political decisions and transforming their opinions into viable policy options
• Channeling public opinion from citizens to government
• Recruiting and training candidates for public office

These roles not only enhance democracy but also ensure that there is meaningful engagement across the political divide, enhancing governance in the process.

Whether seen as good or evil, political leaders have a mandate from God and it is their job to heed the call of God. When they view their mandate as a calling from God, they are more likely to govern with godly authority and a values-based system.

The belief that politics is a calling from God is a perspective held by some individuals, particularly those who are deeply religious and view their involvement in politics as a way to promote moral and ethical values. This perspective is often rooted in the idea that people can use political positions and influence to enact policies and laws that align with their religious beliefs and promote justice, compassion, and righteousness.

However, it's important to note that not everyone shares this view. The role of religion in politics varies widely across different cultures, countries, and belief systems. Many people believe in the separation of church and state, advocating for a secular government that does not promote or favor any particular religious group.

Ultimately, whether one sees politics as a calling from God or not is a matter of personal belief and interpretation of religious teachings. It's a topic that can generate diverse opinions and perspectives.