Talking to your kids about politics

Now-a-days it’s almost impossible to watch or listen to the news without hearing about politics. Even when we’re not in the middle of an election we’re hearing about another country who is or we’re hearing about political maneuvering or scandals. Politics is a big part of our cultural life and as Christian parents we should be engaging our kids in conversation about it.

Often, when we get into important conversations with our children it’s because of an event that has happen in our lives or around us. When these talks take place, it’s great to bring what the Bible says into each discussion. However, since it’s what the Bible says that’s eternal and most important, it’s even better to start there and bring what’s happening around us into the Biblical discussion.

Here are some Bible verses with political implications to use as discussion starters that you can print out to get the discussion rolling.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2)

(The Bible teaches that God wants leaders and governments to be honest and just. Is there anything we can do to help ensure that our leaders are righteous?)

“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)

(Many Jews who lived in Jesus’ time didn’t like the Roman government. Can we conclude from Jesus’ words how he felt?)

For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:17, 18)

(John the Baptist spoke out against the bad behavior of one of his political leaders. Is there anything we can do when we see our politicians acting incorrectly?)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1 – 7)

(What do these verses tell us about not only our political leaders but also the police and the military? Does submitting to authorities mean that we have to go along with them even when they do wrong?)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1, 2)

(According to these verses what is the most powerful thing we can do to change our government? What does the last thirteen words of these verses tell you about what people’s lives should look like when good leaders are in government?)