Dave Margalotti – “Just Because We Can”

Just Because We Can…

The IRS recently ruled that churches and religious organizations can endorse candidates for political office without risking their tax-exempt status. Just because we can though, does not mean we should.

Politics is, at its most basic level, all about power and control. Those who have it want to keep it. Those who do not want to get it. Jesus did not come to earth seeking power and control.

I certainly understand the desire of Christians who want to change the culture and the direction of our society. But endorsing political candidates means we are putting our faith and trust in people instead of the Lord. And people, as we know, are imperfect and highly flawed. How many times have we seen the “family values” candidate get caught up in some scandal? How many times have we seen politicians change course and their stance on key issues simply because it was expedient for their own careers? More times than we would like to admit I am afraid.

As missionaries for Christ, is it our job to sway the outcome of elections? Are we called to take an active role in this area? Jesus never attempted to overthrow the Roman Empire, although it is something that He could have done easily. His primary focus was spiritual and on fostering an internal change in the hearts of His children, not political revolution. Jesus emphasized love and forgiveness, and He called us to live with an eye on the eternal kingdom of heaven, not the physical world in which we live now.

Political advocacy, no matter how well intentioned, is not our mission. By endorsing certain candidates, we run the risk of alienating voters who think differently and that creates division where there should be unity. How someone reconciles their vote with their faith is deeply personal. Our job is to make all feel welcomed so that we can lead them to Jesus instead of giving them a reason to run away from Him.

Politics will never be the answer to a society that widely embraces things that directly contradict the truth of God’s word and His plan for us. But we can help to change that by letting others see Christ in us through our words and actions. Speaking the truth about the sanctity of life, creation, marriage, gender, and sexuality, and having love and compassion for all, especially the hungry, homeless, infirmed, and most vulnerable among us. That is where real power lies. I think that is what Jesus would want, don’t you?

Since 2014, Dave has been overseeing the Christian radio outreach of Family Life Ministries, Inc. that includes 70 broadcast signals in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as multiple digital music streams and original podcasts.  Prior to joining the Family Life team, Dave spent 28 years in secular radio as a programmer and on-air host for music and talk formats in the New York City area. Dave’s passion for radio began as a child, but that was eclipsed nearly 30 years ago by his love for the Lord when God got a hold of his heart and turned his life around.  Dave and his wife, Patty followed the Lord’s leading to western NY after raising their 6 children in northern New Jersey.  Contact Dave at davemargalotti@familylife.org