From Gary... Seeing things for what they are...

I don't know exactly what the political atmosphere is where you are- but judging by the TV ads- its downright nasty here.  So, after awhile, I just turn it all off and realize that the picture really does apply.  However, I AM bound to obey those who have my oversight and pray for them (Romans chapter 13 and  1 Timothy 2:1-2).  Question: Should a Christian have anything to do with government at all? At least part of the answer can be gleaned from the following...

Acts, Chapter 25 (WEB)

1 Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 Then the high priest and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and they begged him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem; plotting to kill him on the way. 4 However Festus answered that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart shortly. 5 “Let them therefore”, said he, “that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him.”
6 When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. 7 When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove, 8 while he said in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all.”
9 But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?”
10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 11 For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go.”

Paul used his political status more than once to his advantage; in this case it was his right to appeal his case to the Emperor in Rome.  So, the answer is YES- we can be involved with government.  Only, I don't see a Christian becoming involved with governing because of all the corruption.  But, this is my personal opinion, as I seem to recall that an elder in the church of Christ became one of the presidents of the United States.  BUT, I couldn't do it- ESPECIALLY AFTER VIEWING THE PICTURE!!!!