For me, the key phrase in the question asked is “identifying themselves too closely”. What burns in our hearts? A political agenda? A political party?
What measure of faith do we place in it? Does Holy scripture ever encourage us to align with political leaders? Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. Prov 4:23.
Political leaders want to buy the “Christian vote” but have little interest in taking up their own cross to follow Him. Vote your conscience but don’t allow politicians to buy your heart and lead countless others astray.
The tragic effect on the American church has been division. We prefer preference over the desires of our Father to love the brethren. The greatest commandment-that we love one another. Not our politics.
I believe Christians can positively affect politics IF they have a single, un comprised heart. Not sitting at the Democratic table. Not sitting at the Republican table. But sitting at the table of our Lord, serving Him and Him alone. Making absolutely sure you have accountability to Christian believers on both sides of the aisle to hold you accountable to Him and Him alone. Make sure He has called you and that you pursue political activity with a pure, un compromised heart.
Otherwise your Christian testimony is dragged through political mire. For this reason we have become a stench to many.
