Pastor's Ponderings, October 27, 2014

What Is The Christian’s Role in Politics?

On November 4th, many of us will go to the polls and vote for the candidates that we wish to represent us for the next two to four years. Groups are spending millions of dollars and many man-hours to support their candidates and causes. But what is the Christian’s role in this political process?

In the Bible, Jesus explains to His listeners that they have a responsibility to give to God the things He requires but they also must give to the civil leaders the things they required  (Matthew 22:19-21). This order is very important because God is actually the one who has allowed the leaders to be in power (Proverbs 21:1).  Although it may not always seem obvious to us, He has the right to control our elected officials and they are His servants (Romans 13:1, 2, 4-6). 

Our responsibility is to be good citizens of the world and do what is required of us such as obeying the laws, paying our taxes, voting, participating in the political process, and being knowledgeable about the issues.  But the most important thing that those who love the Lord must do is to pray for those in authority, our God-given natural leaders, so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:1, 2).  

In spite of political differences, let us continually stand together in prayer and pray that those in authority would receive God’s wisdom and direction.  We should intercede against corruption, deceit, and all ungodly temptation. While it is easy to complain about politicians, let’s make sure we are doing our part and pray that they become aware of their roles as servants of God (Proverbs 29:2).

Will you join me in prayer during this election season?

Matthew 22:19-21
New International Version (NIV)
19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Proverbs 21:1
Amplified Bible (AMP)

21 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it whichever way He wills.

Romans 13:1, 2, 4-6
Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.

2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them].

4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer.

5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience.

6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
New International Version (NIV)

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Proverbs 29:2
King James Version (KJV)

2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.