Let's Get Political
Hmmmm, I thought politics didn’t belong in church. Please read on.
First, as the only Creator, God made the nations and kingdoms in which there are governments and citizens.
Second, God views believers as dual-citizens who simultaneously live in two kingdoms (earthly-Rom. 13:1-7; heavenly-Phil. 3:20) with an allegiance to both (Matt. 22:21), yet a greater one to God (Acts 5:27-29).
Third, the best form of government will be an absolute monarchy when Jesus Christ alone rules and reigns over His eternal kingdom (Rev. 11:15).
Fourth, God sovereignly rules over kingdoms and governments as He wishes (Dan. 2:21; 4:17b, 25, 32; Prov. 33:10-11; John 19:10-11; Prov. 21:1: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.”)
Fifth, we are instructed to “render to all what is due them” (Rom. 13:7). The word “render” means to pay an obligation. So, what do we owe our governing authorities as Christian citizens?
Our submission (Rom. 13:1, 5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Titus 3:1) “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Pt. 2:13) and the “Lord’s will” (1 Pt. 2:14) unless you are commanded to disobey God (Acts 5:27-29).
Our money in the form of taxes or customs (Rom. 13:6a: “pay taxes”; 7a: “tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom”).
Our respect even when you dislike its decisions or taxes or values (1 Pt. 2:17; “honor the King”; Rom. 13:7b: “fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor”). If able, you are welcome to use proper channels to challenge or peacefully protest laws or practices.
Our prayers for peace, safety, and the salvation of our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Our participation in being good citizens (Titus 3:1-2). Let your voice be heard and your vote be counted as you “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…for in its welfare you will have welfare” (Jer. 29:7). Vote biblical values (life, marriage, morality, justice, etc.) and for candidates who will best lead for the greater good of society.
We are blessed to be a blessing as dual citizens. Our heavenly kingdom is perfect and a joy to serve, but our earthly kingdom is flawed and many times so difficult to serve. Purpose to be a God-honoring light so “that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet 2:13-15).
OK, here’s a fun little verse. Ecclesiastes 10:2. Can you draw any tongue-in-cheek political inferences from it?
Pastor Jeff