3:307 – God and Politics

#faithbites #faithjourney politics

Setting

Religion, Sex, Politics, and Money are the topics that many say to avoid to have a happy life. I don’t avoid them but flock to them as I think we need to discuss these issues to grow closer together. We are on the eve of another election. Could be one of the most contentious in US history. This post isn’t about who to vote for, but rather what God says about our rulers.

Romans 13:1-5 talks about respecting the authority of our rulers. More on that later.  I see people who bash the president (a national leader) but love our governor (state leader). At the same time I see people who treat the President as a savior and destroy our governor. In both cases, Romans 13 is quoted.

Here’s an example. I could say “I am so happy this national nightmare is almost over”. Some would say I’m talking about the end of the Trump Presidency, some would say Biden’s campaign, others would say the duopoly for ballot access (Illinois), and still others would say COVID-19. We need to have a common footing if we are going to grow and live in harmony.

This gets to the point of today’s #faithbites. As Christians, how to we carry ourselves in an election season. Do we just follow our leaders or do we challenge? Do we pick and chose what leaders are appointed by God and which ones are in the employ of Satan?

Scripture

Romans 13:1-5 – Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Reflection

God created kingdoms, laws, and rules for us to follow him better. We may not agree on who holds the seat of power, but we should respect the seat and obey. That doesn’t mean not fighting for justice respectfully but rather we should respect God and who he puts on the thrown.

So what can we do with this information? First we need to stop bashing the other side and the other other candidates. Second, we need to speak with our lips in the spirit of love and understanding. Third, we need to obey our leaders and fight for change through the political process of we don’t agree. We can’t pick and chose what laws we obey because we feel like it.

Let’s not be hypocritical. We can stand for God and follow his word. We can disagree with our politician’s ideas and not bash them.

As we get ready to vote, let’s ask God what we should do and listen to him. No matter what happens, we can respect authority and if the authority doesn’t follow God’s law’s we can work for change.

Challenge

This is a hard one. No matter what happens tomorrow, don’t lose your Christian values. Be a person of peace with love and understanding. Work to support each other no matter what.

Prayer

Father God, I pray for my nation. Help us to hear your voice and when we vote tomorrow if we haven’t already. Be with our nation and help us move toward the path of love, understanding, and respect. Let us follow your teaching and treat one another as family. We pray for peace no matter the outcome.

Lord, be with our election workers, our candidates, our first responders, and everyone involved in the process. Let us turn away from lies and misinformation and towards you and you alone. Help our nation, Lord.

We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus, Amen.