Our Political Role

Everywhere you go, you cannot escape the fact that it is time to elect/re-elect a president. Much is said about why each candidate should and should not get your vote. My thought this past Sunday at church was this: What does the Bible have to say about our role in government, and politics in particular.

As I studied it out, I really didn't find much. There are verses in Proverbs that deal with how we interact at work, and New Testament scriptures (1 Timothy 6 comes to mind) on the relationship of boss and employee. We see the Hebrew Midwives and the New Testament apostles choosing to serve and obey God rather than the laws of the government that contradicted God's command. So, what should be the Christian principle in relation to our government and the upcoming election? Here is what I found:

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (KJV 1900)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  

The internet, and especially social media, is filled with criticisms and complaints. My question is this: where are the prayers? If you notice, there are four types of prayers we are supposed to offer for all men, and especially for kings, or those in government who lead us. One of those prayers is the prayer of supplication. This is the type of prayer that we pray when we realize that we are needy people and God is the only one with the answers. To be honest, when I hear most Christians talk about prayer and the election, it seems as if they are trying to tell God who He should bring into authority. This led me to the following conclusion about supplications: THESE ARE THE PRAYERS WE PRAY WHEN DON'T TRY TO TELL GOD HOW TO ANSWER IT! I am afraid that too many Christians have forgotten that it is God who raises up kings, and brings them down (Daniel chapter 2). The truth of the matter is, the style of government we enjoy here in America is unique, and God has often used corrupt men and kings to bring about His purpose (Pharaoh, Pilate, etc.). 

If you still have any doubt that our most important duty is to pray for ALL who are in government, even those that we disagree with and may be hostile to our faith, remember who wrote this and when he wrote it. As Paul penned these words to young Timothy, King Nero ruled the land. If you are unfamiliar with King Nero, do a google search for "King Nero" and you will think twice about complaining about our government today. If Paul would tell them to pray for men like Nero, what makes us think it should be any different for us today?

The next time you are tempted to forward a politically charged email, Facebook picture, or anything else, ask your self this: have I prayed for those who lead me? As an American, I will exercise my right as a citizen to vote. But if my vote is not preceded and followed with prayer for WHOEVER may win, I have failed in my duty as a born again believer. Which closet is most important to you tomorrow?

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Click here to listen to, "Our Political Duty," preached Sunday @11am @ the First Baptist Church of Westland, MI.