God and Governments

 Here in America we are sure facing a lot of stress and division during this election cycle. Sadly I see a lot of tension, fear, distrust, and even anger among professing Christians. Here are a few verses to ponder in the days and weeks ahead. Perhaps the Bible can help us gain a different perspective.

     This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets it over the lowliest of men. Daniel 4:17 NKJV

     While the word was still in the kings mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom is departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen: and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." Daniel 4:32-33 NKJV

     Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Romans 13:1 NKJV

Now we could dig in depth into these verses but for the sake of brevity I will only make a few observations. First of all we read in these verses that it is God who ultimately raises leaders and bring leaders down. We do not understand all His reasons for why we see certain men in power, but be sure of this, God in His sovereign purpose rules in the kingdoms of men. We also can infer from this that rulers are not necessarily godly men. The verses in Daniel refer to Nebuchadnezzar, who was not someone we would emulate as Christians. 

Paul's reference in Romans 13 was written in the days of the Roman Emperor Nero, one of the cruelest leaders the world has seen. It was this Nero who persecuted the early church, throwing Christians to the beasts in the Roman coliseum. Yet we see Paul saying that God places leaders in their positions of authority, and we are to respect and submit unto them. Also we can pray for them so it will go well for us (1Tim 2:1-3). As Christians can we at least do this?

So in closing remember that whether your candidate won or lost, your party is in control or not, as  Christians we look to Jesus as our Savior and King. It is ultimately His kingdom that we are citizens of, and are to seek (Phil 3:20, Matt 6:33), not the kingdoms of this world. Our best efforts should be put into reaching the lost for Jesus Christ, as His is the only Kingdom that will endure (Daniel 2:44, 4:34, 7:13-14, Rev 11:15).

     

Pray For Those In Authority.

     It is near election time once again, and feelings are running quite high, as usual. Many individuals are disgusted with the state of things in this nation, disgusted with the political system, and the politicians.
     To add fuel to the fire, many individuals are unhappy at the recent decision of the Supreme Court to not hear the same sex marriage cases.
     I find that countless numbers of Christians are in the midst of this fray. Many desire a complete change come this election cycle. A lot of Christians flood social media with their desire to see a "christian" white house, to see christian policies enacted, to see this nation return to godliness.
     In fairness, it would be wonderful if our President truly repented of his sin and surrendered his life to Christ. The same goes for all of our leaders in whatever office they hold. It would be great if the courts upheld biblical morality in all of their decisions, and we found this nation on it's knees before God.
     Sadly, I believe a lot of this amounts to little more than an election season rant. We want different leaders, so we hope to throw the old ones out, and replace them with "godly" ones. I truly believe that the desire of most individuals seeking a "godly white house" is not the salvation of our president, but to vote him out of power! Sounds harsh, but I believe it is true!
     The truth is we live in a fallen world, run by fallen people. Plain and simple. We are not going to find an on fire sold out to Jesus president and congress and judicial system, governors, mayors, and so on, no matter how hard we try. The world is the world! The world is lost in sin. How can we expect sinful government officials to somehow give us the moral upright government that we desire?
     Look at all of the professed christian politicians. Look at the mud slinging, name calling, broken promises, all in the name of getting elected. I find it disgusting to even take part in this! Their conduct goes against the law of love that governs the true child of God (Matthew 7:12; 1Cor 13:4-7; James 2:12).
     We live in this world, but as Christians we belong to the kingdom of God! This world is not our home, and no matter how hard we try to fix it through politics and earthly ways, we will fail! We need to be about the business of our Heavenly Father. We are to seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). It is through working to build God's kingdom, that we will see this world changed.
     I wonder how many Christians who are so concerned about the spiritual condition of our leaders, actually obey the instruction given to us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)? How many of us obey Paul's instruction to honor those in authority, to give them the respect that is due them (Romans 13:7)?
     These instructions were written to Christians living under the oppressive rule of the corrupt Roman government. They were under leaders such as Nero, who severely persecuted them. Yet they were told to be in subjection, and to give proper respect! They were to pray for their leaders, not curse them.
     They understood the fact that God had placed these governments in place for keeping order (Romans 13:1-5). They understood that the world would take care of the world, they were to be about the business of Christ's kingdom. They could only change this world for the better as they proclaimed the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     As Christians we must honor our leaders, no matter how bad of a job we think they are doing. They will ultimately stand before God to answer for how they ruled in this life. Better yet, let's pray for them! Let's pray that they would be saved. Let's pray that God would give them wisdom to rule rightly. 
     If we would do this, we would find that things would indeed go well for us as the scriptures promise (1 Timothy 2:2). If we choose to keep on harping and criticizing, waiting for a better election, we will be bitterly disappointed. 
     No matter the outcome of this or any future elections, those who are living for Christ, and not caught up in this world system, can have the peace that comes from knowing that this world is not our home. It cannot stop Christ or His kingdom, to which we truly belong.