I don't know about you, but I am eagerly looking forward to this election cycle coming to an end. While I have no clue how it will all end up I am looking forward to not hearing all the ugly talk being spewed across the airwaves. I want to make a few comments from a biblically based perspective.
1. As Christians we are to live our lives with the absolute knowledge that God is Sovereign. To the unsaved that premise is laughable and outdated. To the believer it is an absolute platform from which we must address and base our comments and opinions concerning the political process. "IF" we believe that God has a plan and purpose that will not and cannot be thwarted by the world, the culture, and the "evil forces" at work, we must trust God for whatever happens in the political process. That does not mean we should not get active and vocal concerning the process. It simply means that God will have the ultimate say and we should accept that.
2. As Christians we are to submit and pray for our political leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 -I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
What this simply means is that regardless of how good or bad we believe our leadership is we should pray for them. The government under which the Apostle Paul wrote these words had some of the most despicable leaders of all time. The Bible teaches us that God ordains our leaders. That means we have a responsibility to accept them (for now) and pray for them. We should pray that they will come to a knowledge of the Savior (verse 4). We should pray that they will not rule harshly against the church (verse 2). We should pray that God’s will be done in their leadership.
Romans 13:1-7 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
1 Peter 2:13-16 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
3. Regardless of how bad our country becomes, it is still our responsibility to live Christ-like in all our dealings with the lost of this world. We are to be an example of love and compassion. Though we may be diametrically opposed to their philosophies, opinions, and morals, we are to rise above that. We have a higher calling and purpose for being in this world.
Matthew 5:13-16 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth
I have heard it said, the choice facing us this election is a choice between the lesser of two evils. While I may agree on some level with that statement, it does not give me license to conduct my life like the rest of the world. God is still in control bringing about His plan and purpose for the world. No candidate ascends to power without God granting it so. Therefore, HE EITHER GIVES US THE PRESIDENT WE NEED OR THE ONE WE DESERVE!
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