In one of my seminary classes the professor said something along the lines that we should choose to stay away from politics because we have already chosen one controversial antagonistic perspective and choosing two would suggest we were a glutton for punishment. At the time I was offended, arguing politics had become one of my favorite past times. I enjoy the world of politics, the debates and the feeling that somehow you have the “right cause” at heart…
But was I right?
Well according to the Bible it is Gods authority to ordain leaders and our responsibility to submit to them. This is a jagged little pill for some to swallow because in our humanistic viewpoint that somehow the world spins around our will, God appointing a wicked ruler seems absurd. He is Sovereign and he appoints all authorities here on earth, be they kings or presidents, their authority comes from God.
“Wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them” Daniel 2:20-21
Romans 13:1 “There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
John 19:10 “Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered,“You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above…”
The Bible says this so we realize that God gave Pilate the authority he had to crucify his Son. That Gods Sovereign will superseded all, and that what looked like a tragedy, became the most prolific act of righteousness the world had or will ever know.
I would urge you to take a look at the life of Joseph to help you understand how God uses bad situations to bring about his greater good and ultimately his divine will, which through his Sovereignty is always preserved. And perhaps look at the background of many of Gods appointed to see he prefers to pick those that have less than pristine characters.
Abraham was a liar and a coward. Moses killed a man and was in hiding. David was a murder and an adulterer but God used them all. He doesn’t look for those that are perfect, he uses those that will fulfill his Sovereign will perfectly.
I dabble in politics now and again these days, yet I do not allow myself to be consumed by them as I had in the past. Accepting and acknowledging the fact that my opinion on the matter has no power or purpose helps me to stay away. When we pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” we are praying for Gods perfect will be done regardless of what our will wants. This is submitting to our Father with a servants heart. Saying we trust his divine plan and that he has knowledge that far surpasses our own. Praying for Gods will and for our leaders to fulfill it, is our only part in politics.
Gods Sovereign will appoints all earthly authority and he justly uses them to execute judgements and blessings. There is no need to allow political views to enter the pulpit or create a stumbling block in relationships when you assume your proper role. When you realize you are not judging the leaders appointed but actually questioning Gods authority and judgement in doing so, you quit being so politically minded and get biblically corrected. Understand that God is ultimately always in control of everything, good and bad, and he is constantly working it out to the good of those that believe!
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Healthy Mind Ministry 
My 14 year old son needs this word. He wouldn’t be so quick to receive it.
This world has become so political and it’s all in vanity.
Would you have submitted to the authority of Stalinist Russia? Or Nazi Germany? Or pol pot in cambodia just because the bible said so?
There’s a really good documentary on Netflix about a gentleman who lived through the killing fields of Cambodia under Pol Pot. He became a Christian pastor and returned later on in life to Cambodia to spread the Gospel via trading up of local leaders. One man came to his meetings and eventually gave his life to the Lord, he asked pastor Christopher to be baptized and he told him he had done terrible things that he didn’t know if God forgive him for. Pastor Christopher assured him nothing was too big to be forgiven. The man was baptized.
He returned to his village, started evangelizing for Christ and found a reporter to which he confessed to be a man name Dutch. Dutch was responsible personally for killing nearly 12,000 people under pol Pot. Even children who he beat off trees until they died. He stood trial for his crimes against humanity and was sentenced to life in prison.
Dutch killed many of Pastor Christopher’s friends and family, yet Pastor Christopher to this day visits Dutch in prison and shows him the love of Christ.
This is our call as Christians, to submit to Gods will and be as Christ like as possible on earth. Even Jesus Christ submitted unto death under a wicked regime. So should we.
So you would or would not submit the most evil governments and dictators known to history? Clear Answer please, yes or no.
Yes. I serve a Sovereign God, wrap your mind around that, he is in control of all – good and bad. Even Satan was created by God to fulfill his will. My God is omnipotent- ALL POWERFUL – ALL KNOWING. And because of this I know, he is in control of ALL THINGS. Heaven isn’t on earth, I’m not looking for it here, heaven comes after this life. My Bible tells me there will be wars, plagues natural disasters and even evil leaders…the antichrist is coming to power even…but it will ALL FULFILL GODS SOVEREIGN WILL.
YES. YES. AND YES IS MY ANSWER.
Do you feel equally about Satan being sovereignly allowed to do and promote evil in the world? Are you for Satan’s work, as sovereignly allowed for God’s purposes and at God’s direction?
Satan is only an angel…he’s not on the same level as God. Gods Sovereignty includes his control over Satan…and his ultimate destruction of him…until then Satan remains here…but Gods ultimately in control. Does that bother me? No.
Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles religion and politics were regularly intertwined. It was a very sad state of affairs and led to many turning their backs on the Church. I hope those days are behind us. I have little faith in our political leaders at present in my country.
Prayer is more powerful than criticism- remember that. Jesus died at the hands of a corrupt government.
Are you able to comprehensively explain how is prayer is an effective medium?
Do you have any verified evidence that intercessory prayer has ever worked?
Yes. Two words. MY LIFE ❤️ I’m getting ready for church now and when the alter is opened, I will be praying for you Dame Sidebottom – Smith 🙏🏻 😉
Personal experience is not generally regarded as reliable evidence. It is usually considered anecdotal. I would have thought someone who qualifies for Mensa would know this?
So: Strike One.
Anything else?
Epistemological solipsism ❤️ home run 😁 I’m heading to church, we can talk later.
And remember how I told you how insulting it was that you were praying for me?
Remember we had the little chat about lack of integrity and dishonesty and attacking intelligence etc?
Let me spell it out …. You Are Still Doing It.
Is it clear now?
I study politics often yet am not political at all. I don’t see where theocracies work, but then again I bow only to the Lord. Governments for now are a necessary evil. As Christians we dance around the issues of government at times. We use Paul to justify our every move. However, if at war I’d be right there with them. How vain can I be?
Jesus was crucified for crimes he was not guilty of under a government that God appointed….this puts our walk into perspective I believe.
Well stated Tamara.
The hope of the world does not rest in any humanly appointed system, whether in the form of democracy or other forms of …cracies that exist. The Kingdom of God fully established on earth is the real deal and that is what we desire.
I am concerned about the occurrences around me as well as in the greater part of the external world. However, I do not bother myself engaging in political debates. I want God’s Kingdom to come and His Will to be done on earth just as it is in heaven.
More of Lord Jesus to you.
Great comment. Agreed. We truly do long for that perfect paradise that is to come 🙏🏻✝️
I don’t think it’s against scripture to go against what is clearly against God. Worshipping of idols for example. Committing acts that are against the 10 Commandments (authority tells us to murder others). I think the scripture is saying to be respectful of authority, even if you don’t agree with it.
There were Christians who disagreed with Hitler, and instead of doing what he deemed right, they followed Christ’s example, and Old Testament too in regards to strangers in our land kinda of thing. In these circumstances I think these are ok.
But we are to trust God still has a plan through those in authority. Whether or not they reflect Christ is up to their free will of choice and their relationship with Christ (or lack of). Taking action against the government, in most circumstances, isn’t reflective of Christ. That’s how I look at the scriptures at least 🙂
Sometimes wicked rulers are in place to bring us to repentance, to refocus our attention to God, and show us we are at his mercy. But nowhere in the Bible do you see a “thou shalt complain on social media incessantly about Leaders” – prayerful consideration for authority is Godly.
Oh definitely!!! I completely agree with you. Well, in that regard, we are told in Philippians to do all things without complaint. 🙂
I do wish Jesus would come soon 🙏🏻❤️✝️
I’ve considered writing about that. I don’t think His coming is going to be as easy as some Christians want to believe. Scripture says otherwise. Christ talks about tribulation for Christians, many being killed, and if He has not shortened the days no one would live. It is only after that does Christ talk about the angels gathering from the four corners of the earth. I think tribulation has definitely come in many parts of the world, but it hasn’t truly hit us in the U.S. So many of us take things for granted. A lot of people are focused on the rapture, but not the process of what is going to take. Christ’s coming is a day of glory, but not for man, for God. I used to desire His coming, but now, after years of thinking and reflecting on His scripture, I just see His love. You know. Like, our world is dark. Our world is destructive, and it’s been basically since the beginning. Mankind really hasn’t changed too much. I don’t believe we are fully in the days of Noah because during that time all men thought evil thoughts in their heart. I don’t think we are that far just yet (for reasons stated about tribulation for believers). When I think about it, I see God waiting, as He has with a time frame not with the time of mortals (24 hour days) but time of the love and salvation of Christ can still be offered to others. For us to desire Christ’s coming, very personally in my opinion, I feel is somewhat selfish of us. I never thought this way before, till a few years ago. But I realized, if I desire His coming because I feel confident of my relationship with Him, what does that say of every possible opportunity I might be missing on furthering declaration of His gospel, witnessing to others, and spreading His love. When I thought about that, I don’t know, God just really spoke to me about it. I hope you don’t mind my opinion on the topic 🙂 , a lot of people shut me down without fully hearing me out about it. I’m just told, “We need to be ready,” and my gentle response is, “Yes, but being ready means understanding and I think talking about the scriptures.” 🙂 Thanks for listening!
I am an Amillennialist – the tribulation period in my opinion has definitely began. 90,000 Christians were martyred in 2016 making us the most persecuted religion again for the second year in a row. Many, many, many Christians where kept from practicing their faith as well to the tune of 600,000 in 2016 – I personally think he’s coming soon. There is a calling of his remnant now…I see people being pulled out of every satanic stronghold imaginable.
Have faith that he is a good shepherd and those that can be saved will be saved before his coming.
I definitely do 🙂 I think my concern lies with some believers glorifying the rapture itself, and missing its true importance.
Thank you for this information, I didn’t know this. Those numbers are indeed horrific. I enjoy being able to learn and discuss with you :).
I think it just comes from a want to be with the Lord. Sometimes this world really does feel like a foreign, inhospitable place. It feels “off” – to see the Lord coming means we get to be done with all the static that is this world. The relief will be indescribable- to be with him…it will be like going home.
Tamara, I spent a great deal of time writing a politically-oriented blog until the Spirit reminded me that we (in the USA) live under a representative system. I think often of a quote from the comic-strip character Pogo: “We have met the enemy, and he is us”. I am still involved in politics, but as an ambassador of Christ. Our national malady is spiritual in nature and needs a spiritual remedy. If, as a people, we turn back to Jesus, our politics would sort itself out in short order. Like you, I don’t think there is much time left for turning.
As far as politics go, prayer will do more than voting in the long run. I do both, I vote once and pray every single day lol. One is for people to read and discard, the other is for God to hear and move on his wills behalf.
It’s been a while
But as far as I think, God is concerned about those that lead his children. We have the will to vote or select a person but just as you said praying for them instead of spreading evil could modulate the tempo of their regimes.
Besides, to me, it’s important that God’s children venture more into politics
Nice post
I totally agree with you! When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
Proverbs 29:2
On Romans 13: Need there be a break between v7 and v8? How does one deal with the lack of punctuation in the Greek text? How do the later verses qualify what goes before? If Paul was knowledgeable about the Roman government would he appear to be giving God’s approval to Pilate? Would not Paul as a true, anti-Roman Christian Jew prefer the following: “Give to everyone what is due” (v7) . . . “nothing is due except the debt of love” . . .” (v8); “10 Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Over the past 2,000 years, which authority/Kingdom has determined how this scripture is translated and interpreted?
The scripture is as the scripture should be. Amulets found by archeologists bear scripture that predates the Dead Sea scrolls by nearly a thousand years and is identical to the scripture we read today in content. It’s also interesting to note that Hebrew hasn’t changed. Like say us reading a 1611 King James Bible is hard because English has changed so much. Hebrew hasn’t changed as for the Greek New Testament – it’s perfect as it is today. You remind me of vain babbling and strife over non relevant issues that mean nothing.