Barach won. Mitt lost. Roseanne Barr didn’t win either (praise the Lord!). Oh yes, and last I checked, God is still seated on the throne. Therefore, it is a very good day!
What Does The Bible Say About Politics?
Being a conservative voter and living in the State of California, I feel like my vote for President of the United States is irrelevant. There are way too many liberals in this state (even though California’s central valley is highly conservative) for us to elect a conservative governor, or to have our Electoral College votes go toward a conservative leader. I would love to see the Electoral College get disassembled and have our nation vote in a President purely on the popular vote.
Alas, that might be an article for another time.
However, and from what I can tell, Barach Obama garnered 303 Electoral College votes while Mitt Romney captured only 206. In the popular vote, Barach received 59,633,456 of the popular votes while Mitt Romney received 57,003,614. When it comes down to it, we have a very divided country as far as politics are concerned.
So the question every Christian needs to answer for himself or herself is this:
How should I live my life when I don’t agree—morally or otherwise—with the principles, actions, decisions, or future plans of the leaders of my government?
Should Christians Be Involved In Politics?
In today’s contemporary American society, some Christians place a rather unhealthy emphasis on politics and/or social issues, both to the detriment of the gospel and to their own personal testimony. At the same time, however, there are far too many Christians who are of the mindset that Christians should have little or nothing to do with politics altogether.
Both groups, I believe, would do well to reconsider their position according to what the Scriptures teach. Indeed, God has an opinion about this very issue as well.
What does the Bible say about submission to government? Actually, it says quite a lot. Essentially, God’s desire for every Christian in America is this,
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17; underline mine).
Here’s a bullet list of what this verse is saying to every Christian today, including us in the good ‘ole USA:
- Submit yourselves to human government
- Understand that everything is happening according to God’s will for you
- Act appropriately so the enemy (foolish men) will have nothing negative to say about Christianity
- Live your life as a free person
- Don’t use liberty as a cloak for doing evil
- Remember, you are a slave to God (bondslave)
- Honor everyone, without exception
- Love other Christians
- Fear God above all else
- Honor the king (in this case, President Barach Obama)
Besides the above passage, here is another to highlight the necessity of honoring those in charge of us as a nation.
“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)
Submission to civic government (and higher authority) is important to God, because there is no government in existence that is not ordained by God. Some governments prove to be both cruel and terrible, but each person in authority will give an account of their actions to their Creator come judgment day. Our responsibility is to be in submission to whichever government we find ourselves under at the moment. For American Christians, this government may change every four years or so.
Americans are governed by the Constitution of the United States and not, necessarily, by whoever sits in the oval office come Election Day. Ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Under this political system of democracy, we are granted certain rights and responsibilities.
We have the freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the right to vote. Therefore, to insist that all Christians remove themselves from politics altogether is a gross error and, frankly, it goes against God’s revealed will to be submissive to our American government.
If there ever comes a time when you personally find yourself under the rule of a different government, then God’s desire for you is to be submissive to that authority, do what is right, silence ignorant men by nothing more than your exemplary behavior, respect everyone around you, love other believers, and honor the king.
Oh wait, we don’t have a king in this country. Well then, God’s will is for us to pray for—and honor—President Barach Obama.
Remember, your candidate may not have won the vote but your God is still sitting on the throne in Heaven’s oval office, if you will. And frankly, I’m okay with that.
A Final Word Of Encouragement
Finally, fellow Christian, take courage in the fact that this world is passing away. You are just a sojourner here for a time. We look forward to a new kingdom with a holy God who governs with righteousness…all the time!
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
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* Image credit: Fox News (image captured 11/7/12)
So…….
What do you think about Christians, politics, and how the two mix together?
Very good article Charles.
My take is this. We do have a duty as Christians to vote. We have become something that no politicians are really worried about. Take the last two elections for instance.
The major demographics that candidates were concerned about were the minorities, namely the African American vote. Obama masterfully placed himself in their sights and took the vast majority (93% or so last night).
But none of the candidates were concerned about the Christian vote. You never once heard about them trying to align with Christian values to get that demographic. We have backed off and shut up as a demographic and it’s allowing others to fill our spots. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
I’m not calling others too loud by any means or condemning their actions. This is purely a Christian point of view saying that we have laid down too long and unless we band together for the good of God’s kingdom, we will be overtaken and never seen a threat.
Christians need to vote. I did my part and I made sure to promote as best I could in the weeks leading up to yesterday. But I know of several who didn’t because they didn’t like either candidate. We will never agree 100% with any candidate, but it is our duty as Americans and Christians to select the one that aligns with Biblical morals more so than the other.
That’s all for now. I will certainly continue to pray for our nation as we go through these next 4 years. I ask that other Christians will join me in praying for our President and living as a true Christian example.
Jared, I absolutely love your comment and couldn’t agree more! It is well-thought and…most importantly, I believe…in line with what the Bible says.
Good job, my friend!
I humbly disagree. Think about it this way. By voting, you’re supporting and standing behind that individual and all they stand for. That includes their stance on war, abortion, gay marriage, violence, immorality, and everything that the Bible discusses regarding how God feels about things. And just on the issue of war, both party members openly support going to war for various reasons (WMDs, terrorism, justice, etc.) and the Bible is quite clear on God’s stance on violence, shedding of blood and war. That’s no different than being a secretary at an abortion clinic. You’re not physically doing the acts that God condemns, but you’re supporting it by contributing to it and helping.
You are correct in a sense that as Christians, we must submit to the authority in the government in which we live. We pay taxes, we obey the laws because we respect the relative position that God put them in. But that’s the key though, they’re in relative position to God. As such, whenever there’s a conflict between God’s laws and man’s laws, those who truly obey God, obey God’s laws over man’s. Recall what Peter said to the Sanhedrin when Peter and other disciples were ordered not to preach anymore. They said “We obey God as ruler rather than men” (Acts 5:27-29). If you were told you had to enter into military service or were drafted, would you go? I wouldn’t, because of God’s stance on war, violence, and murder. I’d face whatever penalty the government had because following God’s will will always supercede man’s law. Always, and that applies to all teachings.
As disciples of Jesus, we follow Jesus’ lead. Jesus said in John 18:36 “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.”. Also consider what Jesus said in John 17:14 “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.” And consider what Jesus did when the great crowd following him wanted to make him King (afterall what better King could they ever have besides Jesus?) “Therefore Jesus, knowing they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone.” (John 6:15). He wanted nothing to do with becoming King on Earth. Time and time again, Jesus said and proved that he, and his kingdom has nothing to do with this world. And his disciples are not part of this world, even the disciples called themselves “temporary residents” (Joh 15:19; 1Pe 1:1). We all strive for, wait for, long for God’s kingdom coming in the near future. So why would side with mankind’s kingdom, something of this world? Why would we fight for, and put our hopes in a single imperfect man?
Also consider what this country is doing to the Earth. Because of its greed and power, this country bringing ruin to the Earth. Vast water supplies and rivers are polluted, entire forests are being destroyed, earthquakes are occuring in places never before because of mining and extraction of resources, mass pollution of the air and earth. God says he will bring ruin to those ruining the Earth (Revelation 11:18).
All the nations will rise up against God at the end of Armageddon, and every nation, power, king and authority will be destroyed. (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21). Why would a Christian side with and promote an earthly nation that will rise up against God? We humbly submit to the kingdom in which we reside, but the focus of a Christian is the promotion and sancification of God’s name and his kingdom, not man (Le 22:32; Isa 8:13; 29:23; Matthew 6:9).
With that, I don’t vote, and millions of others choose not to vote. I have no faith in mankind’s ability to govern themselves because man has domiminated man to his injury (Eccl 8:9) since sin entered into this world. Look back at this country, and all of the others, even today. People are poor, dying from hunger, disease, mistreated, abused and all sorts of maliciousness. Afterall, Satan is the ruler of this system of things (1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2), why conform to this system of things when it’s all being manipulated by God’s opposer? (Rom. 12:2) “While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this one.” (2 Peter 2:19) “Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” (John 12:31).
I’m no rebel or anything like that. I’m happy to live in this country because it provides some freedoms, especially freedom of religion and speech. However, my loyalty lies to God and his kingdom. I am simply determined to accept God’s authority over that of any human. So, I voted for God’s kingdom, because he’s the only ruler that can bring peace and happiness to mankind. Afterall, his kingdom will put an end to all other kingdoms, and is the only one that could bring an end to all suffering, death, despair, and give us everlasting life. What better government and king could there be?
I must dispute with you about the meaning of my vote. I voted for a man with many good qualities, but like every human being, he is imperfect. I did not agree with everything he stood for. I voted for him for two principle reasons: 1) he had a personal history that gave credence to my conclusion that he was a principled, well-qualified leader with respect for the Constitution, and 2) the worst things I knew about him paled in comparison with what I knew about the other candidate. I prayed about this for months, and I came to feel that Mitt Romney might be like Cyrus, God’s choice of a leader. Apparently I was wrong about that, but that is why I voted as I did, and I’m not sorry. I think every citizen has an obligation to vote, because that is what makes our country work. I think that eligible voters who refuse to vote have no right to complain about the outcome. You are obviously a good thinker with strong principles. You ought to be voting every time. The country needs the votes of people like you. I hope that the next time there is an election you will choose candidates and cast your vote. We all need your participation.
I’m not personally against any individual. I’m sure at heart they’re kind people. I’m against voting in principle. This kingdom, and every other kingdom will come into ruin (2 Peter 3:10-12), and this kingdom and every other kingdom will rise up against God’s people (Rev 12:17; Rev 6:9) and God himself (Rev 13:3-8; Daniel 7:25). I can’t get behind something that will pursue and kill fellow Christians and try to wage war with God. And no kingdom can bring happiness. Sure they may try, but as it has been said, they’re imperfect men. We’ve seen time and time again how they try to do something good, but fail and hurt many as a result.
I think back during Jeremiah’s time, he lived through 2 tyrants who had no love for God (Manasseh and Amon), and he was commissioned during the rule of Josiah who cleansed the land of idolatry because he searched for God, just like the good rulers in the line of David. But there are too few people that truly worship God with a full heart, none of which run for office of government and for good reason. In fact, one of the candidates didn’t even worship the same God Christians worship.
And the davidic line (2 Chronicles 9:8) was cut off anyway, so there’s no human kingship that’s blessed by God anymore. That was cut off when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 21:26,27). That also indicated that there is only one king that will sit on the throne of David again, and that’s Jesus.
This government cannot bring lasting happiness, nor any other, which is why I put my faith, my love and my devotion to God and his kingdom, and his alone. If someone wants to vote that’s perfectly fine, that’s up to each person and their conscious. But I refuse to and millions others choose not to as well, because afterall you cannot put your faith in God, and put your faith in man at the same time (1 Corinthians 10:16-21; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 1:10).
I do appreciate your comment. However, I have to agree with Katherine’s response to you.
I believe it is our right and responsibility to vote. We don’t have much control over who ultimately represents the various political parties, but we do have the power to cast a vote. I don’t believe that is sinful by any means.
I understand your frustration with our current government…and the course of our nation, over all. I truly do. It is such a shame. The USA is calling evil good and good evil. But let’s not lose heart, either. God is still on the throne, reigning and ruling and preparing a place for His children, even now.
After all…maybe God is preparing us a young Josiah?
I agree with most of the things you said, but today I grieve deeply. I think it is okay for me to grieve, because my grief does not mean that I will take up a pitchfork or a gun and go after my opponents. It means that I am thinking and praying, praying and thinking, about the problems that arise when people want a president who stands for what this president stands for. In a government where people elect the leaders, we are always dealing with the consequences of our vote. In this case, we have four years on record to tell us how this particular man will govern. That record concerns me.
I agree that God is on his throne. He was on his throne when Ahab ruled Israel and most people worshiped Baal. It was such a bad time that Elijah nearly threw in the towel. That is how I feel today. Like Elijah, however, I expect to receive guidance from God about my next move.
In this country, the Constitution is very important, and it is the reason we all have the opportunity to participate in the election of our leaders. Unlike you and some other people, I do not actually believe that the three branches of government hold it in the high regard it once had. They either ignore it altogether or redefine its terms to their own liking. For that reason, I don’t have the confidence I once had that it is a protection for people like me.
Nevertheless, I agree with your overall point. I continue to pray. I pray that our country’s leaders will accept their responsibilities and do what is right. I pray that I will receive Christ’s gift of peace and be able to let go of my grief for the country. To be quite honest, I feel that the country I grew up in is completely gone. Some other option is bearing the name now. I am weary, hurt and discouraged, but I am sure that God will not let go of me any more than he let go of Elijah in his dark despair. For the moment, I think my participation in the government as a voter and as a vocal part of the national discussion of issues is still the right thing to do. I am grateful not to be living in the Roman Empire where my voice would not be welcome. I pray to do the work of citizenship with integrity and without compromising my faith.
Yes, it is challenging to keep a positive attitude when our nation is going down the tubes. No question about that. God is not pleased, whatsoever, with the evil that is running rampant in our country. But it has always been like that around the world, I suppose. Even in the days of Noah the evil was continually on the face of the earth. Yet that’s what makes God’s grace so amazing!
Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. After all, the Bible does say that the times will grow from bad to worse…but the Light will return one day soon. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!
“Fear God above all else.” Really? My God is a loving God. Worship should NOT be based on fearing anything. Worship should be based on RESPECTING God. There is a world on difference between the two. (Just my opinion. This is precisely why I am not enamored of organized religion, especially the Roman Catholic variety. Dogma and fear based indoctrination. God does not want us to cower in fear of him. God wants us to love him and respect him, just as we are supposed to do the same with our fellow human beings with whom we share this planet.)
Barry, I do appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Why, exactly, don’t you want to fear God? What do you have against fearing God? Doesn’t God Himself say numerous times in the Bible that He is to be feared? Didn’t Jesus exhort people to fear God?
Since the Bible commands people to fear God, it would seem strange that someone who professes to be Christian would hate the idea of fearing God. Why do you want to contradict the Bible? Could it be that possibly you have a faulty definition of what biblical “fear” means? I do believe that just may be the case.
There is a vast difference between how a nonbeliever should fear God and how a believer should fear God.
But I would caution you on saying things like, “My God is a loving God.” The reason I say this is because you may have a God that is not the God of the Bible. I’m not saying you definitely do, because I don’t know you. But God is much more than love, because He is also wrathful and hates sin.
Does that make sense?