Government, a Godly Pursuit2 min read

“For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1b). “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

Given the disarray, godlessness, and sullying of so much of the present American political leadership, it’s not hard to see why some Christians refuse to be politically involved or even vote in elections. It’s disheartening to see the downward moral spiraling of our laws, accompanied by the lack of truth, misrepresentations, and shameless personal attacks towards others by some politicians. Let’s turn to the Lord and soak our hearts in His truths to keep perspective and remain involved:

• As with you and I, all of our leaders are wounded sinners in need of grace far more than political power. Pray for all of them and don’t expect perfection. Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 2:1–4.
• It’s immensely comforting to realize that our chief authority and leader is the Lord Jesus, and our foremost allegiance is to God and not to government. We’re primarily citizens of the Kingdom of God before America. Here we will always be strangers, exiles, and temporary visitors! Colossians 3:2,3; 1 Peter 2:11.
• God created government. He rightfully exercises all authority including power over every government in the world. Jesus is King over kings! God puts world leaders in office and God removes them. Matthew 28:18; Revelation 19:16; Daniel 2:21.
• God desires that you and I would be involved as Jesus said, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” Romans 13:1; Matthew 22:21.
• Caesar’s citizens could do little more than obey and pay taxes. America is a democratic republic. “We the people” are to govern our country under God’s merciful guidance. Therefore “the things of Caesar” for us are far broader. Our duty begins with prayerful discernment, then voting and influencing. Some of us are led to glorify God by becoming political leaders, police officers, judges, etc… Pray about your involvements. What would happen if we the Christians deserted government?
• Remember to feast your mind on godly things that are above, not merely earthly issues. When we spend inordinate amounts of time absorbing daily political issues and battles, we surely can damage our souls, attitudes, and morale. Endless political news can be quite exhausting and even depressing. It’s much better to run to God’s powerful embrace of love and mercy. Let’s quiet ourselves while setting our minds on God, His grace, blessings, mercies, powers, and eternal truths. We’ll regain needed inner peace, and God-inspired political activity. Colossians 3:2.

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