Politics

This past year, I retired from professional politics (for now) after twenty-one years. As you can imagine, serving in government was both a blessing and a curse. I started wide-eyed and naive, thinking I could change the world, or at least my little corner of it. After all, they say that ninety percent of politics that matters to individuals is at the city council level.

As time passed, I realized I was attempting to influence change that wasn't really important in the greater scheme of eternity. I was expending time and energy that would have been better spent elsewhere, such as my home church and school leadership. But I still keep in mind that politics and activism are not useless pursuits if done through a truly biblical worldview. 

So, what is the Christian’s role in politics and government? Let me begin by saying that it's not unbiblical if you want to run for office or get involved on some level, but it may not be the best use of your time. In chapter 5, Paul wrote to the Ephesians about redeeming time.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. - Ephesians 5:15-17

So, if you determine politics is not the best use of your time, is there still a responsibility for believers besides casting a vote? I will give you three: first, respect and honor government leaders. A quick way to remember this is that God establishes all government.

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. - Romans 13: 7

Secondly, obey the laws established by the government. In this way, we obey God. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. - Romans 13:1-5

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. - 1 Peter 2:13-14

Finally, above all else, pray for them. Pray for wisdom and peace, and most importantly, pray for our leaders’ salvation. 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2: 1-4 

Vote in the coming election. Pray for the outcome, not that it would be your will but the will of our Heavenly Father. Pray for the leaders who are coming and going. Remember that your children are listening to your conversations, so it is essential to keep them respectful and honor those God places in authority. 

Ultimately, peace, resolution, and salvation will not come from the next election. These things can only come through the blood of Jesus Christ and a biblical relationship with Him.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12
 
-Timothy Pearce