Now that we are facing a midterm election, the question remains about politicians and the Bible. We have, and probably will continue to have, people that we select to represent us that turn out to be a bad apple. They seem good. They make promises. They appear to have good qualifications as well. Then something happens when they get settled into their new office. Suddenly those promises fly out the window. They no longer hear the people. We discover they are in it for themselves, whether it be money, power, or both. These changes have been a fact no matter what party membership they held. Hebrews 13:17 says that we are to obey our leaders. Our text says we are to submit to the government. Is this impression of the Scripture accurate? How is this applicable in a democracy?
As in wars, God is not on a particular side. However, he works through the government process in the same way he works through the circumstances in our private lives. There are many times that he finds it necessary to put some politicians in office that we do not like. He directs future history to match his ultimate plans.
When the Scriptures were pinned, Christians were the underdog. They were mostly slaves and persecuted. They needed encouragement to deal with suffering at the hands of the King or Emperor. In many cases leaders most notably fought against the church. Church harmony and worship was more important than what specific persons held in leadership at that moment. With a biblical attitude we can better represent Christ against sins practiced by society.
Nowhere in the Bible does the believers’ ministry address social issues. Even though slavery was wrong, no believer led a campaign against it. Fighting the issues of the world would not win souls to God’s kingdom. Fighting against the world’s ills is secondary to devotion to the Lord. At that time Christians had a bad name. They were accused of being disrespectful to the Emperor. They were considered an occult with secret rights. They were even blamed for natural disasters. Peter reminded believers that the only way to counter such false ideas was a life beyond reproach. That meant show respect to the very government or church leadership that persecuted them.
God never sends mixed messages. He does things his way, not according to our understanding. We should ask ourselves what there is to learn from political events. Do we appreciate the divine blessing given us that we can vote out those who we do not support? It is more important to have the ear of God that the politician. It is more important to recognize his plan than the politician. God is more concerned about helping us live an honorable life to guide us toward spiritual growth. Politicians come and go. The Word of God will never change.
Christian Writer 