Voting in an election is a very American thing to do. We do it for national, state, and local government officials. Trade unions make this their means of choosing leadership as does the PTA, corporate presidents by the board of directors or those who own company stocks, and school board members. Even the church, in many organizations elect their leadership, including the AG. Today in America, a new president as well as many other offices will be filled through the casting of ballots.
The danger with democracy, is that we view the choosing of leaders as a human endeavor. We feel we have voted them in and we can also vote them out. While technically that may be true, we have a larger responsibility in the matter. First, Scripture reveals that the authorities that exist are placed there by God. This requires the those who wish to obey God's Word are to obey those authorities and give them respect for the office they hold. Second, we are to pray for those in authority. It is difficult to sincerely pray for those we are criticizing or rebelling against. Third, being followers of Jesus raises the standard by which we are to live in relationship to everyone around us, including the civic leaders with which we either agree or disagree. Our witness for Christ in our community is more important that our economic, social, or international preferences. Does that require us to agree with those in leadership? Certainly not. But it does require us to disagree agreeably.
By this time tomorrow, we should know (hopefully) the identity of our next President. No matter who that person may be, we will choose to support, love, respect, and pray for that person and the other people placed in positions of leadership. Jesus will still be Lord of the Church and the soon coming King to whom all authority and rule belongs. He is working out His will in our world. May the Church be who He has called us to be and live out the reality of His Lordship in all we do.
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2 comments:
You're absolutely right on concerning the danger of democracy. It seems as if God has chosen our next leader as I write this at 11:40pm on Tuesday evening. I am interested to see if believers will actually pray for our new president instead of spending all our time criticizing him.
A president who supports God or ungodly values on our A/G hot-buttons still needs our prayers.
Having said all that, I must admit that I feel like I just watched not only a momentous piece of history, but also a sort of turning point for our nation. Should be an interesting next 4 years.
Good post, Pastor Steve...
Our 'job' if you will is to facilitate change in peoples hearts--- not necessarily their politics. God is working out His will in our world and we as the church have a tremendous obligation to his will. We must be in positions that will not polarize people due to our political stance, but will in reality 'draw people to our Lord'!
May we not be looked at as Right Wing/ Fundamental/ Evangelical or the like. Why can't we work towards being known as the early church was known as--- Christians! Christ like!!
blessings...
w.g. smith
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