I, like many Americans today, am tempted to disengage from the
process. Neither of the present candidates for the Presidency give me any sense
of confidence about the future. Given the rise of nationalism and fear in our
turbulent world, we need a person of wisdom and character to lead courageously.
Yesterday, with the vote in Britain to leave the EU, a whole new set of issues
were introduced to world politics. That stunning vote by the people in our
sister nation reveals just how things like economic stagnation and inequality,
continuing conflicts in Syria and Iraq, increasing war talk from Russia and
North Korea, and a hundred other concerns can provoke huge shifts in public
opinion.
Can a Christian be
political?
Yes, but the politics of disciples of Christ must not be
formed by self-interest or fear! We must bring the values of our Lord to our discussions
and our votes. “Love your neighbor” does
not stop when it comes to government. The best government is shaped by
compassion, justice, and concern for all persons. That may sound idealistic to
some, but it is a clear and consistent call of God in Scripture. The OT
prophets warned that God had not turned a blind eye to the oppressive politics
of the powerful.
God spoke through Isaiah to His people – “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the
oppressed. Defend the cause of
the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:16 NIV)
Micah pled
for change. "No, O people, the Lord
has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is
right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8,
NLT)
Jesus tells us that our love for God and love for others are the two GREAT commands!
Solutions for social challenges are never simple nor
singular. Politicians often resort to slogans and single issues to garner
votes, implying that changing this or that will save us. We must be wiser. When
violence erupts like it did in Orlando, we must not be duped by those who
suggest that a vote for some law will eliminate future murderous rampages. But,
we cannot apathetically sit on our hands and do nothing. Our call, my friends, must be for real dialogue not grandstanding. Our demands
of our leaders must be for commitment to justice. And, we must patiently and
persistently work together to shape a
future that honors God and forms a foundation for prosperity for the future.
As you ponder politics, dear Christian, steady yourself in
God’s promise. Whatever your political persuasions, let the wisdom of Heaven be
your guide. Here is a word from the Word. May it make us good citizens of this
temporal realm even as we live as subjects of the Eternal King.
"Be a good
citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order,
it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to
the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you
responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to
get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
Do you want to be on
good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just
fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the
rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in
their uniforms.
God also has an
interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live
responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to
live. That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be
maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your
bills, respect your leaders." (Romans 13:1-7, The Message)
______
On Christ, the Solid
Rock, I stand,
All other ground is
sinking sand,
All other ground is
sinking stand!
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