on Politics

  My grandmother always told me, "Brian, never talk about religion or politics, unless you want to fight." My grandma didn't have a doctorate or even a Master's degree, but she had amazing common sense. Her quote though she told me years ago definitely rings true today. Politics for some reason tends to bring out the worst in people. Jesus spoke over and over again about authority one of the most memorable moments came in Matthew 22:21 when Jesus told the crowd to, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." But one of the most clear cut examples of how we should respond to authority, the government, and in political situations is found in Romans 13.

  1) No authority that which God has not established (Romans 13:1)
Let's face it God knows the future reality of this year's election, and next year, and the following election after that. I hope that truth brings some comfort to your heart. Because I know many of us seeing the news about polls, about controversial doctrine and ideas, and among many other things are getting quite worried. I've felt my blood pressure rise a little bit as I try to immerse myself in the world of politics. But, the reality God still and always sits on the throne.

I will say God does want us to support candidates who love the word of God, who are moral, upright, and desire America to be a place for all, and a candidate who will live out their faith while they serve in office. Christians should take a part but never be worried about politics.

  2) Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God. (Romans 13:2)
This is a very tough saying in the New Testament. Because, there are quite a few authority figures we just don't like or don't agree with. But Paul is clear in this verse: respect them and listen to them anyway. I think that is a powerful message and one that is very much lost today, can we respect those we disagree with?

We live in a "Me-first/Selfie" culture. The sad reality is many in our society don't look to serve others' rather just have their own needs met. A me first person often only looks to respect authority when they agree with them. Paul reminds the Roman Christians who they are in vs. 2 as he tells them to respect the governments God has established. Christians need to trust God in both times they agree and times they don't.

  3) Give to them what you owe. . . (Romans 13:7)
This is one of the most infamous verses in the New Testament telling the church and followers of Jesus to pay their taxes and give to the government what is owe them. In looking at this verse it fits nicely with the New Testament's overarching message among many to rid yourself of material things that hold you back from fully serving Jesus. The rich young ruler was told to sell all and come follow. We are told to store up treasure in Heaven. The list can go on and on.

Don't hold so tightly onto material things. If they are due the government such as your taxes give them willingly and know that God has something better in store. Politics though frustrating at times are in complete control of the God who sits on the throne. Politics can be a great witnessing time as a time when they bring out the best and not the worst in you.