Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (NIV)
In light of last week's elections, this scripture is extremely important and appropriate. Our governing system is not a perfect system. However, we as Christians ought to always be in prayer for those who are in authority and leadership. The government is often the butt of many jokes, criticisms and complaints. It is the job of the church and the people of God to keep the government and the governing bodies lifted up in prayer. This passage of scripture by no means condones, any actions that are not of God, nor does it condone any behavior or policy that contradicts or is not consistent with scripture. This passage of scripture is not talking about a person but a system that is in place. It is our Christian responsibility to exercise our right to vote, and also to pray for the office or office is of our government. For instance, it doesn't matter to me personally, who is in the White House. I'm going to always pray for the office of the presidency. I may not agree with what that particular person believes in or how they go about handling their business, but the office of the presidency is still established by God. Therefore, I must pray to God to guide whoever is in that office to a place of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that will please God and benefit the people.
We as Christians should be involved in the day-to-day processes of our government, communities and neighborhoods. Since we are the salt of the earth, light in a dark world and carry the word of life, we are automatically placed in a position by God of influence and power through prayer. Too often Christians take their role in government too lightly and do not use the power of prayer to influence God’s righteousness. It is the responsibility of the church and the body of Christ to position themselves in places where policies are being made, so that we may influence change to the glory of God. I know that most people believe that politics and elections are nothing more than choosing the lesser of two evils. However, from our Christian perspective it is much more than that, it is about establishing God's kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. This happens to be one of the many ways that God uses Christians to aid in the establishing of His kingdom. Most Christians, use politics in the election process as a means of complaining about what is wrong with the country, state, or city in which we live. Complaining is not a condoned Christian behavioral trait. Therefore, we are not to complain, but attempt to make things better.
First, we must do our part, by being informed about what is going on in our national and local governments.
Second, we must exercise our God-given rights to be a part of that process through voting.
Third, we must let those in authority know that they are accountable to God for their actions and behavior.
Fourth, we are to constantly keep our leaders and our governmental system in prayer before God.
Let us always remember that our governmental system and our system of authority is established by God and that ultimately all involved are accountable to God alone. We all have a part to play in the process of government that God has established. As verse two of this passage of Scripture tells us that when we rebel or reject against this process we rebel and reject the process that was instituted by God. It is my prayer, that after reading this that we will no longer sit idly by as Christians, and dismiss the system of government instituted by God. It is my prayer that we as a body of believers will constantly and continually pray for the institution of government and for those who are leaders or who are in authority within that system.
Challenge: The next time you have a complaint about the government or a leader within the government, instead of complaining go to God first in prayer for that person and our system or institution of government, which God established and then give God an opportunity to make a change. Remember you may the instrument He uses to make that change so be prepared to do your part.
In light of last week's elections, this scripture is extremely important and appropriate. Our governing system is not a perfect system. However, we as Christians ought to always be in prayer for those who are in authority and leadership. The government is often the butt of many jokes, criticisms and complaints. It is the job of the church and the people of God to keep the government and the governing bodies lifted up in prayer. This passage of scripture by no means condones, any actions that are not of God, nor does it condone any behavior or policy that contradicts or is not consistent with scripture. This passage of scripture is not talking about a person but a system that is in place. It is our Christian responsibility to exercise our right to vote, and also to pray for the office or office is of our government. For instance, it doesn't matter to me personally, who is in the White House. I'm going to always pray for the office of the presidency. I may not agree with what that particular person believes in or how they go about handling their business, but the office of the presidency is still established by God. Therefore, I must pray to God to guide whoever is in that office to a place of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that will please God and benefit the people.