I am a loyal American; but our government has a fever! Regardless of political persuasion; not news to you. Exhibit A: Kavanaugh Confirmation Debacle. Exhibit B: Recurring vote tabulation irregularities in Florida. Exhibit C: Mounting Federal Debt. How am I doing so far?
Our Union has survived rough times before. A sitting Vice-President shot and killed the Secretary of the Treasury in 1804. The Civil War saw 700,000 Americans slaughtered at the hands of their fellow countrymen. Two sitting Presidents have been impeached and of a third resigned in disgrace. Democracy deeply flawed, to say the least.
Washington cannot and will not fix itself. Track record: corrupt at worst; inept at best. Tell me where I am wrong.
As Christians what are we to do? Permit me to plainly assert my thesis up front: Pursue Piety over Politics. I know; that sounds naïve. Remember, I am a preacher; not a politician. Besides, you got a better option?
For followers of Christ, this quandary is not new. From our inception; moral values place us contrary to secular society. In the biblical world, God’s people always existed in tension with civil authority. Scripture appropriately addresses this ticklish and thorny issue head on. Take heed, then take your cue.
- Nod in consent. “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Ro 13:1) Jesus to Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11)
- Bow in submission. This one is sometimes distasteful. Jesus discussing taxes, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mk 12:17) “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities….” (Ro 13:1-4) “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…For this is the will of God…Fear God. Honor the King.” (I Pe 2:13-17)
- Face consequences of conscience. As People of Principle, on occasion we feel compelled to resist (im)moral dictates of mainstream society mandated by Government. Queen Esther approaching the King, “If I die, I die.” (Es 4:16). Peter and John, “Whether it is right in God’s eyes to listen to you or to Him, you be the judge. We cannot stop speaking…” (Acts 4:18-20)
- Kneel in prayer. “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Tim 2:1-2)
- Look toward the Eastern Sky. A day is coming when Jesus will reign above all. “For unto us a child is born…and the government shall be upon His shoulders…” (Is 9:6-7) “…he has a name written, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.” (Rev 19)
Now where the rubber meets the road in front of your house. Be involved politically. I am. Hold your nose and vote. I do. Ultimately however, we exert lasting leverage through moral purity rather than inflamed partisanship. Evidence from history: Exhibit A: Documented Social Impact upon England from Wesleyan Religious Revival. Exhibit B: William Wilberforce (a committed Christian) successful twenty year struggle to abolish slavery in British Parliament. Exhibit C: German Theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer standing against Nazi regime. Exhibit D: The First Great Awakening Pietistic movement led to founding the first 100 Universities in the American Colonies.
God bless America.
