AVOIDING THE PITFALL OF POLITICS

                The general election is just around the corner, and the mess of our political system seems to get worse and worse. I have intentionally avoided watching the debates, because they are mean-spirited and lack any real substance. I don’t need the extra angst in my life.

                Every four years our nation is thrown into a “life and death” struggle for who will be in control. Each side demonizes the other. Each side digs up as much dirt on their opponent as possible. Each side works hard at discrediting the other side. The end product is a lack of respect and trust for which ever candidate ultimately prevails. I think it is fairly safe to say that the political process in America is unhealthy and ungodly.

                The Bible commands us to be the very best citizens that we can be. We are commanded to support those in leadership by regularly taking them before the throne of grace. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Because ultimately God places those in authority that He chooses, we are instructed to work under their authority, even when we don’t agree with them. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,  or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.  Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17

                Here is the pitfall that we must avoid. We must resist putting our faith in a political party, a political leader, or a political system. We are citizens of the United States of America, but we are also citizens of a much higher kingdom, the Kingdom of God. In my lifetime, Evangelicals have faltered by placing their hopes in a political party or candidate, rather than standing firm in their allegiance to the King of Kings. Time and again, grand promises have been made in order to win the support of Evangelicals, only to have those promises quickly forgotten. The plans and purposes of God will never be advanced by political means. In that way, the Kingdom of God is always subversive, working under, outside of, around, the current political system in power. As Jesus told Pilate at His trial, His kingdom is not of this world.

                I am afraid that whatever the outcome of the next election is, we will finds ourselves in a less than ideal situation. But instead of panicking or packing up and moving to Canada, we need to put our trust in the Lord. He knows exactly what is going on. He will empower and preserve His Church no matter what the political climate. The Kingdom of God will prevail, no matter what!

                As we face the elections on November 8, let the words of the Psalmist encourage you.

Praise the Lord.

    Praise the Lord, O my soul.

        [2] I will praise the Lord all my life;

        I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

     [3] Do not put your trust in princes,

        in mortal men, who cannot save.

    [4] When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;

        on that very day their plans come to nothing.

    [5] Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

        whose hope is in the Lord his God,

    [6] the Maker of heaven and earth,

        the sea, and everything in them--

        the Lord, who remains faithful forever.

    [7] He upholds the cause of the oppressed

        and gives food to the hungry.

    The Lord sets prisoners free,

        [8] the Lord gives sight to the blind,

    the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

        the Lord loves the righteous.

    [9] The Lord watches over the alien

        and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

        but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

     [10] The Lord reigns forever,

        your God, O Zion, for all generations.

    Praise the Lord.

Psalm 146:1-10