We are about one month out from what could possibly be one of the most talked about, controversial, well attended election in U.S. history. The 2012 Presidential is upon us, and unless you live under a rock, you can’t miss it. I have been getting flyers in the mail, everyday for about 2 weeks now. Radio and TV are plastered with advertisements. Debates, rallies, yard signs fill neighbors yards. Bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc…all touting one candidate over the other.
I have some strong political opinions, but I’m not going to talk about them. I believe to do so would be virtual suicide. I’ve seen too many of my friends put comments on Facebook or Twitter…innocent, little comments about their views, only to see them torn apart by their “friends”. I’ve been shocked to watch verbal punches being thrown. Friends get “un-friended”, blocked. Feelings get hurt. I have to ask…”Why can’t we just all get along???”
My hubby and I have been talking about our responsibilities to research the candidates, their stances, their beliefs and what we should do with that information. How involved should a Christian become in politics?
Many would say that we need more Christians in politics. Some might even believe that standards and morals have been kicked out of Washington and we need good men and women to represent. Others may say that religion has no place in politics. So, with so many opinions floating around, I have to turn to the one source that has no political bias…the Bible.
Jesus actually had a lot to say about politics. Think about the time he was in the height of his ministry. Rome had taken over Jerusalem. The Jews had to sit while they were being taxed. Even some of their own had defected and started collecting taxes for “the enemy”.
So, of course, Jesus was asked how they should respond to the Romans…to Caesar. Sometimes, his answers weren’t popular. The answers weren’t what people were wanting to hear…it wasn’t how they thought Jesus would/should respond.
In Luke, the story goes that the teachers of the law were keeping a close eye on Jesus…trying to catch him in a trap. Any little slip up meant they could hand him over to the government. So, they asked him a question:
“Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, an that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Luke 20:21-22.
Sounds like an innocent question. Never mind the fact that they’re pouring out the compliments…to butter him up. But Jesus knew what was up.
“He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ‘Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. He said to then, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.'” Luke 20:23-25.
Not a popular answer. Later on in the Bible, this is said:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2.
Hmmmm….stepping on anyone’s toes?? If God has instituted all authorities, what does that mean to us?? Do we actually elect the leaders of our country? Maybe God is working through all of us to choose the governing authorities? Those are questions I have no answers for, but it is interesting to think about.
Thinking about the election coming up, there is one scripture that comes to mind and brings me peace…
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34.
I especially like that last sentence. Each day has enough trouble of its own…isn’t that the truth!! So, where does that put us? The author of Ecclesiastes had this thought:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of every human being.” Ecclesiastes 12:13.
Don’t worry. Fear God. Follow Him. The rest will all fall into place.
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