Today is election day. Regardless of the outcome, it helps me to remember:
Daniel 2:20-21
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;"
Daniel 4:17
"The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men."
Proverbs 21:1
"The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will."
Rest in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of the government. Everything is going exactly how it was planned.
It is also important to remember what kind of attitude to adorn in regards to responding to our government.
1 Peter 2:13-18
"Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.
The interesting thing about Peter's letter is that he was writing to Christians living under the rule of Emperor Nero, who was torturing Christians. With this in mind, he tells them to "honor the emperor". This may be tough for us, but if Christians could do that under Nero, then I'm sure it's possible for Christians in America. My question is "are we honoring our rulers with our words?" 1 Peter's emphasis is the Christian's testimony ("Aliens and strangers" 1 Peter 2:11). Are people wondering what the reason is for the hope that is in us? (1 Peter 3:15) Do we look different from the world? Or are we complaining like EVERYONE else? I pray that the Lord takes control of my heart, and that I will always respond with "gentleness and respect" (v.16) I pray my focus will be on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:18
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit"
1 comment:
Besides voting, obeying laws, paying taxes, what else should I be doing specifically for our government?
Complaining.. do I have the right to complain? Is this another form of gossip? If others around me are complaining should I leave the room? Should I try to defend the government with words?
How much of the "quiet life" should a Christian lead in a democratic society where the loudest voice usually gets things done? Look at what is happening with Prop 8. Yes, we voted, but now there's much yelling.
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