Scared to Death…Christians and Politics

It’s election season and time for all good evangelical Christians to go out of their mind with fear and fervor.  I’ve noticed that when election time rolls around the sovereignty of God takes a backseat to the democratic process.  Pastors and lay people alike fill their yards with signs for the most evangelical friendly candidate and preach about the dangers of the democrats with a lot of references from Revelation and the Olivet Discourse in the process.  Now, please know that I write this not as a push for one political party over the other.  I am about as “apolitical” as one can get and if it came down to it I am a touch right of center in my views on the economy and the role of the federal government in the private lives of the citizens.  Instead, I believe that as Christians we are forgetting who is in control of those running for president or any office and fear that if a particular man (or woman) takes the office that somehow America will slip beyond the grip of God.

With exception of a small period of time, the Bible is full of examples of God’s people living under ungodly rulers.  Joseph was in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon and Persia, Christ and the early church under Rome, etc.  What is shocking about this is that not only are these people ruling over God’s people, but God Himself allowed and even ordained these evil kingdoms to fulfill His purpose.  The book of Daniel clearly teaches that Yahweh is the King of kings, all kings, even the kings that live in a way that is blasphemous in His sight.  Not only does He have dominion over them, but He utilizes them for His divine will and purpose. 

So what does that mean for modern followers of God today?  How should we react if someone comes to power who seemingly embodies everything that the Gospel cries out against? 

We should serve them passionately.  1 Peter tells us to follow every human institution, even those that do not honor God.  When Daniel lived under the rule of Babylon and Persia, he was a model citizen and high ranking advisor.  He followed the law and communed with kings.  Daniel served the very people that oppressed his people with undying resolve because he trusted the sovereignty of His God over the actions of these men.  And when those institutions came in conflict with his faith, he continued to trust in God and remained faithful and faced his consequences with a quiet passion.  We have a calling to serve those that God has allowed and ordained to be in authority over us no matter who they are.  However, if that institution calls us to forsake the Gospel we should not seek to overthrow or run, but be ready to remain faithful and suffer whatever may come for the sake of the Gospel and the Gospel alone.

I hope this was not completely incomprehensible.  I’m a touch scattered and tired tonight, but I think the main message is there.  Peace and God Bless
                        Chris