Praise God that His word has much to say about the place of leaders and how God’s people should respond to leaders. Below are a few thoughts based on Scripture for us to consider on this side of November 4th:
--All authority is from God: Romans 13:1f
No one rules except the Sovereign, Almighty God puts them there. He sets up rulers and He takes them down. Therefore, our attitude towards them is in reality our attitude towards God.
--God’s purposes for the world, His people, and YOU cannot be defeated by even the worst of rulers. God will accomplish His plan through good rulers and in spite of evil rulers, but His purposes are NEVER accomplished PRIMARILY BECAUSE of rulers. To put our trust in good rulers or to sink into despair because of evil rulers are both expressions of unbelief in the absolute goodness and sovereignty of God. The gospel will go forth. The Great Commission will be accomplished (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20).
--Regardless of who is elected, from presidents to judges to city councils, the foundation of the true believer in Christ remains UNCHANGED. “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11:4). God still reigns above the Electoral College and the news coverage, the “winners” and the “losers.” Shifts of earthly power do not cause the slightest ripple in the Power Above.
--No matter whom our leaders are, our calling in Christ is the same. We are to seek to glorify Him in all things while we pursue holiness, seek the lost, and build up the church.
With this in mind, remember…
…God has made His will clear regarding how we are to respond to our rulers: godly or ungodly:
--We are to PRAY for them. See I Timothy 2:1-4. This is not just a “mention” that my heart is not behind. The NT instructs us to pray strong prayers of intercession AND crying out and thanksgiving for all men, including and even highlighting “kings and all who are in high positions” (v.2). We are to pray that our rulers will rule in a way that allows us to pursue godliness and evangelism (v.2-4). Who knows how God, who directs the hearts of rulers (Proverbs 21:1), will work in the heart of our rulers as we pray earnestly for them. Who knows how God might use a MINORITY of good rulers in an unusually mighty way because of our faithful prayers. Remember, it is “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
--We are to SUBMIT to them and OBEY them, as unto the Lord. See Titus 3:1-2. From speed limits to parking regulations to taxes, from copyright laws to DNR regulations to library fines, we are to joyfully and carefully obey. In this joyful and careful obedience there is a powerful witness for the gospel.
--We are to HONOR and RESPECT our rulers. This includes NEVER speaking evil of them (Titus 3:2). Speaking as if we know our ruler’s motives for decisions and actions is to act the part of God, who alone knows men’s hearts. This does NOT mean that we should approve or agree with decisions or reasoning that is unbiblical. We can disagree and even show the error of decisions without slandering. I am amazed at the tenacity and perseverance of those who run for public office. They are often brilliant, gifted in speech, and have very deep convictions. These are all things that can and should be commended, even if they are vehicles for values that are unbiblical.
Remember, the WRATH of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Not the wrath of rulers, not the wrath of CHRISTIANS.
Let us cry to God that He would give us hearts of love and compassion that will sincerely support ALL our leaders in prayer, obedience, and respect WHILE we seek to glorify God, win the lost, and build up the church.
AND…keep praying for and working towards and voting for the election of godly individuals on all levels of society.
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