God and Government (Part 2): Practical implications of God’s sovereignty
John Piper wrote the article I mentioned in Part 1 in order to elaborate on a point he only touched on in this short video clip, which is not mainly about women in government at all. (Continue reading below the video.)
Justin Taylor is a friend of John Piper’s and has tremendous respect for him. After watching that video, however, he thought that some of the things Piper said could easily be misconstrued. He felt that he had to respond.
And his response is excellent–clear, thorough, biblical, and passionate. He outlines the issues, identifies several points of concern, and then writes:
Now with all of that said, you may be surprised to hear me say that I really do resonate with Piper’s underlying point. Politics can easily become a source of idolatry… And yes, there will be something enormously significant, historic, and amazing if we elect our first black president…
But I want to plead with fellow evangelicals to recognize that this is a watershed election with regard to abortion.
The rest of the article is a passionate plea for action.
Part of the disagreement between Piper and Taylor (if there really is a disagreement when all is said and done) centers around the practical implications of God’s sovereignty. Can the belief that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11b) lead to an unhealthy indifference and inaction?
I agree with John Piper that God is sovereign over all the affairs of men; He is sovereign over nations and governments, and over the hearts of every man. Any hand-wringing over the outcome of an election is probably a sign of unbelief. God is firmly in control, no matter how the election turns out.
At the same time, a misunderstanding or a misapplication of God’s sovereignty can lead to deadly passivity. I agree with Justin Taylor on this point–God’s sovereignty is a poor excuse for inaction.
Listen to Piper and read Justin’s response. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of them? How does God’s sovereign control over all that happens impact your thoughts and actions?
Barry Wallace
theoparadox
pijohnson
I agree with them both. I think Piper’s first video was ambiguous, though through long experience of Piper’s teachings I pretty much knew what he was getting at. A lot of others, however, missed the point. In that sense, I really appreciated both his blog clarification and Justin Taylor’s post. I really like Taylor’s emphasis on action and the danger of twisting the doctrine of God’s sovereignty into fatalism.
If I am inactive, reckless, or irresponsible, that, too, is ordained as part of God’s sovereign plan and purpose. I will be held accountable by God for my inactivity, recklessness, or irresponsibility. I will answer to Him for the wasted oppurtunities. That accountablity is also part of God’s sovereign plan. God’s sovereignty is not an excuse for my slothfulness.
I always end up coming back to this:
“Then he who had recieved the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I know you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’
“But his Lord answered him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not hae, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There well be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matthew 25:26-30.
That man knew the master was sovereign – that he could and would do whatever he wanted to regardless of what anyone else did or did not do – that he did not really depend upon anyone else to accomplish his plans. That servant used it as an excuse to do nothing, and was judged for it.
So, I take my little vote down and invest it, knowing I’m accountable to God, and that He is sovereign over the outcome. I can take comfort that I’m only held accountable for what He’s actually given me to do, and that the outcome is entirely in His hands.
Laurie,
Excellent thoughts, and a very helpful application of that parable to the subject of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Thanks!