Tags
christianity, democrat, election, God, politics, republican, sovereignty
I’ve blogged so much about certain people in the political spotlight lately that I’m getting a little sick of this blog myself. You can certainly be forgiven if you feel the same way.
On one hand, I have an urge to think and to blog about important political, culture-shaping people and events. On the other, I have a conflicting urge to eschew political blogging altogether. It wearies me.
Behind the one urge
- Good government is important to God. How do I know that? Because we’re told to pray for government leaders who will rule well: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Therefore I think we should vote, and vote wisely.
- Bad (i.e, unrighteous, unjust) government always yields bad results: “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:12) “By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” (Proverbs 29:4) “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
Behind the other
- God is emphatically, categorically neither a Republican nor a Democrat. Partisan politics are an ugly fact of life. With the Bible as our point of reference, it’s obvious that there are strengths and weaknesses in both parties’ platforms. That’s true whether we’re talking about abortion, helping the poor, the environment, war, taxes, economics, or any other issue.
- God is sovereign. “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:17) Ultimately He will accomplish His purposes through whomever is elected. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1)
- True change can only be effected by the gospel. “It is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). There is no hope of salvation (individual, social, national, political, or global) in any political leader, party, or platform. None. Period. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Conclusion
Be a responsible citizen and vote, but ask yourself this question:
Why on earth would we pin our hopes for change on any mere man or political party?
who am i? 
God’s ways are certainly and will always be above man’s ways – yet I find the comment to say God is neither Democrat nor Republican too aloof for reality. Why then are Christian’s decidedly either side of politics. Even during the Civil War great Christians found themselves on either side. We can not all be right but we can all believe and I believe that the virtuous Christian will have a platform that is in the best interest for Civil government. As long as we are watchful to not fall into idolatry we can and should acribe to political aspirations for a greater nation and socieity for we need to consider the interests of others as well as ourselves
Thanks for your comment, Doug. I agree with you that we all have a responsibility to work and to vote for the best government possible.
I think we simply have to remember that it is the issues themselves, rather than party loyalties that should command our attention. I did not say or mean that it’s wrong to affiliate with a party; but our allegiance as Christians can only be to God and to His Word. If that means I vote for a Republican in one instance and Democrat in the next, so be it.
Hi Barry,
No comments on politics. Just stopping by to say hi.
I have you in my Google Reader and look forward to getting to know you.
Hi, David. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve bookmarked your blog as well and will be reading some of your posts. I’m especially interested in your series on Religious Affections.
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