Just a word of caution to all my Christian friends who are politically engaged…
I read the following inspired words of Scripture this morning from Apostle Paul (who incidentally lived and ministered within a power hungry, repressive, pagan political system)…
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment… Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good… Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience… Because of this you also pay taxes… Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (From Romans 13:1-7 ESV)
Might be a good idea to read that over again… slowly – and reflect on its implications for Christ followers in the present political environment!
To ignore Apostle Paul’s inspired directive here is to hurt our testimony and disobey God’s word! Granted, there is a time for “civil disobedience” – Scripture teaches it. But it must be in response to a governmental demand that Christians violate the clear teaching and requirement of God in Scripture… and it must always be done respectfully (but firmly), appealing to those who are in authority (example: Daniel and his colleagues – the three Hebrews – Daniel 1, 3 and 6)… And to those who are tempted to “make their case with a strident voice,” when it becomes necessary to resist, the advice of a Christian leader I respect seems appropriate… “Lower your voice!”
In any case, I wrote these words in the margin of my Bible after reading Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 13:1-7 this morning… “Lord, in the present political environment this is challenging! Help me to be obedient to what this Scripture teaches!” … and then I dated it for myself in the margin.
Coffee With The Lord 