Congratulations!
Congratulations, you’ve made it to November 2016! If you’re an American it means you have survived this wild ride of an election cycle. As you know this month voters elected a new President of the United States. In addition, citizens decided on governors, senators, county sheriffs, judges and municipal leaders, to fill numerous political positions. Then on the reverse side of our ballots, there were amendments, initiatives, and propositions that will shape our lives in our individual cities and states. I know by this point you’re probably all burned out with politics, so before you turn away let me quickly mention, I’m not telling you how to vote. I’m sure you’ve heard more than enough political commentary. The question I would like to answer is what the believer’s responsibility is now that these elections are over.
Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, an Independent, or a libertarian, when it comes to the presidential election we would all have to admit it has been an acrimonious, sometimes hostile election process, with more than a fair share of discordance. It’s inevitable with each voting cycle that some voters will be disappointed. There’s a candidate, amendment, or proposition that they really believed in that will not win the popular vote. Disappointment is a part of life, but when all of the elections have concluded God has assigned Christians a tall moral standard whether their candidate or favored law wins or not.
God is in Control
Before we discover those responsibilities we must first remind ourselves that before and after all of our voting, God is ultimately in control. This concept can be tougher for some Americans to take hold of since America is a democratic society and most of scripture deals with absolute monarchies. We can understand God selecting an individual in a monarchal society, but how is God ultimately in control when the people have a vote? We can spend a lifetime debating the fine line between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility but one thing is clear: we are to exercise our responsibility to vote, but ultimately God determines the final result. We learn this principle when Solomon spoke of the practice described in the scriptures of casting lots. We no longer have to do this since we now have the Holy Spirit leading us into all truth (John 16:13). But what God used Solomon to express is the relationship between human responsibility and God’s sovereignty. We may have the human responsibility to roll the dice, but God determines how they land (Proverbs 16:33 NIV, NLT). Throughout scripture we read that God is at the forefront of selecting, appointing, and raising up national and local leaders. No leader is promoted except when it occurs by God’s doing (Psalms 75:6, 7 KJV, Daniel 2:20, 21 NLT, Romans 13:1). Let’s take a look at what the bible says is the responsibility of the believer once the election is over. Remember this is regardless of who’s in office.
1. Pay for them (Romans 13:6 NLT, Matthew 22:21)
We as Christians are responsible to obey manmade laws as long as they do not violate a direct command from God’s word (Daniel 6:6- 10, Acts 4:18- 20). One of the laws of the land is to pay taxes. We can converse one side pays too much while another pays too little, but ultimately one of the key purposes of taxes is to pay the wages of our government workers. This is totally separate from our giving to God through our local church. God ensures that he is able to bless us to give to both. So Jesus instructed us to give to government what’s theirs (taxes), and give to me what’s mine (tithes and offerings).
2. Pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1- 4)
We are instructed to pray for all of our leaders whether Christian or not. Ultimately it’s God’s desire for non-believers to see the love of Jesus through us, and lead them to the truth of the gospel.
3. Submit to their authority. (1 Peter 2:13, 14 NIV)
The single greatest act of submission is humble obedience (Titus 3:1 NLT). Our failure to submit to earthly authority is equivalent to failing to submit to God. Not to mention lack of submission halts all of our attempts at promotion.
4. Speak well of them and bid them success. (Exodus 22:28, Acts 23:5, Daniel 6:21)
The bible has two life-changing laws that cannot be denied. The law of the tongue (Proverbs 13:2a, 18:21), and the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7). If you want things to change for the better, the power starts with your mouth. Although seemingly small, the tongue has the power to change the course of individuals and even nations, just by the words we speak (James 3:3- 5). If you want your leaders to change, then begin to speak well of them. This is connected to the law of sowing and reaping because God made it clear he cannot be mocked. You cannot sow negative words about your authorities whether it be family, civil, or national leaders and hope for a prosperous future. Our tongues must speak life, whether we agree with our leaders decisions or not. Paul when facing persecution and even the threat of death still remembered Old Testament scripture, not to speak evil of those who were in authority over him (Acts 23:5). Daniel bid the king success after he made a law to ban prayer and throw Daniel into a lion’s den (Daniel 6:21). There is a responsible and respectful way to critique or exercise our rights to complain, but far too often believers have fallen into the trap of speaking evil of their authorities. This biblical principle of respect for authority is one that God takes very seriously.
Lord Over All
Election night is a time of mourning for some, while others will be celebrating by dancing. Wherever you stand in this polarizing time, rest in the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is seated in heaven above all rule and earthly authority (Ephesians 1:21, 22 NLT). Rest in the fact that in the month of December we’ll celebrate Christ’s coming, and with it comes the blessing that the government will be upon his shoulders; and he’s a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace, and his government and peace will never end (Isaiah 9:6, 7).