The Good Of The Father (God And Politics) #1964

 

Let every soul be subject to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except under God.  Now those which are, have been set under God, so that he who is resisting an authority has withstood God's mandate.  Now those who have withstood, will be getting judgement for themselves, for magistrates are not a fear to the good act, but to the evil.  Now you do not want to be fearing authority.  Do good, and you will be having applause from it.  For it is God's servant for your good.  Now if you should be doing evil, fear, for not feignedly is it wearing the sword.  For it is God's servant, an avenger for indignation to him who is committing evil

Paul to the Romans 13: 1-4, Concordant New Testament 

I recently saw a video of conservative activist Charlie Kirk calling out churches for not openly coming out against the wickedness of society.  Now, from what I can see from his own words and thoughts, Kirk is indeed a Christian believer.  He has made a name for himself for going onto college campuses to challenge students on conservative and religious issues.  To each his own.  But is Charlie correct in saying that our pastors should be decrying the wickedness of our society from the pulpits?  Well, how would the apostle Paul have answered that question?  We already know, because he speaks to the subject of governing authorities in the book of Romans.  Paul speaks to our being under the authority of those who God has appointed here on earth {Paul to the Romans 13:1-4}.  Now, as a Christian conservative I am no fan of the administrations of Obama and Biden.  However, I also realize that these men were appointed by the Father when they were for the purpose of leading this nation.  Nothing ever escapes Gods notice.  You think that our houses of worship should be taking a more active role in calling out the open wickedness we apparently have seen in our society?  Remember, it is God who, knowing what will come to pass even before it does, has still placed those in authority who we might not agree with.  We know from scripture what the Lord's position is on abortion.  We know just what His thoughts are on injustice.  Is it our duty to then call out those who practice such things?  Again, Paul speaks wisdom into this argument.  It is Paul who speaks to not avenging ourselves, but to be leaving place for the Fathers indignation {Paul to the Romans 12:19}.  Indeed, if the Father has Himself placed governing authorities in office for His purpose, who are we to argue against that?  Who are we to second guess the Lord?  Not only that, if indeed there is wrongdoing by those He has appointed, is it then our duty to rectify that situation.  Or, as the apostle writes, do we make way for the revenge of the Father?  The way I look at it, it is God who placed such people in authority for His purpose, let Him complete that purpose in His timing.  

I am entreating, then, first of all, that petitions, prayer, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all mankind, for kings and all those being in a superior station, that we may be leading a mild and in all devoutness and gravity, for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our savior, God 

Paul to Timothy 2 (1) : 1-3, Concordant New Testament 

There is much wisdom to be found in the old adage that one should avoid at all costs those arguments of religion and politics.  Why?  Because there's no winner in either one.  In recent years we have seen a more vocal approach to the issues of politics in this country.  My own city of Portland has seen many days of riots in response to the immigration policies of president Donald Trump.  Now, I have nothing against those who voice their opinions on politics, I do that all the time.  However, what I don't do is spit and throw rocks at police officers, start fires and steal from stores in the name of what I'm speaking out against.  This is what crosses the line between protest and rioting.  But what are believers supposed to do in response to such chaos?  One word, pray.  For it is God Who has brought everything to pass, including the recent political unrest in this country.  This He has done for His own purpose.  We could be in prayer, asking the Father for wisdom for what He desires us to see in all of this unrest.  What is it that You are showing me through this, God?  I believe that what He DOES NOT want to show us is that we should judge and take revenge upon those whom we believe are doing wrong.  That is the Fathers territory.  My duty is to pray not only for our leaders whom He has appointed, but that His will be done. 

~Scott~