The Bible on Politics

Too often "Christian" gets associated with "Republican" or something equally disconnected. Too often Christians get caught up in "vote for ___" instead of Christianity. The Bible doesn't endorse any American political party or political candidate. On the other hand, the Bible is also not completely silent on the topic. Now that you've voted -- now that the choice is made -- remember what the Bible does say on the topic.

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. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. 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. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience (Rom 13:1-5).

Whether you believe "My candidate didn't make it and we're all lost" or you believe "My candidate did make it and we're saved," the truth is that God allows authorities their place for His purposes. To look ahead and claim "It is God's will that ___ be elected president" is impossible, but to look back and claim that "God's will was accomplished" is certain. That's the biblical perspective.

So, regardless of whether or not your candidate was elected, what are Christians to do now?

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 (1 Tim 2:1-2).

Those of you who exercised your God-given obligation and voted, your task now is to pray for the leaders of our country. Those of you who did not, your task now is to pray for the leaders of our country. We may not always agree on theology and we may not always agree on politics, but we can agree that there is a need to pray for the leaders of our country. Let's agree to do that in earnest.